Chapter 103
As she drove away from the horse ranch, Freya felt lost, unsure of her next destination. Jessica and Johnny had their own plans. She considered returning to the Miller family home, but with Isabella absent, going back alone would only worry the old lady further. While contemplating this, she passed a wetland park and saw couples camping with their children, and young people who had brought their parents for a relaxing day. Seeing their loving relationships and happy families, a trace of envy and bitterness unconsciously flickered in Freya's eyes.
Driving a short distance further, Freya pulled over. She picked up her phone, hesitated, then dialed a number. When the call was answered, she asked, “Hello, Director, how is my mother doing?”
An hour and a half later, Freya stood in the courtyard of the Lotus Sanatorium, looking at Sally Miller sitting nearby. Sally's expression was vacant, her face gaunt and withered—almost unrecognizable compared to the beautiful, lively woman Freya remembered from her childhood. Though she had long grown accustomed to this sight, her heart remained unsettled.
After a while, the director softly said, “It’s the same as before, no change.” Sally couldn't interact with people from her past without relapsing into madness. Her mental state was rarely calm, and Freya didn't want to, nor dare to, disturb her. After a moment, afraid of being noticed, Freya left the courtyard. A little farther away, she spoke to the director and staff, “I’ll leave her in your hands. Please take good care of her.” “Miss Miller, you’re too kind. It’s our duty.”
Freya glanced back at Sally one last time through the glass window, then left the sanatorium, leaving behind some books and supplies she had purchased for her. She had left the sanatorium, but her heavy mood remained.
As she drove back, she passed the wetland park again and saw kites flying in the afternoon breeze. She turned the car around and entered the park. The park was filled with a gentle breeze; the sun was pleasant, and the scenery was beautiful. However, everyone else was in groups, and she, being alone, felt a little out of place.
Standing before a kite stall, she was considering buying a kite when a small hand grabbed her finger and shook it. “Auntie.”
Freya turned at the sound of the voice and was surprised. “Daisy?”
Daisy gently nodded, her small hand still holding Freya's finger. Harry walked over, and upon seeing Freya, his voice faltered before he continued, “You came here to have fun too?”
“Mm.”
“Did you bring Isabella along?”
Freya lowered her eyes and said lightly, “No, I came by myself.”
Upon hearing this, Harry seemed to understand something and paused. Freya, remembering that she and Harry weren't particularly close, was about to leave when Daisy looked up and said, “Auntie, let’s fly a kite together.”
Freya declined, “No, Auntie still has some things to do.” Daisy's face fell. “Oh…”
Harry spoke up, “Let’s do it together. It’s just the two of us anyway.” As if sensing Freya’s thoughts, he added, “I’ll watch from the side and won’t disturb you. You can just think of it as having one more playmate for Daisy.”
Freya actually liked Daisy very much. She really didn’t want to be alone. Upon hearing this, she decided not to refuse. She and Daisy picked out a blue butterfly kite they both liked. Freya had flown many kites before with Isabella and was quite experienced. However, the kite they chose was a little too large, and since Daisy was still small, they struggled to control it. Harry quietly walked over and helped them. After the kite was successfully launched, both Freya and Daisy smiled happily.