Laura never expected that Fannie would say something like this.
Nor had she expected that this was actually what Fannie was thinking about.
She was moved, and had mixed feelings at the same time.
Laura's biological father passed away long ago. It was Fannie who had brought her up all these years.
Fannie had always been so protective and affectionate towards her, so that Laura hadn't suffered even a bit during the most difficult times.
Thus, she was grateful to her mother, but somehow, she had a feeling that her mother's life was constrained by her.
After all, if it weren't for her, Fannie wouldn't have had to marry Diego back then.
Later, Fannie had many chances to get away from Diego. She could have run away to someplace where no one knew her. As long as Diego couldn't find her, her life would have been much better.
But for the sake of Laura, who was a child then, Fannie chose to stay because Laura needed a stable life.
She chose to put up with everything and choke back the tears, not letting everyone know how much she was suffering.
Others might have no idea about it, but how would Laura not know?
She was totally aware that Fannie had made this choice mainly because of her.
So, Laura had guilty conscience all the time. Watching her mother getting old and her hair turning gray, she knew she was the immediate cause for them.
If possible, Laura wished that her mother could have her own hobbies, interests, life, and a person she would like to spend the rest of her life with.
That was why Laura was both moved and shocked upon hearing Fannie saying so.
She felt as if her dream came true.
Laura reached out to hold Fannie's hand, feeling a lump in her throat.
"Do you mean it, mom? Are you really going to have your own life if you go back to the south?"
Laura was a little worried.
After all, it had been two years since Fannie had come to Eqitin. Would she be able to get used to everything if she went back alone?
Fannie gave a tender smile, raised her hand, and wiped the tears off Laura's face.
She said in a soft voice, "Of course I am, silly girl. I've thought it through before I bring it up. Don't worry about me."
"But you, you're an adult now, and you act like a child anymore. You're blessed to be Max's wife, but I hope you won't be spoiled. OK?"
Laura curled her lips and muttered, "I'm acting like a child."
Seeing that, Fannie smiled, saying nothing.
Max tried to make her stay. "If you don't like the climate in the north, you can stay in the south during winter, and come back during summer, so that you can enjoy the best climate all year around. Besides, the transportation is well developed now, and it's easy to travel."
Laura heard that and nodded immediately. "Max's right. Mom, spring has arrived, and it'll get warm very soon. You don't need to go back to the south this time of the year."
Fannie looked at them, her eyes full of love.
She patted Laura on the back of her hand gently and smiled, "No matter how good it is here, it has nothing to do with me, silly girl. This is not my hometown."
Both Laura and Max paused upon hearing that.
Now Laura remembered that her mother was originally from the south.
A long time ago during the war, Laura's father, Joris, who was serving in the army, passed by the town Fannie lived in. The two fell in love at first sight and decided to be together.
Fannie followed Joris to Eqitin after they got married. Later Joris quit his job and the family decided to move away, and the first place that popped into their mind was also the south.
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