After wishing Melendez and Lim good night, Mei-Li and Caroline drove back to the Limlendez residence with Carlos following behind them. They arrived home and Mei-Li turned to face Caroline, "I guess you should be getting back to your place. Thank you for taking me to the hospital and for driving me home."

"Hey, I'm not leaving you alone tonight. I'll stay here," said Caroline, laying a hand on Mei-Li's shoulder.

Carlos said, "Listen Mei-Li, Caroline, it's been a long night and I'm really tired. I'm going to go to bed. Good night, Caroline. Good night, Mei Mei."

Mei-Li and Caroline nodded and Carlos disappeared upstairs. Caroline snickered and asked "Mei Mei?"

Mei-Li sighed, "It's actually Mandarin for little sister. When Carlos was learning to talk, he could only get out repeat phrases, like mama and dada. So, my name became Mei Mei, and even though I'm older than him, it just stuck. It's only fair. My nickname for him is Simba."

"Simba?" Caroline raised her eyebrows.

"The first time Mom and Dad took me to an ultrasound, I said the baby looked like a Simba. I thought Mom and Dad were going to bring Carlos home from the hospital and hold him Rafiki style for the family," said Mei-Li. The two women entered Mei-Li's room and Mei-Li pulled out two pairs of pajamas, "I don't know if they'll fit you, but here are some pajamas if you want them."

"Thank you," said Caroline. They were a little loose, but they would do for the night.

They crawled into bed and Mei-Li said, "Caroline, thank you for staying with me. I was secretly hoping you would."

Caroline kissed Mei-Li's temple, "You're welcome. Have a good night."

A week later, Lim was able to be released from the hospital. One of St. Bonaventure's pulmonologists had instructed the family on how to use the portable oxygen tanks and the new medication regimen. When Melendez and Lim arrived home, Melendez called Carlos and Mei-Li into the living room. Mei-Li had taken the day off and Carlos had requested a few days of absence for a family emergency. Once everyone was settled, Melendez took a deep breath and said, "I know the last several days have brought a lot of stress and changes to this family," Mei-Li and Carlos nodded.

Melendez looked over at Lim and took her hand. She reluctantly began, "Over the last several days, your father and I have been discussing a few thing. We also talked to Dr. Reznick before I was released, and she's ready for the transition," the siblings couldn't believe their mother might say a certain set of words, "I'm retiring."

"What?" asked Mei-Li.

"It's best for your mother's health," said Melendez.

"I'm not mad, just shocked. I just never thought I'd hear you say the words 'I'm retiring'," said Mei-Li.

"Yeah, it ranked up there with a few other phrases I'll never hear Audrey Lim-Melendez say. Like Go Seahawks," said Carlos.

"Please, let's not give anyone a heart attack," Melendez teased.

"When are you announcing it to the rest of the hospital?" asked Mei-Li.

"Tomorrow," said Lim.

"Wow," said Mei-Li, "Does anyone else know?"

"No, just Dad and Dr. Reznick," said Lim.

"So I'm assuming Dad becomes president and Dr. Reznick becomes Chief of Surgery?" asked Mei-Li.

"For the next several years. Then, it'll most likely be Reznick as president and whomever she appoints to succeed her as Chief of Surgery," explained Melendez. Mei-Li nodded, absorbing the information.

"And Carlos?" Carlos looked over at Lim. She pulled a small box out of her hospital bag and handed it to him, "With the changes in my life and my health, I've also determined that my job isn't the only thing I have to pass on to someone else. I trust your father with St. Bonaventure and I trust you with this special thing in my life," she handed Carlos the box.

Carlos opened the box and pulled out a set of keys. It took him a moment before it dawned on him what they were for, "You're…you're giving me Black Lighting?"

"I know it's a Ducati and not a Harley, but I expect you to take good care of her," said Lim.

"Oh Mom, thank you!" Carlos wrapped his arms around Lim.

"Wait a minute? I don't get anything out of this?" asked Mei-Li jokingly.

"Do you want Black Lightning?" asked Lim.

"If I can sell it," answered Mei-Li.

"And that's why you're getting the bike," said Lim to Carlos.

The next day, everyone arrived at the hospital, and Lim had chosen to have Melendez, Mei-Li, and Carlos stand with her. After everyone had gathered in the conference room, Lim stepped forward, "If I could have everyone's attention?" the crowd hushed and Lim said, "It pains me to announce this to you all, but it's the best decision for my health, my family, and St. Bonaventure. This week will be my last week as president of San Jose St. Bonaventure Hospital. I'm retiring, and Dr. Neil Melendez will succeed me as president and Dr. Morgan Reznick will succeed him as Chief of Surgery. I've spent the last 39 years of my life at this hospital, and it has been a great honor to serve as president for the last ten and a half years. The wonderful doctors, the caring nurses, the hard-working staff, and everyone in between is what makes St. Bonaventure one of the best hospitals in the country, and it has been a privilege to guide all of you and work with all of you to help make St. Bonaventure the best it can be. I couldn't have done this without the guidance of the late Dr. Aaron Glassman, and former president, Dr. Marcus Andrews. I also couldn't have done it without my family. Neil, when we first met during that first day of our residency many years ago, I would have laughed at anyone who told me that you'd be the man I'd end up marrying and having kids with," she said and everyone laughed, "But, I'm so glad the universe had other plans, because without your love and encouragement, I wouldn't have been able to achieve my dream of being president. So thank you. Mei-Li, I've gotten to watch you follow in my and your father's footsteps, and I've had the joy of watching you come into your own. I'm so proud of the young woman you've become. Carlos, you kept me on my toes while you were growing up. We spent a lot of time together in this hospital's emergency room. But you are also a very kind young man always willing to help others. Take care of Black Lighting for me," said Lim and everyone laughed again, "Thank you all for the opportunities you've provided me and best of luck to Dr. Melendez, Dr. Reznick, and everyone else here at St, Bonaventure. Thank you."

Everyone clapped and cheered as Melendez took Lim's hands and kissed her. Several people rushed forward to congratulate Lim and wish her well. Mei-Li took the opportunity to step aside and make a phone call. She heard her answer, "Hello?"

"Jenny, it's me, Mei-Li," she responded.

"Hi, Mei-Li. Have you made a decision about Jackson Memorial?" asked Jenny.

"I have," answered Mei-Li, "I can't come to Miami with you. Mom's not doing well, and everything and everyone I love is here. Goodbye, Jenny."

There was a pause, "Goodbye, Mei-Li."

Mei-Li hung up the phone and walked over to where her family was standing. Park shook Lim's hand and a few nurses hugged Lim before Mei-Li approached them, "Where did you wonder off to?" asked Lim.

"I was talking to Jenny and told her I'm staying in California," said Mei-Li.

"Wait a minute? As in, Jenny your ex?" questioned Lim, "And you were thinking of leaving California?"

"Long story for another time," said Melendez.

"Well, I'm glad you decided to stay here," said Carlos, "I mean, I'm clearly the reason you stayed behind, right?" he asked and smiled.

"Yes, my annoying little brother is the sole reason I stayed here in San Jose," Mei-Li said sarcastically, "But in all seriousness, I could never leave you guys."

"Something tells me there's someone else here in San Jose you don't want to leave behind either," said Melendez.

Mei-Li glanced over at Caroline and said, "Yeah, there is," Mei-Li hugged Lim and said, "Congratulations, Mom. You've earned a good retirement."

"Believe me, this is very difficult for me to let things go," admitted Lim.

"I promise, Audrey, Reznick and I will take good care of this place," Melendez assured his wife.

"And we love you, Mom," said Carlos.

"We'll always be here for you," said Mei-Li.

Lim hugged the three of them and said, "I couldn't have done it without you."