She waited, dreading the moment she would be discovered.
Kalel strolled a short distance behind his parents, hands clasped lazily behind his head. Books didnât interest him much, and as he wandered, his thoughts drifted to how long it would take to make a profit if he opened a library.
Up ahead, his parents chatted with the librarian, but suddenly, their conversation took on an awkward edge.
Curious, Kalel walked over to see what happened, and then he understood.
By the bookshelves, two young people were standing far too close, locked in what appeared to be an intimate moment.
âUh, please come this way,â the librarian said hastily, clearing her throat. âSorry about that. It happens occasionally.â
Katherine barely paid attention. She smiled faintly, her hand resting on Shawnâs arm. Sheâd been young once, too.
Shawn, distracted by a phone call, waved it off as he ended the call, not bothering to look.
Kalel, however, found himself intrigued. He lingered, staring intently at the scene. And then, all at once, realization struck him like lightning.
His eyes widened in utter shock.
Wasnât the girl Aurora?
He didnât dare to call out. Instead, his gaze bore into the back of the manâs head, his frustration barely contained.
âKalel! What are you doing? Come here!â
âMomâ¦â
Katherine grabbed his ear and gave it a firm pinch. âItâs not appropriate for you to watch. Letâs go!â
âBut thatâsââ
âBut what? You want to date? Not for a long time!â
But that was Aurora!
Led by the staff from the embassy, Joelle and Adrian arrived at the rehabilitation center.
As they stood before the door to the ward, Joelle tugged at the sleeve of one of the staff members, halting their entrance.
âWhatâs wrong, Joelle?â Adrian asked, concern in his voice.
Joelle took a deep breath, her nervous gaze darting to him. âHow do I look? Do I seem happy? Itâs the first time weâll see Ryland after all these years. I shouldnât look like Iâm about to cry or something.â
Adrianâs gaze softened with concern. Throughout the trip to the center, Joelle had barely touched her food or gotten any sleep, determined to keep her composure intact when meeting their son.
Instead of succumbing to her emotions, she held herself together, proving not only her strength as a woman but also her resilience as a mother.
âRyland will be very happy to see you,â Adrian reassured her. Joelle smiled, quickly fixing her face and mustering a cheerful expression before giving a determined nod. She was ready.
As the door creaked open, a lean figure came into viewâa young man, barely eighteen.
Clad in a loose white-and-blue hospital gown, Ryland appeared frail. Yet, even after all these years, Joelle recognized him instantly.
.
.
.