Chapter 304

Rosie, not one for excitement, appreciated having someone to talk to since everyone would be sharing the courtyard. The convalescent home was simply too quiet.

She asked Amy, “Who’s moving in? How old are they? Is it an aunt, sister, little girl, or someone my age?”

Amy chuckled. “Ms. Miller, did you ever consider it might be an uncle, brother, or little boy?” She wondered why Rosie assumed the new neighbor was female.

Rosie, taken aback, hadn't considered that. "So, it's a gentleman?"

Amy shook her head. “I have no idea. All I saw were people in uniform moving things and convalescent home staff. Maybe they'll move in once everything's settled.”

Rosie nodded. “Makes sense.”

The courtyard soon returned to its peaceful state. Rosie assumed the move was complete, yet there was no sign of activity; her new neighbor hadn't arrived.

As the sun set, Amy helped Rosie inside, and Rosie forgot about the new neighbor. The next day brought rain, confining Rosie to her warm room for two days. On the third, with the sky cleared, Rosie, as usual, wanted to be outside.

Amy helped Rosie into her coat and settled her in the courtyard, even placing a blanket on her chair. “Ms. Miller, don’t move. I’ll bring tea and snacks.”

Rosie smiled. “Okay, I’m not a child; I won’t move.”

“I’ll be right back,” Amy said, returning inside.

Rosie sat alone, the sun warming her. Since losing her sight, her hearing had become remarkably sharp. She heard leaves rustling and the gentle flow of the nearby artificial lake. Suddenly, her eyes widened; she sat up straight. She heard a baby crying. Her lips pursed, she unconsciously clenched her hands, then abruptly stood and felt her way toward the sound.

The crying grew clearer. She murmured, “It’s right here.”

When Amy returned with tea and snacks, Rosie was gone. Her face paling, Amy shouted, “Where are you, Ms. Miller? Where did you go? Ms. Miller! Ms. Miller!”

Amy soon saw Rosie by the pond. Amy’s heart leaped into her throat. She screamed, “Ms. Miller!”

Startled, Rosie came to her senses. Confused, she thought, “Where am I? Why am I here?” Then her foot slipped. Two days of rain had left the ground by the lake muddy and slippery. Rosie lost her balance and fell into the pond.

Amy, terrified, shouted, “Ms. Miller! Help! Somebody, please help!”

It was an artificial lake, but deep enough—10–17 feet—to easily drown someone. Icy water enveloped Rosie, rushing into her nostrils. She instinctively opened her mouth to call for help, but water filled her mouth before a sound escaped.

Rosie shook her head in agony. Her waterlogged clothes weighed her down.

Suddenly, someone splashed into the lake.

Chapter 305

Just as Rosie was about to suffocate, she felt arms around her waist, slowly lifting her to the surface.

Amy stared, shocked. The security guard, ready to dive in, was stunned. They looked at each other, speechless. They couldn't believe Howard had jumped in.

Drenched, Howard carried Rosie to shore. The security guard helped pull them out.

Rosie coughed, spitting out water.

Amy hurried to support her. “Ms. Miller, quickly, a hot bath!”

Rosie nodded, but fell as she tried to stand. She was shaken and weak.

“Let me carry her,” the security guard offered.

Howard frowned, blocking him. “Hold on! I’ll do it!”

The security guard stepped back silently. Amy moved aside.

Howard lifted Rosie horizontally into his arms.

Rosie’s eyes widened; she felt a strong, unfamiliar presence. Though she couldn’t see, she knew it was Howard. Feeling awkward, not knowing where to put her hands, she looked up earnestly. “Thank you for saving me.”

Howard smiled slightly. “You’re welcome.”

His voice is quite pleasant, Rosie thought.

Worried about Rosie catching cold, Howard hurried back to the townhouse. Amy had already drawn a hot bath. She pointed toward the bathroom. “This way.”

Howard carried Rosie in, then came back out. By the time Rosie finished her bath, Howard was gone. The doctor had already examined her.

Amy brought Rosie water. Rosie thanked her and sipped it slowly.

Amy asked, “Ms. Miller, didn’t I tell you not to wander off? What were you doing?”

Rosie furrowed her brows, shaking her head in confusion. “I’m sorry for the trouble. I’m not quite sure. I heard a baby crying.”

Amy pressed on, “Why would you go toward the sound of a baby crying?”

Rosie was even more puzzled. “I don’t know. Why would I do that?”

“Don’t worry,” Amy interrupted. “Finish your water. It’s cold, and that lake water was freezing.”

Rosie nodded. “By the way, do you know the gentleman who saved me?”

“Not really,” Amy said. “He’s the new neighbor next door.”

Rosie was surprised. “Has he already moved in?”

“Yes. It’s been two days.”

This gentleman must be very quiet, Rosie thought.

Next door, Howard bathed to wash away the chill. After dressing, he saw Amy waiting.

Amy recounted her conversation with Rosie. “That’s everything.”

Howard waved his hand. “Understood. You may go. Take extra care of her. If you’re ever too tired, I’ll arrange for someone to relieve you.”

Amy’s heart jolted. “Got it.” As she left, she pointed to a table. “Mr. Flynn, I left the water there. Remember to drink it.”

Howard nodded, picking up the water. She heard a baby cry and ran toward it, yet didn’t understand why. Her condition is more serious than I imagined, he thought, frowning, rubbing his aching thigh. He hadn’t fully recovered, and he’d pushed himself too hard.