Chapter 200

“Lydia, I’m out here. Where are you?” Zinnia asked.

It was Saturday. Zinnia and Lydia had agreed to visit Lydia’s mother, Bonnie Hollis, at the psychiatric hospital. Zinnia stepped out of her apartment, where Lydia was waiting.

Lydia wore a white short jacket and jeans. Her long hair was in a low ponytail. She held a bouquet of baby's breath and sunflowers.

“Lydia, I saw you,” Zinnia said cheerfully over the phone.

Lydia looked toward the apartment entrance and saw Zinnia running towards her. A gentle smile bloomed on Lydia’s face. Zinnia wore a yellow knit dress with a jacket draped over her shoulders, looking bright and graceful.

“Lydia, you should have come to my place. Yannis has gone to work,” Zinnia said, hurrying toward her.

Lydia smiled and handed Zinnia the sunflowers.

“Wow! You got me flowers!” Zinnia exclaimed, delighted.

Lydia explained, “I went to the florist to get a bouquet for my mom. The sunflowers were so pretty that I brought one for you.”

“Thanks, Lydia. They’re so pretty,” Zinnia said, taking the flowers.

“Have you had breakfast? If not, let’s go get some before we go to the hospital,” Lydia asked gently.

“Yes, I have. Yannis had breakfast delivered this morning. If you haven’t eaten yet, let me treat you,” Zinnia said.

Yannis had left for work early and arranged for breakfast to be delivered to Zinnia.

Lydia nodded. “Yes, I have.”

“Then let’s head out and visit Ms. Hollis,” Zinnia said. It was a little past nine, and she thought they should take the subway.

“How about a taxi?” Lydia suggested, thinking the subway would be too long and crowded.

“Why not take the subway? I’ve never taken it before!” Zinnia said excitedly. She felt a taxi would be expensive, and knew Lydia wouldn't let her pay. Thus, she led Lydia toward the subway entrance.

Seeing Zinnia holding her hand, Lydia smiled softly.

It was a little after ten when they arrived at the psychiatric hospital by subway. The area was sparse and desolate. Zinnia wanted to buy fruit as a gift, but Lydia stopped her.

As they entered, Zinnia asked, “Lydia, which floor and room is Ms. Hollis in?”

“Come with me,” Lydia said, leading the way.

The two entered the hospital. Inside, it was eerily quiet. Doctors and nurses moved with light footsteps. The only noise came from patients being wheeled out for walks, shouting insistently.

If Zinnia hadn’t insisted on visiting Bonnie, Lydia would never have brought her to such a place. Lydia held Zinnia’s hand, eager to escape the unsettling atmosphere.

They arrived on the 16th floor. A nurse recognized Lydia and greeted her, “Ms. Hollis, you’re here to see your mother.” Lydia nodded politely.

Lydia had chosen the finest psychiatric hospital for Bonnie. The facilities were well-maintained, and the staff professional.

As they walked down the silent corridor, no sound could be heard from outside the wards. However, peering inside, they could see some patients shouting, while others wandered around muttering. The wards were perfectly soundproofed.

Lydia and Zinnia reached the innermost ward. Through the glass window, they saw a woman curled up on the bed with a rag doll.

“Zinnia, just wait here a sec,” Lydia said softly. Lydia, with Zinnia present, had carefully chosen a time when Bonnie was relatively stable, having checked beforehand.

“Okay,” Zinnia agreed obediently.

Lydia gently opened the door and stepped inside. “Mom,” she called softly, placing the baby's breath on the bedside table. The blue flowers softened the sterile white room.

Bonnie cradled the rag doll, gently patting its back. She murmured softly, “Don’t be afraid, Lydia. Your dad will be home soon. When he comes back, we’ll be together again.” She continued, “Sleep, my dear,” and then, “Lydia, I will always be here for you.”

Bonnie’s long hair spilled over her shoulders as she rested her head on the doll. Half her gaunt face still showed traces of her youthful beauty. Her eyes were glassy and unfocused, her gaze drifting as she muttered incoherently.

Lydia crouched in front of her and softly called, “Mom.”

Bonnie stirred slightly. Her vacant eyes flickered, her gaze sharpening as it settled on Lydia’s face.

Bonnie said, “Ly–Lydia, my daughter. My dear daughter.” She reached out to gently caress Lydia’s face. Over the years, Lydia had visited Bonnie whenever she could. Even as Bonnie’s memory faded, she still remembered Lydia’s name.

“Mom, it’s me.” Lydia cupped Bonnie’s face and nodded.

“Mom, my friend is here to see you. Let’s behave today, and I’ll give you a marshmallow, okay?” Lydia said softly, taking a marshmallow from her bag.

“Marshmallow,” Bonnie murmured, reaching out eagerly. Lydia gently placed the sweet in her hand. Lydia then quickly snatched the marshmallow and fed it to the rag doll.

“Here is a marshmallow, my dear. Mommy has a marshmallow for you. Eat it and stop crying, okay?” Bonnie cooed to the doll.

Lydia pressed her lips together. She felt warm; motherly love still shone through in Bonnie's dazed moments, even though Bonnie had lost her mind.

Seeing Bonnie’s attention was fully on the doll, Lydia quietly stood and opened the ward door.

“Zinnia, my mom isn’t doing too well. This is one of her rare stable moments. Let’s just see her briefly and leave, okay?” Lydia said gently.

Zinnia nodded. “Okay.”

After stepping into the ward, Zinnia’s gaze was immediately drawn to Bonnie. Bonnie was thin, with dry, yellow hair tangled messily. Her eyes were sunken and hollow, and her face gaunt. But Zinnia could see the resemblance between Lydia and Bonnie, except for their eyes—Zinnia guessed Lydia’s eyes must have come from her father.

“Hello, Ms. Hollis,” Zinnia greeted softly.

Bonnie remained absorbed in her own world, showing no reaction.

“She can’t hear anything from the outside world. She only recognizes me. The doctors diagnosed her with a mental disorder,” Lydia said.

“May I have a check?” Zinnia asked.

“Of course,” Lydia replied.

Zinnia handed the sunflowers to Lydia and tiptoed cautiously toward Bonnie. Bonnie kept feeding the rag doll, oblivious to Zinnia’s approach. Zinnia observed Bonnie’s reactions, finding them different from other psychiatric patients she had seen. Zinnia gently checked Bonnie, her brows knitting in concern.