Chapter 42
Kelly brought many gifts to Lauren's house, hoping Lauren would choose one or two for Leo, a baby boy Lauren had known only a few days.
But Lauren, squatting and fiddling with the gifts, insisted on giving them all to Leo. It filled her with a wonderful feeling. The thought of Leo softened her heart; she couldn't help but want to give him everything. After some time, she decided on Lego and a model car.
She intended to surprise Leo, but upon arrival, learned he wasn't home. Disappointed, she wondered where he was. The living room was empty. Daphne, the maid, greeted her enthusiastically, taking the gifts and saying as she walked, "Leo would be so happy to know you're here! He talked about you all day yesterday and asked me to prepare a delicious meal for you."
Imagining Leo's face, Lauren smiled.
After Lauren sat down, Daphne explained, "Leo was waiting for you, but he was taken to his grandparents' house yesterday. He'll be back at noon and left you a letter." Daphne produced a pink piece of paper bearing childish handwriting:
Dear Lauren,
I'm going to Grandma's today and will be back at noon. Please wait for me! I'll be back soon.
[A drawing of two people holding hands was at the end of the letter.]
Reading the letter warmed Lauren's heart. Holding it, she didn't want to leave; she just wanted to wait for Leo.
Fearing Lauren might be bored, Daphne offered fruit and snacks, then a book. "I'm sorry, Miss Bennett," she said, "but I have kitchen work to do and can't stay."
Lauren needed no company, so she nodded and opened the book—Gone With the Wind. She'd loved it in junior high school, admiring the heroine. As a young girl, she'd envied classmates with loving, supportive families, vowing to be as strong as Scarlett O'Hara.
Later, her desire for parental love lessened, yet she still reread the book often.
Though not in the mood to read, Lauren flipped through the book idly. She discovered a line of writing in beautiful handwriting, remarkably similar to her own:
"Charlie will love Lauren for a lifetime!"
Lauren froze, staring at the familiar script. It was strange!
She placed the book on the coffee table, took out her pen, and copied the line. Comparing the two, she saw the near-identical handwriting. Having practiced calligraphy since childhood, she recognized the similarity immediately. The matching handwriting and names unsettled her. She stared at the line for a long time.
She flipped through more pages, finding no similar writing, until the last page's corner, where she found a reply…
The passage is now grammatically correct, punctuation is improved, and the writing is clearer and more concise. The ellipsis at the end suggests the story continues.