Linda found herself walking on an endless road, surrounded by darkness on both sides. As she searched for the only source of light, she heard the sound of ocean waves and faint calls of “Mommy, mommy…”

Her heart raced as she caught sight of a little girl running toward her with open arms, resembling a bird in flight. “Pammy!” she cried out, rushing forward. But as she reached out, she stepped into emptiness and let out a scream.

Linda abruptly woke up, realizing she was in her own bed at home. Their family doctors and a teary-eyed Nicholas surrounded her, holding her hands tightly.

Struggling to speak, she managed to call out to him, “Nic…”

“I know.” He choked. “Zen told me everything.”

Linda’s eyes filled with sadness and resentment. “We won’t… forgive him!”

“I know.” He nodded. “Don’t worry. I’ll handle it.”

“Where’s our daughter?”

Before Nicholas could respond, there was a soft knock on the door, and Renee entered the room.

Their expressions changed upon seeing her, but Renee remained calm. She had been waiting for this day, relieved that the burden in her heart had finally been lifted.

Renee knelt before them, causing them to be momentarily shocked before feeling a pang and wanting to help her up. But the determined girl insisted on kneeling.

“I’m sorry, Mr. and Mrs. Thompson.” Renee spoke softly but heavily. “I should have told the truth from the start, but I was too afraid… I know I was selfish. You might have reunited with your daughter if it wasn’t for me. It’s my fault. I’m truly sorry…”

“Why would we blame you, you silly goose!” Linda mustered the strength to sit up, and Nicholas helped her. He also helped Renee to her feet. “If not for you, we might have been deceived forever.”

us Mr. and Mrs. Thompson? You should call us

was taken aback, her voice choked. “But… I’m Melvin’s

you

and a twitch appeared

her tears. “Now I understand why you kept your distance from us.” She smiled through her own tears. “and why you refused to

“Aunt…” Renee uttered.

good kid.” Linda wiped her tears away, though her own face

for the first time since arriving at the Thompson

just ahead, but he noticed Lina’s footsteps slowing down and her gaze cast downward. Though he couldn’t see her face clearly,

to reach Melissa. Even when they managed to connect for a brief moment, it seemed Melissa was avoiding conversation and would hang

Melissa was trying to create distance, but to Lina, it felt as had showered her with love since childhood, had suddenly cast

subtly noticed the

constricted, and he squatted in front of her, turning his head

Lina was taken aback.

hop on!” Zuko smiled. “I used

corner of her shirt. Watching his broad back, she felt as if

still be in her home in Jangasas. Melissa would make her fried chicken in

sneaking a smoke in the alley and her mom

was her home, that was

luxurious courtyard felt like a world apart from her own

not to hop on Zuko’s back. Instead, she walked around him and headed straight

her stubborn back, feeling a sense of

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