Chapter 30: Racing Against Time

The sun rises above the city as Linda stands in the rest area of the hospital building, staring out the window.

She inhales deeply, allowing the warmth to fill her lungs.

"I can control my actions, but I can't control my heart." she soliloquizes.

Even if Fred doesn’t feel the same way, Linda is determined to keep being her amazing self.

In the days that followed her confrontation with Fred, she had remained cordial with him throughout.

She would bring him coffee, listen intently to his worries, and give him wise counsel.

But Fred's lack of interest persists. Whenever Louisa's name comes up, Linda's heart would throb but Fred's eyes would light up.

As they take a break after the afternoon rounds a few days later, Fred enthusiastically gives Louisa updates on the development of her son over a call while Linda listens to his excited voice.

"Louisa's been amazing, helping him through this tough time," Fred says to Linda with a smile, after ending the call with Louisa.

Despite her