Chapter 16
259words
Both the European Medicines Agency and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the therapy. Hospitals around the world began adopting it, saving countless patients’ lives.
As a result, I received multiple international medical awards, including the Lasker Award and an upcoming nomination for the Nobel Prize.
Standing on the awards stage in Stockholm, I thought of my mother. If she were still alive, she would have been proud of me.
'Mom, I did it. I didn’t let you down.'
After the ceremony ended, I returned to Geneva.
In the villa garden, the roses Emma had planted were in full bloom. I sat on the garden bench, watching the sun slowly set.
My phone rang. It was Rachel.
"Sofia, I have news for you. Dante has been released from prison."
I paused. "He was sentenced?"
"Yes. Two years for bribery and involuntary manslaughter. The family used their connections to reduce the sentence, but he’s completely finished. He was just released.
"I also heard his health isn’t very good. He got sick in prison. Some people say his mental state isn’t great either."
I was silent for a long time, but there was no ripple in my heart.
"I understand."
After hanging up, I continued watching the sunset.
That’s how life is. Some people come, and then they go. Some wounds eventually heal.
As for me, I finally learned how to let go.