Three days later, Nottingham Forest faced Charlton Athletic at home. George Wood returned to the starting lineup. He performed steadily and powerfully in the game. Whether it was his defense or his organization of the attack, he swept away his previous slump, which made his supporters shout with joy, "Saint George is back again!"
In the end, relying on his excellent play, the Forest team defeated the visiting Charlton Athletic by 2: 0 at home and finally ushered in their first victory in two months. After the match, the media speculated that Wood's mother's condition had improved, which was why he was able to perform so well.
But in fact, when Wood assisted Mitchell's first goal at the Crimson Stadium, his mother fell into a deep coma in the hospital, and she had been unconscious for an entire day.
Tang En had thought that Wood would definitely miss the match if Sophia fainted again. However, to his surprise, Wood announced that he would participate in the competition and was prepared.
Before the expedition, Wood and Tang En had a conversation, which cleared up Tang En's doubts.
"I'm still the captain of the Forest team. The team needs me."
The team's poor performance had also affected Wood. Fortunately, he still remembered that he was the team's captain.
Just when Tang En thought Wood had finally thought things through and was about to change his mind, He added, "Before I retire, I will stick to my post. But I will make a decision as soon as possible. "
Twain knew that Sophia did not have much time left. Recently, she had been in a coma frequently, and the duration of her coma was very long. Doctors and nurses were by her bed 24 hours a day, ready to rescue her at any time. He didn't want to lose Wood after losing Sophia. Although Wood would not die, what was the difference between a Wood who did not play football and being dead? For a person like Wood, if he did not play football, he would not have any sense of existence. Tang En really could not imagine what Wood would be like if he did not play football.
But then again, even if Wood suddenly decided to follow his mother, Tang En would not be surprised …
※ ※ ※
Tang En stood at the door of the ward, completely unaware that he was blocking the way of many people. His body was constantly being hit by the doctors and nurses coming in and out, again and again, but it was as if he did not feel anything. He stood there, looking at the empty hospital bed in front of him.
Two days had passed since the Forest team won. Sophia had been in a coma and had woken up briefly once. It was late at night, and Wood was resting outside. Tang En was not in the hospital, and only Vivian was by her side.
Tang En did not know what Sophia said to Vivian when she woke up. He also did not know what this woman was thinking when she woke up.
Was she longing for this long, painful, happy, and short life of hers? Or would he be enlightened that death was also a kind of release? Had she ever missed her child, George? There were too few people in this world that could make her care about them …
Wood stood in front of the thick glass window and quietly looked at the doctors and nurses who were busy in the ward. They were removing the equipment and removing the items that his mother had used on the bed. The bouquet of flowers in the vase on the bedside table had withered, and a nurse carried it out with the vase.
She seemed to want to dispose of it like ordinary garbage, but Vivian reached out and stopped her.
Vivian took out the bouquet from the vase and found a card in it. She took it out. On it was written, "Your son is a true professional footballer. Praise him when he wakes up. He'll be very happy, Sophia."
This bouquet was sent by Tang En yesterday. From the message, Tang En realized that Wood's mood did not improve after winning the game, and hoped to make Wood happier through his mother's praise. It was just that Sophia did not notice the bouquet when she woke up briefly. Wood also lost this last chance to listen to his mother's praise. His mother would never smile and stroke her son's head and say, "My George is the best in the world."
Vivian looked down at her left wrist. It was a little red, caused by Wood's mother's grip. That night, Sophia suddenly woke up, and Vivian happened to be by her side.
That was a very, very brief moment of clarity. Sophia did not even see clearly who the person in front of her was. She grabbed Vivian's hand and said in a low voice, "I don't want to die …"
The flowers withered so quickly, just like the life of the madam.
※ ※ ※
Shania received a call from Tang En, asking her to bring Teresa back to Nottingham to attend Sophia's funeral.
Evan Doughty was making a report to the English Football Association, requesting for a minute of silence for Wood's mother at the start of Forest's next league match. At that time, all of Forest's players would wear black veils on the sleeves of their jerseys. This proposal had already been approved by Forest's opponent, Sunderland Football Club.
※ ※ ※
Wood stared at himself in front of the bathroom mirror. He had not taken care of his appearance for a few days. His hair was a mess and his beard was unshaven. But now, what appeared in the mirror was a fresh and clean George Wood. His short hair had been carefully combed, and the beard on his chin had been shaved clean.
His appearance looked impeccable, but his eyes were bloodshot, indicating that the person in the mirror was actually very tired.
"George!"
His agent, Woox, called his name from outside.
Wood pushed the door open and found Woox holding a black suit in his hand. He said to him, "Change, we should leave."
Woox, an old gentleman, had always been very concerned about his appearance. He used to be a big shot in the entertainment industry, and he usually dressed like a gentleman with a sense of fashion. But today, he had thrown away those unnecessary decorations and was only wearing a very ordinary black suit.
Wood took the suit and put it on, and walked out with Woox.
Outside the door, Wood paused for a moment as he looked at the wet street.
It was raining.
"An umbrella …" Woox thought that Wood stopped because he was worried about the weather.
"There's no need." Wood walked into the rain.
※ ※ ※
Tang En was not at all worried that his daughter would do something that did not match the atmosphere at the funeral. The sensible Teresa saw the solemn expressions on both her parents' faces, and she also put on a straight face.
It was a very private and small funeral. Sophia was alone in England and had no relatives or friends. Her family had long cut off relations with her. Even though Wood had made a name for himself in the world of football, there was no news from Jamaica to recognize him as a relative. But with Wood's temper, even if someone from there came to recognize him, Wood would probably just kick them out of the house …
Woox only invited Tang En's family and the doctors from the Royal Hospital of Nottingham University. During the time that Sophia was in the hospital, they had taken good care of her and treated her meticulously. Although they were unable to save her life in the end, they had done their best. Also invited were the representatives of Nottingham Forest Football Club and Wood's good friends in the team.
The club's representative was actually the chairman, Evan Doughty. But Tang En felt that Evan had an ulterior motive. His real purpose was probably not as simple as attending Sophia's funeral.
Wood's only good friends in the team were Gareth Bale and Aaron Mitchell. Although he was quite popular in the team, there were not many people who could be regarded as "good friends."
The priest ended his eulogy in front of Sophia's tombstone. "She was a good person. May she rest in peace …"
Tang En thought to himself that it was customary for the priests to say that to everyone's funeral. But this time, the priest was right. Sophia was really a good person. It was a pity that good people did not live long. During this period of time, when Tang En had nothing to do, he would let his imagination run wild. What was the purpose of this woman, Sophia, in coming to this world? Before Wood met him, her life was basically miserable. She fell in love with someone but was abandoned. She had to raise a child alone. For this, she had to do all kinds of work, even if she had to sell her body. When the child finally succeeded and did not have to worry about making a living, his body rapidly deteriorated. Basically, she did not enjoy any happiness. She did not have familial love before she gave birth to Wood. She did not have love after Wood was born. Such a life must have been boring for the average person. But Wood became the belief that supported her to live.
Perhaps she only appeared in this world to be George Wood's mother.
Wood stood by the tomb and received those who came to attend the funeral. The people lined up and walked in circles, throwing the flowers in their hands into the tomb. Then they went to hug Wood and say a few words before leaving. Tang En's family of three was also in the line. He actually saw the figure of Miss Vivian Miller among the hospital representatives. She was wearing a long black dress today. The hem was already wet from the rain, but she did not seem to notice. After gently placing the flowers in her hands into the tomb, she walked in front of Wood.
From Tang En's position, he could not hear what Vivian and Wood were saying. But he could guess that it was nothing more than some words of "restrain your grief and accept fate." It was just that the others turned and left after saying that, but Vivian went around to stand behind Wood and did not leave.
In fact, the people who could stand there had to have an extraordinary relationship with Wood. For example, Bell and Mitchell were standing behind Wood, accompanying him. But the relationship between Vivian and Wood was clearly not that close.
Tang En looked at Vivian again. The girl's expression was very natural. Standing in the middle of the three men, she did not appear to be very embarrassed.
Evan Doughty also completed the necessary formalities. After comforting Wood, he did not rush to leave. Instead, he went to the side with Woox to have a private conversation. They were probably discussing Wood's retirement. With Sophia's departure, the last person who could restrain Wood was no longer there. He was obviously going to bring up the past again. Evan Doughty looked worried. He was not sad for Sophia's death. He was worried about the future of his team.
After Shania threw the flowers in her hands down, she walked in front of Wood. There were tear stains on her face. She had just cried. Among the people who came to attend the funeral, apart from Wood and Tang En, she was probably the closest to Sophia. Although she more or less knew that Sophia used to love Tang En, that was already in the past. She was sincerely sad for Sophia's death. She was also worried about Wood's future. She knew what kind of person Wood was.
Wood was a few years older than her. She had always treated Wood as her best friend.
When she walked in front of Wood, Shania did not just say a few words of "condolences" like the others. Instead, she hugged Wood and sobbed softly in his ear. Wood had been pursing his lips, trying hard to control his emotions. But as he listened to Shania's murmurs, his eyes gradually turned red.
This time, the hug was a little long. After Shania lowered her head and let go of Wood, it was Tang En's turn.
Since his wife had already hugged Wood, there was no need for Tang En to hug her again. He stood in front of Wood, who had red eyes, intending to say something.
"Hey, George …"
He did not expect Wood to interrupt him. In a hoarse voice, he asked, "Are you going to comfort me?"
Tang En was a little embarrassed to be seen through. He rubbed his nose, not knowing how he should respond.
"These few days, I've heard too many comforting words. If you really want to comfort me and do it for my own good, then take some action. "
Action? Let me hug you like my wife? Tang En asked in his heart.
"I've already lost my mother. I don't want to lose you too!" Wood's voice was choked. It was rare for him to lose his composure in front of so many people. What he said was even more shocking. "After the funeral, you're going back to America, right?"
Tang En really did not expect Wood to say something like that under such circumstances. He looked at the three people behind Wood. Aaron Mitchell and Gareth Bell clearly did not expect Wood to say something like that. But looking at their expressions, they were very interested in Wood's words because they knew what it meant. Miss Vivian Miller was curious about the relationship between Tang En and Wood.
"You should have your own new life, George …"
Tang En could only say that, avoiding Wood's question.
Wood did not want to say anything more, so he shut his mouth and did not say another word.
Tang En sensed that the atmosphere was a little awkward, so he did not say anything more. He just patted Wood's shoulder and turned to walk away.
Someone behind him followed and said to Wood in a low voice, "Condolences …"
※ ※ ※
Tang En let Shania bring his daughter to the car first. He still wanted to see Sophia one last time. He walked to the front of the tombstone and stared at the words on it: "My love." People who did not know better might think that the person sleeping here was George Wood's wife …
Sophia, I really don't know how to face your son. Can you give me some help?
The fine raindrops hit Tang En's umbrella and made a pitter patter. On the tombstone, Sophia smiled and did not say a word. She just looked at him.
Tang En was silent. Suddenly, he felt someone else beside him. He looked down at the tip of the person's shoes. There was some mud and grass on it.
"Sorry, I didn't mean to disturb you, Tony." It was Evan Doughty's voice.
"What's the matter?" Actually, Tang En could guess what it was.
"I heard from Mr. Woox that if you come back, then George will not mention retiring again. Is that so?"
Tang En turned to look at Evan, who was standing beside him. The other party was also looking at him, waiting for an answer.
"Yes, it was George who made the decision." Tang En did not lie. He did not need to lie. It did not feel good to lie in front of Sophia.
"Can I extend an invitation to you again, Tony? Please come back to coach Nottingham Forest. If you are still angry about what I did to you four years ago, I am willing to sincerely apologize to you. I will agree to all your requests, as long as you can come back. "
Tang En snorted. "So that you can sell this team for a good price?"
Evan shook his head. "I have already decided not to sell the club."
"Just on a whim?"
"No. After I came to look for you that day, I thought for a long time. I can't be the club chairman for the rest of my life. I am already 60 years old this year, Tony. You often say that you are an old man, but I am ten years older than you. My eldest son is a fanatical football fan. He is different from me. He has loved football since he was young and has always been interested in running a football club. But in the past, I only wanted to sell Forest for a good price. I never thought about him. I plan to let him run the club. He loves football. Maybe he can do it better than me. Of course, not now. I still want to stay for a few more years. At the very least, I want to make up for the years I have wasted. Then I will retire in peace. When the time comes, we can retire together. How about that? "
Tang En looked into Evan's eyes. Evan did not avoid his gaze, allowing Tang En to look at him directly.
"In front of this great mother, I will not lie. Tony. I am tired of the topics on the podium that have nothing to do with football. I am tired of the people who just want to get some benefits from me and leave. I am tired of the defeats one after another. I am tired of the slogans hanging on the stands attacking me. When you were here, none of this happened. To be honest, I am tired of these four years. I implore you again to come back and coach Nottingham Forest. I really can't bring her back to the right track alone. "
The chairman of the club lowered his voice in front of Tang En and revealed his inner thoughts. He had long lost the domineering attitude he had when he first broke up with Tang En. Perhaps it was because of the weather. In the drizzle, Evan Doughty, whose pants and shoes were wet, looked very pitiful and downtrodden in front of him.
He noticed that on this day, Allan Adams was no longer by Evan Doughty's side. It seemed that the friendship between the two of them was over.
"Let me think about it. This is not a small matter," Tang En said.
Hearing such an answer, Evan's face lit up with surprise. One must know that Tang En had directly rejected him twice the last time.
"Don't be happy too early, Evan. If my wife doesn't agree, then I won't go against her wishes. "
"Yes, I understand." Evan hurriedly nodded, afraid that he would make Tang En unhappy.
Looking at the club chairman who no longer had any prestige, Tang En shook his head and turned to leave.
※ ※ ※
After getting into the car, Tang En did not immediately start the car and leave. He looked back at his daughter, Theresa, who was sitting in the back seat with her seatbelt fastened. Then he looked at Shania, who was sitting in the front passenger seat.
"You must have been very tired when I was not in Los Angeles, right? You had to work and take care of Theresa. "
"Fortunately, Theresa is very sensible. If I am busy, she will play by herself. I brought her to the filming and the runway shows. She is very curious about everything there. "
Shania also looked back at the well-behaved Theresa.
"What did Evan Doughty want to talk to you about?" Shania, who was sitting in the car, also noticed the time when Tang En and Evan stood in front of the tombstone.
"He wants me to go back and coach Nottingham Forest again," Tang En said as he observed the changes in his wife's expression.
"You refused?" Nothing could be seen on Shania's beautiful face.
"No … but I didn't agree either," Tang En said truthfully.
Shania suddenly curled up the corner of her mouth. There was a hint of teasing in her smile, which Tang En was most familiar with. "I remembered what George said to you just now," she said. "There are so many people who want you to go back."
Hearing the jealousy in her tone, Tang En hurriedly said, "No, if you don't agree, I will refuse them. Then we will go back to America. "
"Sophia will be sad if that happens, won't she? Didn't she entrust Wood to you? "
As a husband, Tang En told his wife everything that happened during the time he and Shania were together. So Shania knew the content of the last conversation between Tang En and Sophia.
Tang En hesitated for a moment and said, "But I don't want you to be sad …"
Shania yawned. "I suddenly feel tired of that Grandpa Tony who does nothing but stay at home to take care of the children. If you like him, then say yes. Let's go home now. I need to have a good sleep. I am still jet-lagged after the flight back from America. "
Tang En did not listen to her and start the car. Instead, he turned back and said to Theresa, "Theresa, can you close your eyes?"
Theresa did not know what was going on, but she still closed her eyes obediently.
Shania was also puzzled. Then she saw Tang En suddenly hug her and give her a deep kiss.
"Mmm … mmm …"
※ ※ ※
Even Bell and Mitchell said goodbye to Wood, but Vivian still stood behind Wood.
"Are you still not going back, Miss Miller?"
"I am a little worried about you, Mr. Wood …" Vivian said softly. "You are not in a good state of mind …"
"This is not the hospital," Wood said bluntly. He was a little impatient. The nurse was right. He was indeed in a bad state of mind.
"This is not work. I noticed that you have not been in a good state of mind for the past few days. I am worried about you … "
"I am not a child!" Wood growled.
"Although you are older than me, Mr. Wood, in my eyes, you are full of childishness. But in my eyes, you're filled with childishness from head to toe. You're just a child who can't grow up! "Vivian also raised her voice a little as she replied without backing down.
Wood turned around and looked at the nurse opposite him. She also raised her head and glared at him. It was just like that day at the door of the ward. He wanted to barge in, but she would not let him.
"You need to rest, Mr. Wood!" Vivian refused to budge.
"I did not ask you to be my nurse."
"This is just … a friend's concern!"
"Are we friends?" Wood asked in return.
"I think so!" Vivian puffed up her chest to give herself courage.
George Wood could not say anything bad to the nurse who took care of his mother and never complained no matter how hard, tired, or how many nights she stayed up. He could not drive her away. He only knew how to be grateful. Otherwise, he would not have followed Tang En so consistently.
Wood could only sigh helplessly. He turned around and stood where he was. He looked at the picture of his mother on the tombstone without saying a word.
Behind him, Vivian was also stubbornly accompanying him. In silence, the two men were engaged in a contest of endurance and determination.
※ ※ ※
"Do you want to know what I said to George's ear when I was hugging him?" Shania, who was leaning on the passenger seat, suddenly said as the car drove home.
"What did you say?" Tang En was really interested because a few words from her could make Wood's eyes turn red. Even Tang En did not have such an ability.
"I sang a few lines and said a few words." Shania hummed softly.
"Hey, George, don't be so depressed … Whenever you feel pain. Hey, George, relax yourself. Don't take on too many things beyond your ability. You have to know that acting cool is very stupid. There will always be times in life when things don't go your way … Hey, George, don't make me sad. If you find someone you love, love her … Hey, George, time flies. Don't delay. Don't always expect to rely on others, you know? You can do it yourself … You have to walk your own path … Hey, George, don't be so depressed. Singing a sad song will cheer you up a little. Remember to love her forever, and then start a new life … Be better, be happier … "(The song was from the Beatles'" Hey Jude. "Shania replaced" Judy "with" George "when she sang it. The title of the chapter was also changed from that. The meaning expressed was basically the same as the meaning of the song.)
After humming, Shania gently brushed aside a lock of hair that was covering her forehead. "Then I said to him, 'This is what your mother wants you to hear. She wants your future to be better and happier. Don't let her down, George. '"
※ ※ ※
PS: Lin Hai has something to say:
I wrote a lot of this chapter, but I'm very satisfied. I think I wrote what I wanted to express. I'm very proud of the Beatles song that I chose at the end. I think it was the finishing touch. I've liked the song for a long time, but I only recently realized that the lyrics of the song fit George's mood so well, so I used it.
In fact, the song also sang what Tang En, Shania, and Sophia wanted to say to Wood.
That was to start a new life that completely belonged to him, and not to be held back by the heavy burden of the past.
A few days ago, someone questioned why Tang En specifically flew back to Nottingham to persuade Wood not to retire. At that time, I did not want to say much in the book review section because I did not want to spoil things. Now, I can say it: Tang En's persuasion was not only about whether or not to retire, but also to take the opportunity to let Wood be himself again and have his own life.
Tang En's feelings for Wood had already surpassed the relationship between a manager and a player. He hoped that Wood would live a happy life, that Wood would be happy, that Wood could have all the feelings and life that a normal person should have. So, he wanted to persuade Wood, even if it might make Wood unhappy. But good medicine is bitter. As the only person who could persuade Wood, he had to do it. It was his responsibility.
However, I still arranged for Shania to do such a delicate thing. Because I really could not imagine a fifty-year-old man hugging Wood and singing "Hey Jude." It was too shocking. If it was the beautiful and cute Shania, it would not be a problem.
In any case, I have never seen the relationship between Tang En and Wood as simple as that of a coach and a player. I think that Tang En should not only teach Wood how to play football and make him a star player. He should also let Wood learn how to live and become his guide in life. Only then would it be in line with their emotional relationship.
Sophia's death contributed to this.
It might be a little cruel to say it, but it was the truth. If Sophia did not die, then George Wood would always be like a child who could not grow up, only knowing how to rely on his mother. This was not a good thing for his future.
Moreover, it was also Sophia's wish to let her son live a normal life, even if there was a time when her love for her son went a little too far.
Also, she knew from the beginning that her love for Tang En was destined to be one-sided.
That was all that needed to be said. I hope everyone has a good time reading and can all have a happy life.
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