Part 2The Price of a Dying Wish

The "dying wish" letter wasn't long. Just a few lines, but every word was earnest. The writer spoke calmly of their impending death and the sorrow of leaving a family behind with no one to care for them...

At first, I thought it was a prank. The letter read so bizarrely, like something out of a cheap soap opera. Just as I looked up to make a joke about it to Nolan, I realized he was already in tears.

Nolan's voice trembled, his tone slow and soft as he explained it to me.

"Audrey, this letter... it must be from Professor Davis, my college mentor. Right before I graduated, I heard Professor Davis had to take a leave of absence for medical treatment. I didn't expect... he'd be gone in just two years."

"This is a letter he wrote in advance. Professor Davis was worried that after he passed, his family wouldn't be well taken care of, so he left this 'dying wish' for me."

As Nolan said, Arthur Davis was his major professor and thesis advisor for four years of college. During his time there, Professor Davis took great care of him. Several of the major research projects Nolan used to build his resume were recommended and overseen by this professor.

After reading the letter, Nolan frantically called upperclassmen from his department to ask about Professor Davis's current situation. Upon learning that Professor Davis had passed away six months ago, he sat in the living room in silence for half the day.

I also felt deeply saddened by Professor Davis's passing and suggested we send some things to his family to express our condolences.

But Nolan refused.

He said Professor Davis was a man of strict principles who disliked straightforward gift-giving. To truly thank the professor, he had to use the most sincere method.

Seeing him so down, I walked over, gently placed a hand on his shoulder, and comforted him softly.

"I understand you want to help Professor Davis. Do whatever you need to do. I'll be your strongest supporter..."

"I can also take some time off and go with you to visit his widow..."

For some reason, upon hearing this, Nolan's gaze became evasive.

It was almost a reflex; he quickly shot down my suggestion.

"No, no need... You didn't know Professor Davis well, and you don't know his wife. I'll just find some underclassmen who knew them to go with me..."

I was surprised by his reaction. He took my hand and patted it.

"Audrey, you really don't need to worry about Professor Davis's situation. I can handle it."

"I must repay the professor for his kindness."