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“The dismissal order had been issued. It’s
final and irreversible.”
George clutched the paper and suddenly crouched down then sobbed uncontrollably in heartache. It felt as though everything had slipped away from him in an instant.
“Why… why did it have to turn out this way?” he wailed.
General Palmer sighed in defeat. “Son, whether or not you‘ re in the military, you must learn to live well. Cherish the opportunities before you and the people around you. Don’t wait until you‘ ve lost everything to realize what truly matters.”
George’s face was wet with tears. Yet, after he heard those words, he seemed to understand something. At this very moment, he realized how silly his action had been.
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E4
Three years later, the satellite research base, where Kelly stayed, achieved a groundbreaking advancements in technology. Their team had made remarkable progress in space–based electrical systems. The data they had gathered from various findings that they discovered in space enabled them to make significant contributions to manned space exploration and deep space missions for their country.
When the satellite was successfully launched, the entire base erupted into cheers and tears. At this moment their whole heart and mind were directed to their country.
After the research and development achieved a milestone success, the
experimental base gave everyone here a one–month family vacation.
Kelly and Ken returned to the familiar military residential compound.
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The Murdock Family warmly welcomed Kelly as their daughter–in–law. They were satisfied with her and could not stop showing their caring and affection.
“Kelly, you have no idea how much Ken has adored you since he was young. There were times when he wouldn’t eat or sleep because of you. Thank goodness, he married you in the end,” said Mrs. Murdock.
When he heard that, Ken was so embarrassed, “Mom, why are you bringing
this up out of nowhere?”
Kelly, who was very familiar with the Murdock Family’s antic, burst out laughing when she heard this.
However, that evening, as she glanced at the empty room next door, a wave of melancholy washed over her. On the way back, she had heard bits and pieces about George’s downfall. She never expected the Palmer family to meet such a tragic end.
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When they lay in bed, Ken noticed her somber expression. “What are you thinking about?” he asked.
Kelly sighed. “I want to find time to visit General Palmer. After all, I owe him a debt of gratitude for many years.”
Ken nodded immediately. “That’s the right thing to do. Besides, as his son–in–law, I should pay my respects too.”
Hearing this, Kelly glared at him. “You always know what to say.”
The next morning, Ken bought a variety of health supplements and accompanied
Kelly to General Palmer’s current
residence.
“Uncle Rick!”
General Palmer was sitting in the
courtyard, basking in the sunlight. When he saw them, he quickly stood up. He looked happy.
“Kelly, you’re back,” he called out.
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Ken immediately carried the gifts inside and greeted him warmly while smiling.
“Dad, Kelly and I came to see you!”
General Palmer was very happy with Ken. He kept praising him.
When they entered the house,
unexpectedly Kelly saw George in the living room. The man had changed. He had a scruffy beard, his once–proud demeanor replaced by a haggard appearance.
“Kelly….” George’s throat tightened, his eyes brimming with unspoken words.
With a calm and composed manner, Kelly smiled and greeted him, “Brother, long time no see.”
That single word, “brother,” threw him back into reality. When he saw her bulging stomach, he immediately asked, “Are you… pregnant?”
Kelly nodded gently. “Yes, five months along.”
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Even though there were so many things he wanted to say to her, George could only say, “Congratulations.”
While Kelly chatted with General Palmer, she shared some of the stories that she could disclose about the research base. Her enthusiasm was contagious and she seemed to radiate a glow of accomplishment.
George could only stand aside and he watched as the woman he had once loved drifted further and further out of his reach
Kelly and Ken spent the entire afternoon there. Before leaving, Kelly discreetly slipped a stack of cash into General Palmer’s coat pocket. It was a small token of her gratitude.
As he sent Kelly out, with teary eyes, George looked into her eyes and said, “Kelly, you have to be happy.”
Kelly smiled contentedly. “Thank you. I
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am.”
From that moment on, their paths diverged entirely. They became strangers and never met again.
(The End)
