"Today, I saw him again. This time, I was cornered by debt collectors, and he came to my rescue like a brave warrior. He paid off my debts and gave me some money to live a good life...
"Today, I sold a girl. I know I am walking down an irreversible path. It's a treacherous road, but I had no other choice... I remember someone once told me to live a good life, but I'm sorry, I won't be able to do it...
"I sent my daughter to the countryside and send her money regularly. I know I'm not a good mother, but I hope my daughter can have the peaceful life I couldn't. That way, I won't let you down...
"Nicholas Thompson."
Lena took a deep breath and slowly closed the diary.
The name Nicholas Thompson appeared several times in her mother's diary.
Was he her father? He must be.
Lena smiled but restrained it. Over the years, she had learned to hide her emotions, even when she was alone.
She had finished most of the beer, and the fish soup was ready. There was some leftover rice in the kitchen.
Lena ate the fish soup with rice, simply filling her stomach. She wiped her mouth and wrote a few sentences in the blank space at the back of the diary, as she did every day.
Her wandering life had made her withdrawn, but she still longed for her father's love, her mother's care, and the warmth and happiness of a family. Since she could not have them, she wrote them down.
Unable to see Krystal, Lena wrote in her diary as if she were talking to her.
"I saw Lina again today... Is she my sister? She's so beautiful! I've never seen such a pretty girl before. Her fiance is handsome too, and his voice is pleasant—he's a good match for my sister!
"She wanted to give me money today, but I didn't take it. I feel that if I took it, I might not be able to see her again... Mm, I want to keep her thinking of me so that I can see her often!
"Mom, I'm not alone in Centrolis anymore. I found my father and my sister, and I found your gun... But I hope they never find out about my identity because I want each of them to be well and not get their lives in turmoil because of me.
"Mom, am I doing the right thing?"
After writing the last word, Lena looked up at the sky outside the window. A few pigeons were flying home in the evening glow. She closed her diary with a wry smile. Once Krystal was executed, Lena would no longer have a mother. She would never have a family.
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