Chapter 13
Janet meticulously cleaned her sister’s memorial tablet each morning before leaving home.
ད དམ པ 1:|:ཀྱིས པསྟས་
She opened her door to neighbors warmly greeting her.
Sunlight warming her skin, Janet managed a rare smile.
Though living abroad with Mom far from their homeland,
this scenic place with kind people had soothed their grief.
Yet her sister remained a piercing thorn in Janet’s heart.
Memories still made Janet’s mind go hazy.
A warm hand gently rested atop her head.
Janet looked up, meeting Mom’s tender gaze.
“Today I’m taking you to meet a guest.”
“A guest?”
Janet frowned. They’d deliberately sought anonymity here.
Who could possibly visit?
Mom maintained an air of mystery, ignoring Janet’s question.
They arrived at the town library they’d opened with their savings.
Before Janet could step inside, a figure rushed toward her.
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She barely glimpsed the person’s face
before being engulfed in a tight embrace.
My goodness! Janet?
You’ve grown into such a lovely young lady!
Don’t remember me? I held you as a baby!”
Janet struggled free, studying the elegant middle–aged woman.
Familiar features sparked recognition.
Auntie… Stephanie?”
Stephanie beamed, pinching Janet’s cheeks.
You’ve blossomed beautifully, our dear Janet!”
Janet flushed slightly.
Stephanie and Mom were childhood friends.
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After marrying and having children, they’d been neighbors.
Stephanie had always doted on Janet.
Her fragile health that allowed her to have only one child
eft her unable to conceive again.
Not having a daughter remained Stephanie’s deepest regret.
Young Janet and her sister often visited the Hernandez home.
Stephanie constantly joked about adopting both girls.
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Chapter 13
Stephanie’s son had been wonderfully protective too-
though perpetually stern–faced,
he’d shoulder blame whenever the three children misbehaved.
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Stephanie suddenly glanced around. “Janet, where’s your sister? I brought her favorite treats.”
Janet’s eyes instantly clouded with pain.
Swallowing hard, she noticed Mom’s eyes reddening.
She quietly stepped back.
“Auntie Stephanie…”
Janet’s voice cracked with restrained sorrow. “Please…. have a good talk
with Mom.”
Understanding flashed across Stephanie’s face.
She sighed softly, pulling Janet into another embrace
“My dear child
Don’t worry–I’ll stay here long–term now, keeping your mother company.
You may go?
Janel left her bookstore and hadul pone
when she heard arguing some mearby
Locals, a man and axoman an dispic
Chapter 13
The man pinned the woman against him forcibly.
She struggled while cursing and shouting.
Infuriated, the man raised his hand and slapped her hard.
