With his mother's illness requiring care, Christian found himself in a difficult situation. He was their only child, and his mother desperately wanted him to return home permanently. Her desire for his success had faded; she simply wanted him settled, employed locally, and starting a family. This, she believed, would ease her passing.
Christian's extended absence from Nareigh stemmed from two factors: caring for his mother post-surgery, and feeling constrained by her wishes. He yearned for city life, but his mother's desire to have him nearby was understandable—the fear of loneliness in old age.
He attempted to persuade her to move to Nareigh with him, but she refused, preferring their hometown to high-rise living. Considering her health, Christian felt trapped in a dilemma.
Sherry sighed as she recounted the story. “I’ve been there for him, trying to comfort him. I keep telling him to relax and not stress; things will work out eventually.”
Miriam commented, “Sherry, Christian’s so lucky to have such a kind and understanding girlfriend.”
Sherry smiled. “I love Christian so much. We’re planning to marry this year, but we’ll wait until he resolves his family matters.”
Teresa smiled warmly. “I’m so happy for you both.”
Sherry later said, "Teresa, I really have to thank you. If it weren't for you, I wouldn't have met Christian. You're our matchmaker, so you must sit at the head table at our wedding."
Teresa laughed and promised to attend. They chatted casually, catching up on Teresa’s life. Sherry was impressed by Teresa’s discretion regarding Michael's existence, which only Jennifer and Teresa knew. Sherry also learned from Miriam that Teresa had an older sister.
“Sherry, I’ve decided—I’m leaving Nareigh,” Teresa announced.
“Wait, are you serious?” Sherry asked, her voice a mix of disbelief and amusement. “I just got back, and now you’re leaving? Where are you going?”
“I’m moving abroad. I’ll need you and Miriam to manage Teresouth Group,” Teresa said seriously.
Understanding Teresa's seriousness, Sherry asked, “What do you mean by leaving? Is this a trip, or are you not planning to return?”
“I might visit once or twice a year—or maybe not at all. I’m going to Fernlandia. My mother has a house there, and she’s already moved in with my half-sister,” Teresa explained.
“What about Mike? Is he going with you?” Sherry asked.
“Absolutely. Wherever I go, he’s with me,” Teresa replied. “Miriam, please coordinate the handover with Sherry, alright?”
Teresa then went to the bathroom, where a wave of nausea hit her.
Her phone then buzzed incessantly; the caller ID intensified her queasiness. After some hesitation, she answered.
Jennifer’s voice, sharp and demanding, filled the phone. “Where are you? Mike’s been home alone. Are you abandoning him?”
Teresa's response was curt. “I’m heading back.”
At Rosary Estates, Jennifer had waited over half an hour. Upon Teresa's arrival, she snapped, “What took you so long?”
Teresa walked past her without a word, helping Michael wash, get into bed, and read him a bedtime story. She planned to stay at Miriam's for a few days.
Jennifer watched silently. Later, she retreated to her room, leaving an unspoken tension that quickly escalated into a cold war. The next morning, Teresa left early without breakfast, buying Michael breakfast en route and dropping him off at Miriam's. This time, Teresa remained resolute, completely ignoring Jennifer.
Jennifer, however, questioned her controlling nature, wanting only what was best for Teresa. A nurse then handed her a package. The sender's name revealed it was from Teresa—a blanket Teresa had ordered some time ago.
Before Evelyn left the country, Teresa and Jennifer had moved out together. Jennifer mentioned staying in the hospital dormitory, and Teresa, worried about her being cold, had offered a luxury cashmere blanket. Jennifer had refused, but Teresa insisted, sending it directly to the hospital.
Now, Jennifer finally received the delayed package. The blanket was incredibly soft and thick. These blankets cost at least three thousand dollars each.
As Jennifer touched the cashmere, guilt and sadness washed over her. The Mercedes she drove and the cashmere sweater under her coat were both gifts from Teresa. Jennifer knew she would never afford such luxuries herself.
Teresa had always been generous with family and friends. But now, their relationship was fractured.
Jennifer's pride was stubborn; Teresa's words had stung. She wanted to see who would remain cold longer. But the blanket caused her to hesitate. She messaged Teresa, simply acknowledging receipt.
Teresa didn't reply, leaving Jennifer frustrated. "Fine," Jennifer thought, flipping her phone over. "What else does she expect? I've done everything for her own good."
Jennifer decided a walk might help, heading downstairs for coffee. There, she saw Benny, Teresa's friend.