No More Waiting, She Chooses Love

Big trouble? How serious could it be?

Without panicking, I called her, "Take it easy. what happened?"

Deborah laid it out. "The lighting was completely off from the design drafts. Either there was a quality issue with the manufacturer's lights or an installation problem."

"If you've pinpointed the issues, contact the relevant people to get it fixed. I'd be doing the same if I were there," I said, my tone casual.

"Felicia, please come back. I'm begging you. I can't handle it by myself. I don't know what's gotten into Mr. Wagner lately. He's been running off to the carnival every day. Every time he returns, a new problem pops up. I'm about to lose my mind," Deborah's voice was on the verge of tears.

Thinking about Conrad's text message, I couldn't help but wonder if he was deliberately making things difficult for Deborah to force my hand. After all these years, he knew me well enough to know I wouldn't stand seeing others in trouble because of me.

"Just handle it yourself for now," I still wasn't agreeing to come back.

It wasn't that I was cold-hearted this time, leaving Deborah to fend for herself. I wanted her to grow. One may improve and level up through constant learning and taking responsibility.

With my plans to resign, Deborah would have a chance to step up, but she needed to be capable enough for that role.

"Felicia, I can't manage this by myself. You know the lights are the heart and soul of the whole carnival," Deborah continued to plead.

I thought for seconds. "Send me the report, and let's video call when you're on-site. Turn on all the lights in the evening so I can get a better look."

Sensing my reluctance to return, Deborah added, "Felicia, I know you don't want to face Mr. Wagner right now. I wouldn't ask you to return if it was unnecessary."

She paused before adding, "I'm on your side."

Her words warmed my heart but also left a bittersweet taste.

"Just do as I said for now," I hung up and opened my email to review the carnival's lighting designs and effect plans.ConTEent bel0ngs to Nôv(e)lD/rama(.)Org .

In the evening, Deborah's video call came through. "Felicia, I'm at the site, and all the lights are on. How do you want to do this?"

From the video, I could only see

parts of the lighting. "Head to the highest point of the carnival. I want

to see the overall effect first, then do

a drone flyover of each area,

ЈӘ.

focusing on the problematiendo

sections."

"Okay, give me a second," Deborah said, and the video shook as she moved, followed by her huffing and puffing as she ran.

But after a few steps, she abruptly stopped. I heard her exclaim, "Mr. Wagner, what are you doing here?"

"Why are you running?" Conrad's familiar, cold voice came through.

I gripped my phone tighter, my heartbeat quickening. Despite the heartache, a decade of emotions wasn't easy to wash away. Conrad and even his voice alone still could stir my heart.

I wondered what Conrad would say if Deborah mentioned she was talking to me. Would he take the phone to speak to me?

"I, uh, I'm trying to find a higher spot for the video," Deborah replied to Conrad.

Conrad didn't respond immediately, humming in acknowledgment after a while, followed by his footsteps fading away.

"Felicia, I didn't say it was you. I was

toe

worried Mr. Wagner might want talk to you, and I figured you wouldn't want that," Deborah considerately asked.

I let out a mocking laugh. "You did great."

"Heh, I knew you'd feel the same way. I'd do the same if I were you," Deborah continued running and boarded the Ferris wheel.