He opened his bleary eyes slowly and fixated his gaze on me. Elegantly, he asked, “Are you mad?”
I shook my head without much emotion. “Not really. Drink some water and rest well.”
I can’t bring myself to be a stranger, albeit not having anymore feelings toward him. After all, we were once lovers.
I walked out of the room and went to bed in another one.
As the gentle morning sun gained ascendancy, its soft rays enveloped the entire R Province and flooded in between the dense fog engulfing the city.
If one climbed up the mountain at dawn, one could catch a glimpse of a mesmerizing view straight out of dreamland.
I woke up early because Summer had to attend school. Standing before the bathroom mirror, I observed the reflection of my barefaced. Since when did the grievances on my face disappear?
Maybe it was when I left everything behind, and came to R Province. Indeed, this is my healing place.
Ashton had already woken up. He seemed to be in deep thoughts standing under the almond tree.
I took a peek, but did not disturb him.
He turned back and called out to me, “You’re up.”
I nodded. “What would you like to have?”
“Anything.”
Without saying much, I felt like I was becoming more and more even-tempered as the days went by.
Summer was surprised to see Ashton. She asked innocently, “Mr. Fuller, why are you here at my house?”
Kids would always say the darnest thing.
Ashton curled his lips. “I don’t have a home to go to.”
His unintentional reply was rather intriguing as if he wanted me to read between the lines. Lowering my eyes, I did not take it seriously. As years go by, my heart is like a bleak pool of dead water where no breeze can raise a ripple.
On the other hand, Summer was very chatty and continuously asked Ashton many weird questions.
He answered all of them patiently.
Then he looked at me and uttered, “The matters at the hotel are almost done. I’ll be going back to K City for a few days.”
I nodded and did not continue the conversation.
He stared at me deeply and said, “Take care.”
Joseph drove him off. When he left, he said nothing else besides reminding me to take care of myself.
I sent him off with a calm heart. Just like that, he came and gone.
The presence of Louis was a like breath of fresh air to the province. Finally, Stanley was removed from his position.
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