Chapter 199

Dinner was quiet. Stacey, unusually subdued, barely touched her food. Debra piled her plate high. "Eat, sweetie," she urged. "It's good for your skin."

Stacey mumbled, "Huh?"

Kevin, ever eager, swooped in with a spoon. Lillian followed suit, prompting Stacey to whisk them away before they toppled the table. Debra watched, letting Stacey handle it. Sometimes, busyness was a welcome distraction.

Later, shopping proved enjoyable, though Stacey’s enthusiasm lagged behind Debra’s. By evening’s end, exhaustion mingled with good spirits as the family dispersed to their rooms.

The next day, Hayden’s work kept him away. Debra and Stacey took the children to the amusement park. Lillian and Kevin’s eyes widened at the vibrant entrance.

Stacey bought them balloons. Lillian’s joy doubled—until she spotted a girl with white hair. Mesmerized, she stared. Stacey quickly covered Lillian’s eyes. "Lillian, that's not polite."

"Mom, she's beautiful! Like an angel!" Lillian protested, captivated.

Stacey smiled. She found the girl’s albinism beautiful, a unique charm. But she knew staring could be upsetting.

"Why?" Kevin asked, puzzled. "She looks like a cartoon girl!"

"Maybe she doesn't like being stared at," Stacey explained.

"I'm okay with it."

A small, clear voice startled them. A little girl, as white as snow, stood before them. Her features were delicate, almost angelic.

"Hello, my name is Loretta Hoggard," she said, extending a hand.

Stacey gasped. "Are you… from Zentiscape, too?"

A stunning woman rushed over, scooping Loretta up. "Loretta! You're running around again!"

"Marissa!" Debra exclaimed.

Marissa smiled. "Debra! Hayden said I'd be here. I own this park—it’s free for you!" Turning to Stacey, she added, "Becky? It's so good to see you! I'm Hayden's cousin, Marissa!"

Stacey shook her hand, stunned. "I… I don't remember," she admitted, embarrassed. Marissa’s smile deepened. "We were best friends as kids!"

Debra smiled sadly. "Becky was too young to remember."

"I’m sorry, I don't remember much of my childhood," Stacey said, relieved by the unexpected connection. "It’s amazing you built this park!"

"Hmph! I opened this amusement park. There's nothing else!" Loretta declared.

Marissa sighed, exasperated. "Loretta, one day off, please?"

Loretta grinned. "Hit me! I'll tell Dad!"

Then, she turned to Lillian and Kevin, beaming. "You're Lillian and Kevin! My uncle showed me your pictures! You're cute!" Lillian and Kevin eagerly took her hands.

"Angel, you're so beautiful!" Lillian declared.

Kevin nodded. "Yeah, you look good!" He reached out to touch her hair. She really was beautiful.