Three days later, Nottingham Forest hosted Charlton Athletic. Wood returned to the starting line-up and was composed and powerful in the game, sweeping away his previous slump in both defense and playmaking, leaving his supporters chanting "St. George is back!" with delight! ”

In the end, thanks to his excellent performance, Forest defeated visiting Charlton Athletic 2-0 at home to finally get their first win in two months. After the game, the media speculated whether it was Wood's mother's condition that improved, which is why Wood played so well.

But in reality, when Wood assisted Mitchel for the first goal on Crimson Field, his mother fell into a deep coma in the hospital, and she had been in a coma for a whole day.

Don had thought that Sophia was in a coma again and would definitely make Wood miss the game. However, Wood unexpectedly announced that he was going to participate in the competition, and he was ready.

Before the expedition, there was a conversation between Wood and Donne, and this conversation cleared Donn's confusion.

'I'm still the captain of the Forest team and the team needs me.

Wood's poor performances have touched Wood a bit before, but thankfully he remembers being the captain of this team.

Just when Donn thought Wood had finally figured it out and was going to change his mind. He added: "I'll stick to my post until I retire. I'll make a decision as soon as possible, though. ”

Don knew that Sophia was running out, and she had been in a coma a lot lately, and she had been in a coma for a long time. Doctors and nurses are on standby at her bedside 24 hours a day, ready to be rescued. He didn't want to lose Sophia and then Wood. Although Wood doesn't die, what is the difference between a Wood who doesn't play football and death? A person like Wood, if he doesn't play, has no presence at all, and Don really can't think of what a Wood would be like if he didn't play.

But then again, Don would probably not be surprised if Wood suddenly decided to follow his mother...... ※※※ Don stood at the door of the ward, unaware that he was blocking the path of many people, and his body was hit by the doctors and nurses who kept coming and going, and again and again, he stood there as if he was unconscious, looking at the empty hospital bed in front of him.

Two days have passed since Forest's victory, and Sofia has been in a coma, waking up briefly once. It was late at night, Wood was resting outside, Done wasn't in the hospital, and only Vivien was by her side.

Don didn't know what Sophia had said to Vivien when she woke up, and he didn't know what was going on in the woman's mind when she was awake.

Is she attached to her long-suffering, happy but short life? Or will it dawn on you that death is actually a relief? Has she ever been reluctant to give up her child George? There are too few people in this world who can care for her...... Standing in front of the thick glass window, Wood quietly watched the doctors and nurses busy in the hospital room, who were removing the instruments and removing the items used by his mother in the hospital bed. A bouquet of flowers in a vase on the bedside table had withered, and a nurse carried it out with the vase.

She seemed to be planning to dispose of it as normal garbage, but Vivien reached out and stopped her.

Vivien pulls out the bouquet from the vase and finds a card inside. She pulled it out, and it read "Your son is a real pro, and when he wakes up and praises him, he will be happy, Sofia".

This bouquet was sent by Don yesterday, and judging from this message, Don found that Wood's mood did not improve after winning the game, and he hoped to make Wood happy through his mother's compliment. It's just that Sophia didn't notice the bouquet of flowers when she woke up briefly. Wood also lost the last chance to listen to his mother's compliments. His mom would never smile and stroke her son's head and say, "My George is the best in the world." ”

Vivien looked down at her left wrist, which was a bit red, which had been picked up by Mother Wood. Sophia suddenly came to her senses late that night, and Vivien happened to be beside her.

It was a very, very brief lucidity. Sophia didn't even see who the person in front of her was, so she grabbed Vivien's hand and shouted in a low voice, "I don't want to die......"

The flowers withered so quickly, like the life of a lady.

※※※ Shania receives a call from Don asking her to take Teresa back to Nottingham for Sophia's funeral.

Evan. Dogerty is reporting to the FA that he can observe a minute of silence for Wood's mum at the start of Forest's next league fixture. All of Forest's players will be wearing black veils on their sleeves. The offer has been agreed to by Forest's opponents for this game, Sunderland FC.

※※※ Wood stares at himself in front of the bathroom mirror. He hadn't taken care of his appearance in days, his hair was messy and his beard was unkempt. But now what appears in the mirror is a refreshing and clean George. Wood, his short hair was well groomed, and the beard on his chin was shaved clean.

The appearance is impeccable, but the eyes are full of blood, indicating that the person in the mirror is actually very tired.

"George!"

Agent Wooks was calling his name outside.

Wood pushed open the door, found Woods in a black suit, and said to him, "Change your clothes, it's time for us to go." ”

Woods, an old gentleman, has always paid attention to his appearance, he used to be a big name in the entertainment industry, he usually wears a gentleman and has a fashion energy, but today he has thrown away those unnecessary decorations and only wears a very ordinary black suit.

Wood took the suit and slipped it on, and went out with Woods.

Stepping out of the door, looking at the somewhat wet street, Wood paused.

It's raining.

"Umbrella ......" Woods thought Wood was worried about the weather when he stopped.

"No, you don't." Wood stepped into the rain.

※※※ Don was not worried at all that his daughter would do something that did not match the atmosphere at the funeral, and the sensible Teresa also made a straight face after seeing that both parents had solemn expressions.

It's a very private, very small funeral. Sophia alone has no relatives or friends in the UK, her family has long since severed ties and contacts with her, and even if Wood is famous in world football, there is no news of any recognition from Jamaica. However, it is estimated that with Wood's temper, even if someone from there recognizes him, Wood will only knock them out of the house...... Wooks only invited the Donnes and the doctors of the Royal College of Medicine of the University of Nottingham, who took good care of Sophia during her hospitalization, and although they were not able to save Sophia's life in the end, they did their best. Also invited were representatives of Nottingham Forest and Wood's friends in the team.

The representative of the club turned out to be the chairman of the club, Evan. Dogetty himself. However, Don felt that Evan was "a drunkard who didn't mean to drink", and his real purpose was probably not just to attend Sophia's funeral.

Wood's only friend on the team is Gareth. Bell and Aron. Mitchel is two. Although he is popular in the team, there are not many people who can be evaluated as "friends".

The priest concluded the eulogy in front of Sophia's tombstone: "She is a good person, may she sleep forever......"

Donn thought to himself, it was customary for the funeral priests to say that, but this time the pastor was right. Sophia is really a good person, but it's a pity that good people don't live long. During this time, when Don was alone and fine, he would be cranky. Sophia, a woman, came to the world for a while, what is it for? Before Wood met her, her life was basically miserable, falling in love with someone but being abandoned, pulling her children to grow up alone, and doing any job for this, even if it was betraying her own **. Finally, when the child succeeded and was able to avoid worrying about his livelihood, his body deteriorated rapidly, and he basically did not enjoy any blessings. Family affection, she didn't have before giving birth to Wood, and love, after Wood's birth, was also gone. Such a life must be boring for ordinary people, but Wood has become all the beliefs that sustain her survival.

Maybe she showed up in the world just to be George. Wood's mom.

Wood stood by the tomb, receiving those who came to the funeral. The crowd lined up in a circle to throw the flowers into the tomb, and then they went to hug Wood, say a few words, and then leave. Donne's family of three was also in the team, and he actually saw Vivien among the hospital representatives. The figure of Miss Miller. She was wearing a long black dress today, and the hem had been wet from the rain, but she didn't realize it. After gently placing the flowers in her hand into the tomb, she walked up to Wood.

In Donn's place, he couldn't hear what Vivien and Wood were saying. But you can guess it, it's nothing more than some words like "festival mourning". It's just that the others turned around and walked away after saying that, but Vivien walked around behind Wood and stood there without leaving.

In fact, the people who were able to stand there had an extraordinary relationship with Wood, such as Bell and Mitchel, who stood behind Wood and accompanied him. But Vivian and Wood's relationship was clearly not that close.

Don looked at Vivien again, and the girl's expression was very natural, standing in the middle of the three men, and she didn't look embarrassed.

Evan. Dogety had also done the necessary etiquette, and after comforting Wood, he did not rush to leave, but went to the side with Woods to whisper. It is estimated that the matter of Wood's retirement should be discussed. With Sophia gone, the last person who could contain Wood was gone, and he obviously wanted to bring it up again. Evan. Dogetty looked worried, he was not saddened by Sofia's death, he was worried about the future of his team.

Shania tossed the flower down in her hand and walked over to Wood. She had tears on her face, and she had just cried. Among these people who came to the funeral, except for Wood and Donne, I am afraid that only she and Sophia have the best relationship. Although she knew something about Sophia's love for Donne, that was a thing of the past. She was genuinely saddened by Sophia's death, and she was also worried about Wood's future life - she knew what kind of person Wood was.

Wood was a few years older than her, and she had always looked at Wood as her best friend.

Walking up to Wood, Shania didn't just say a few words of "Thanksgiving Change" like the others, but hugged Wood and whispered in his ear. Wood pursed his lips, trying to control his emotions, but his eyes grew red as Shania murmured.

The hug was a bit long, and after Shania lowered her head and let go of Wood, it was Don's turn.

Since his wife had already hugged Wood, there was no need for Don himself to hug again. He stood in front of Wood, who had red eyes, and was about to say something.

"Hey, George......"

Unexpectedly, Wood interrupted him, and asked in a hoarse voice, "Are you going to comfort me?" ”

Suddenly being told that Tang En was a little embarrassed, he touched his nose, and he didn't know how he should take this sentence.

"I've heard too many words of comfort these days. If you really want to comfort me and do good for me, take some practical action. ”

Practical action? Let me hug you like my wife? Don asked inwardly.

"I've lost my mom and I don't want to lose you again!" Wood's voice choked, it was very rare for him to lose his temper in front of the public, but what he said was even more surprising. "After the funeral, you're going back to the United States, aren't you?"

Don really didn't expect Wood to say such a thing in such a situation. He looked at the three men behind Wood. Aron. Mitchel and Gareth. Bell obviously didn't expect Wood to say such a thing, but judging by their expressions, they were very interested in Wood's words, because they knew what they meant. Vivian. Miss Miller was curious about the relationship between Donn and Wood.

"You deserve a new life of your own, George ......"

That's all Down can say, dodging Wood's question.

Wood didn't want to say much, so he kept his mouth shut and said no more.

Tang En sensed that the atmosphere was a little awkward, and he couldn't say anything more. Just patted Wood on the shoulder and turned and walked away.

A man from behind picked up and whispered to Wood, "Mourning is ......."

※※※ Don asked Shania to take her daughter to the car first, and he also wanted to see Sophia one last time. Walking around to the tombstone, he stared at the inscription: "My dear." Those who don't know may think that it is George who sleeps here. What about Wood's wife...... Sophia, I really don't know what to do with your son, can you help me?

Thin raindrops crackled on Donn's umbrella. Sophia smiled on the tombstone and just looked at him.

Don was silent as he suddenly felt someone else beside him, and he looked down at the tip of the man's shoe, which was stained with mud and grass clippings.

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to disturb you, Tony." It's Evan. Dogety's voice.

"What's the matter?" In fact, Don could guess what was going on.

"I heard Mr. Woods say that if you come back, then George won't talk about retirement again, right?"

Don turned his head to look at Evan who was standing next to him, who was also looking at him, expecting an answer.

"Yes, it's George's own initiative." Don didn't lie, he didn't have to lie, it didn't feel good to lie in front of Sophia.

"May I extend another invitation to you, Tony? Please come back and coach Nottingham Forest. If you're still angry about what I did to you four years ago, I'd like to sincerely apologize to you. I will grant you all your requests, as long as you can come back. ”

Don snorted, "In order for you to sell this team for a good price?" ”

Evan shook his head: "I've decided not to sell the club. ”

"On a whim?"

"No, I thought about it for a long time after I came to you that day. I can't be club president for the rest of my life, I'm sixty years old, Tony. You often say you're an old man, but I'm ten years older than you. My eldest son is an avid football fan, unlike me, he has loved football since he was a child and has always been interested in running a football club. But I just wanted to sell Forest for a good price and never thought about him. I'm going to hand over the club to him, he loves football and maybe can do it better than me...... Certainly not now. I'd like to stay a few more years, or at least make up for the years I wasted. Then I'll retire with peace of mind, and then we'll retire together, how about that? ”

Don looked into Evan's eyes, and Evan didn't dodge, just letting Don look directly at him.

"In front of this great mother, I don't lie. Tony. I'm tired of the non-football-related topics on the podium, I'm tired of people who just want to take advantage of me and leave, I'm tired of losing game after game, I'm tired of the slogans that hang in the stands attacking me...... None of this ever happened when you were there. To be honest, I'm tired of these four years. Once again, I implore you to come back and coach Nottingham Forest, I really can't get her back on track alone. ”

Mr. President, the chairman of this club, whispered in front of Don En and revealed his heart, and he had long lost the sense of arrogance he had when he broke with Don En. Perhaps because of the weather, in the drizzle, Evan, who was wet with his trousers and shoes. In front of him, Dogeti became very pitiful and depressed.

He noticed that in this day, Allen. Adams is no longer in Evan. Dogotti side. It looks like the friendship between the two of them is over.

"Let me think about it, it's not a small matter." Don spoke.

Evan was surprised when he heard this answer. You must know that the last time Tang En directly refused twice.

"Don't rejoice too soon, Evan. If my wife doesn't agree, then I won't go against her will. ”

"Yes, I understand." Evan nodded hurriedly, for fear of upsetting Donn.

Looking at the president of the club, who was no longer majestic at all, Donn shook his head and turned to leave.

※※※ I got into the car, and Don did not start the car immediately and left here. He looked back at his daughter Teresa in the back seat with her seatbelt on, and then at Shania in the passenger seat.

"You're tired when I'm not in Los Angeles, aren't you? I have to work and take care of Teresa. ”

"Luckily, Teresa is very sensible, and if I'm busy, she plays by herself. I took her to the filming and catwalk scenes, and she was curious about everything there. ”

Shania also looked back at the well-behaved Teresa.

"Evan. What did Dogetty talk to you about? Shania, who was sitting in the car, also noticed the time when Don and Evan were standing in front of the tombstone.

'He wants me to go back and coach Nottingham Forest again.' Don said as he observed the change in his wife's expression.

"You refused?" Nothing could be seen in Shania's beautiful face.

"No...... But I didn't say yes. Don told the truth.

The corners of Shania's mouth suddenly curled, and there was some teasing flavor in such a smile, which Don was most familiar with. "I remembered what George had said to you." She said, "There are so many people who want you to go back." ”

Hearing that there was some jealousy in her tone, Tang En hurriedly said, "No, if you don't agree, I'll go and reject them." Then we went back to the United States. ”

"In that case, Sophia will be sad, right? Didn't she entrust Wood to you? ”

As a husband, Donn told his wife everything that had happened during his time with Shania. So Shania knew what Sophia had said to the last time she talked to Donn.

Don hesitated for a moment and said, "But I don't want you to be sad......"

Shania yawned, "I'm suddenly tired of that Grandpa Tony who has nothing to do but take care of the kids at home. If you like it, just say yes. Now that we're going home, I'm going to have to get some sleep, and I'm not jet lag when I fly back from the US. ”

Don didn't obediently start the car, but turned back to Teresa and said, "Teresa, can you close your eyes?" ”

Teresa didn't know why, but she obediently closed her eyes.

Shania was also puzzled, and then saw Don put his arms around her and give her a deep kiss.

"W-hmm......"

Even Bell and Mitchel said goodbye to Wood, but Vivien was still standing behind Wood.

"Aren't you going back, Miss Miller?"

"I'm a little worried about you, Mr. Wood...... Vivien whispered. You're not in a good mental state......"

"It's not in the hospital." Wood said unceremoniously, a little impatient. The nurse lady was right, his mental state was really bad.

"It's not work. I notice that you have been in bad spirits for the past few days, and I am worried about your ......"

"I'm not a kid anymore!" Wood growled.

"You're older than I am, though, Mr. Wood. But in my eyes, you are full of childishness, you are a child who doesn't grow up! Vivien also raised her voice a little and replied without showing weakness.

Wood turned to look at the nurse across from her, who was also staring at her with her head tilted. It was as if he was at the door of the hospital room, and he was about to break in, but she said she wouldn't let anything.

"You need to rest, Mr. Wood!" Vivien didn't budge.

"I didn't ask you to be my nurse."

"It's just out of ...... A friend's concern! ”

"Are we friends?" Wood asked rhetorically.

"I think so!" Vivien straightened her chest and emboldened herself.

For this nurse who takes care of her mother, no matter how hard and tired she is, she never complains. Wood really couldn't speak ill of people or chase people out. He only knows how to be grateful, otherwise he wouldn't have followed Don consistently.

In desperation, Wood sighed, turned around and stood still, looking at the picture of his mother on the tombstone.

Behind him, Vivien was equally stubborn with him. The two men were silently engaged in a battle of endurance and determination.

"Want to know what George said in his ear when I hugged him?" The car was on its way home, and Shania, who was leaning in the passenger seat, said suddenly.

"What did you say?" Don was really interested, because she could make Wood's eyes red with a few words, even Don asked himself if he had such a skill.

"I sang a few words and said a few words." Shania snorted softly.

"Hey, George, don't be so depressed...... Whenever you feel pain. Hey George, relax yourself. Don't take on too much extraneous things, knowing that it's stupid to be cool. There will always be times when life doesn't go your way...... Hey, George, don't make me sad. If you find someone you love, love her...... Hey George, time flies so far, don't delay. Don't always expect to be dependent, you know? You can do it yourself...... You have to go your own way...... Hey, George, don't be so depressed. Singing a sad song will cheer you up a bit. Remember to love her forever and start a new life...... Be Better, Be Happier ......" (The song is from the Beatles' "hey_jude", Shania sings "Judy" instead of "George", and the title of this chapter is also changed from this, and the meaning of the song is basically the same. When she finished humming, Shania gently brushed away a strand of hair that was hiding her forehead. "Then I said to him: 'This is what your mother wants you to hear, and she wants your future to be better and happier. Don't let her down, George'. ”

※※※ps, Lin Hai has something to say:

This chapter has been written quite a bit, but I am satisfied. I felt that I had written what I wanted to say, and I was very proud of the song of the Beatles at the end, and I thought it was the finishing touch. I've liked this song for a long time, but some time ago I realized that the lyrics of this song fit George's mood so well, so I used it.

In fact, the song also sings what Donn, Shania, and Sophia wish to say to Wood.

It is to start a new life that is completely his own, and not to be held back by the heavy past.

A few days ago, someone questioned why Don flew back to Nottingham specifically to persuade Wood not to retire. At the time, I didn't want to say more in the book review section because I didn't want spoilers. Now it can be said: Don is not just to retire or not to retire, but to take the opportunity to let Wood be himself and have his own life.

Donn's affection for Wood has gone beyond the relationship between the manager and the players, he wants Wood to live a happy life, he wants Wood to be happy, and he hopes that Wood can have all the feelings and life that a normal person should have. So he's going to persuade Wood, even if it might upset Wood, but the medicine is bitter. As the only person who could persuade Wood, he had to do it, and it was his responsibility.

However, I still arranged for Shania to do this delicate thing. Because I really can't think of Donne, a fifty-year-old man singing "hey_jude" with Wood in his arms, it's so thunderous. Replace it with the beautiful and lovely Shania, then it's no problem.

Anyway, I haven't seen the relationship between Done and Wood as simply a coach and a player, and I don't think Don should just teach Wood to play, just make him a star. He should also let Wood learn to live and be a leader in his life, so that it is in line with their relationship.

Sophia's death contributed to this.

It may be cruel to say that, but it's true. If Sophia doesn't die, then George. Wood will always be like a child who doesn't grow up, only knowing how to rely on his mother. That's not a good thing for his future.

And it is also Sophia's wish to be able to let her son live a normal life, although there was a time when her love for her son was a little out of bounds.

In addition, she knew from the beginning that her love for Don was destined to be unrequited love...... That's all I have to say, I hope everyone can have a happy life and a happy life.

(To be continued)