Under_The_Whispering_Door_by_TJ_Klune

“That’s … what I asked, yes.”
Hugo shook his head. “Wallace, we gave her hope. She … maybe she has
a chance now.” Wallace was stunned to see Hugo’s own eyes were wet.
“Mei. I need you to—”
“No,” Wallace said before Mei could move. “This wasn’t about me. This
is your moment, Hugo. You did this.” He looked at Mei. “Can you do me a
favor?”
“Yes,” she said. “Yes.”
“I need you to hug Hugo for me. Because I can’t, and I want to more than
anything.”
Hugo’s eyes widened comically as Mei launched herself at him, legs
wrapping around his waist, her arms around his neck. It took Hugo a second,
but he lifted his arms and held her close, her face in his neck, his in her hair.
Apollo yipped excitedly, dancing around them, tongue hanging from his
mouth. “We did it, boss,” Mei whispered. “Oh my god, we did it.”
Wallace watched with fierce pride as Nelson moved toward them, and
though he couldn’t touch them, he did the next best thing. He stood with his
grandson and Mei.
Wallace smiled and closed his eyes.