My mother-in-law had often said that before she died, her biggest wish was for her son and daughter-in-law to be by her side. Ever since I married into the family, she had treated me like her own daughter.
This was her last wish, and I want to try my best to fulfill it.
"Sorry, the number you are trying to reach is unavailable. Please try again later..." The cold, automated voice repeated once again.
My consciousness grew foggy, and each breath felt hotter and heavier.
In my hazy state, I felt as though my mother-in-law was still with me.
"Diana, my only wish is that when I die, my children will be by my side." Her voice, with its rural accent, echoed in my ears.
"You know, in the countryside, we believe in returning to our roots, with children paying their respects."
I wiped my tears, swallowed two fever pills, and looked at the screen.
Inside, Jeff gently tucked a stray lock of Ida's hair behind her ear. With the background music, the crowd started cheering again.
My gaze fell upon the urn sitting on the sofa, and my resolve grew stronger.
Mom, I would definitely bring Jeff back to you.
Barely holding myself together, I made my way to where Ida's livestream was being filmed.
As soon as the staff heard I was Jeff's wife, their expressions changed, and they quickly let me in.
I pushed through the crowd and finally found Jeff, who was hugging Ida and competing.
The two of them clung to each other, their faces filled with happy smiles.
"Jeff! Mom is gone, come back and see her off on her final journey," I shouted, ignoring the cameras still rolling around us.
Annoyed by my interruption, Jeff shook off my hand and gently placed Ida on the ground.
"Wait here for me. I'll take care of this, alright?" Jeff said as he draped a coat over Ida.
Ida coyly nodded and tugged at his hand. "I'll wait for you."
The livestream viewers were confused by my appearance.
"Who is she?"
"No idea, she looks like some kind of crazy woman."
"I think I heard the staff say she's Jeff's wife..."
"What?! Impossible! Isn't he supposed to be Ida's perfect match? They look so good together!"
The people around me started pointing and whispering.
A troublesome matter? To him, my mother-in-law's passing and our family were just a 'troublesome matter'.