Chapter 44
Chapter 44: Emptying Oneself
Inside the classroom, several students were busy gathering their belongings George picked up his backpack, smiling warmly as he exited the room with the group. A girl caught one of the departing students and asked, “Where are you all beaded?”
The student replied shyly, Mr. George is taking us to paint
She had intentionally swapped shifts with Emma that morning to get closer to George. But now, this??
Frustrated her expression hardened as she watched the students follow George, ignoring her
The most notable landmark in Maplewond Village was an old church Dressed casually, Emma arrived at the church, which was said to be over a thousand years old. The weathered red walls were draped in by, and towering trees surrounded the area, dotted with a meadow of wildflowers. It was a breathtaking sight, an untouched paradise preserving its natural beauty
Just as she approached the church, her phone rang. “Dad, how are you doing?”
Since the arrived, she had called home several times, but the conversations were often brief. Here, however, the cell service was surprisingly good
“Emma, your mother and I are well How are you adjusting to life out west? Is it too rough?
Emma replied with enthusiasm, “Dad, I’m great! My spirit feels uplifted being close to nature in its purest form. I’m embracing simplicity and experiencing
life’s true essence!”
Her father could sense her genuine happiness even through the phone. “You’ve always given us little to worry about. By the way, David came by the day you left.”
Emma frowned. What did he come over for?
Somehow, a handful of purple and white wildflowers had found their way into her hands. She held them close, inhaling their sweet, fresh scent–it reminded
her of the mountains.
“He didn’t do much, just like when you were in school, Remember how he used to walk you home? He had dinner with your mother and me. He mentioned he just got back in town and wanted to see his Uncle Johnson”
Hearing her father speak fondly of David made Emma uneasy. He had always favored David, even joking that if Emma didn’t find someone she liked, He might consider David
With this in mind, Emma felt a headache coming on. “Dad, tell him not to come here anymore. Did you accept his gifts?”
Her father, being the type he was, how could he not bring a gift? Emma had suspected it but still asked.
“You guessed right. He came by twice and brought expensive gifts both times. I didn’t accept them, but your mother did and even invited him to stay for
Emma was exasperated. “What does Mom mean?
“Dad! Don’t let him come again, and tell Mom not to accept gifts from strangers. If she wants something. I’ll help her buy it when I return. Don’t take anything from David, and keep your distance from him!
Emma rubbed her temples, exasperated by her mother’s long–standing habit of loving bargains.
I keep an eye on it. If you need anything out west, you must contact me. You’ve traveled so far alone; there’s no one around to help, and I’m worried.”
“Dad, don’t worry. My colleagues in the medical team can support each other. There’s nothing to fret about. I’ll call you back in two days.”
“Okay”
This hill had a strong signal, and she received several messages in quick succession. They were all from Lisa. She clicked on the photos, revealing a picture of David and Lisa in her studio. Emma’s face twitched–Lisa had involved David in her business!
“Hey Emma, did you see? I’ve talked to David. He’s now a major shareholder in my studio”
“Emma, where have you been? You don’t reply to my messages, and your phone is unreachable. Is there a signal problem?”
THEY
Emma‘ Did you get my messages?”
“Emma, there’s some gossip at work. I hesitate to tell you–I’m afraid you might not handle it well.
[if you hear any rumors about Luc, stay calm. Things might not be as they seem. You can ask him directly when you return. Don’t blindly trust anyone, and remember, I’m always here for you, sister]
Lisa was worned that Emma would hear about Luc Taylor’s affair through her gossiping coworkers. She wanted to help Emma confront him but held back, fearing it might complicate things further.
Ergma read through each message–so the rumors about Luc and his new girlfriend were already circulating at the hospital? The news was spreading
quickly. She had warned Luc about colleagues being at the airport and asked him to be cautious, but she doubted he would listen. She hadn’t expected
the news to spread so fast.
If Luc had finalized the divorce earlier, at least she wouldn’t be thrust into the spotlight. Now she had to deal with these annoyances upon her return–it. would be better not to come back at all. The coworkers at the hospital were probably looking forward to her return, eager to see how she would handle it.
She took out her phone and replied to Lisa’s message on Instagram: I’m okay. The signal here isn’t steady. I know about Luc’s situation. We’ll discuss everything when I’m back 1
[You shouldn’t go looking for Luc either. I saw at the airport that day. That was his friend picking him up, and he was seen by colleagues. Those gossipy coworkers exaggerated the story in the office. For details, wait until I’m back to deal with it. Also, please tell David not to come to my house again, I’l calculate the total cost of the gifts he gave my parents and return it to him in cash. Please ask him to keep his distance from my parents in the future!]
After sending the message, she gazed up at the vast sky and open fields and let out a scream, releasing all the pent–up frustration from her chest!
The sun was p
particularly warm that day. Unbeknownst to her, she had wandered into a pristine meadow. The swaying wildflowers around her were
enchanting. It was easy to forget her worries amidst such beauty, lifting her spirits. She found a quiet spot, lay down on the grass, rested her hands under her head, and gazed up at the drifting clouds and soaring birds…
She played a song on her phone. Is There a Song That Reminds You of Me,” listening to the melody while enjoying the beautiful scenery, her mind and body achieving a moment of peace.
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