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.”

why do you call us Mr. and Mrs. Thompson? You should call us aunt

aback, her voice choked.

choose to be anyone’s daughter, but you made the right choice in

eyes welled up with tears, and a

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

“Aunt…” Renee uttered.

her tears away, though her own face was wet. “It’s Melvin who is

first time since arriving at the Thompson residence, she smiled without the weight of burdens on

The Thompson residence was just ahead, but he noticed Lina’s footsteps slowing down and her gaze cast downward. Though he couldn’t see her face clearly, he understood the conflicting emotions

to reach Melissa. Even when they managed to connect for a brief moment,

create distance, but to Lina, it felt as had showered her with love since childhood, had suddenly cast all that

and subtly noticed the

constricted, and he squatted in front of her, turning his head to smile at her. “Are

Lina was taken aback.

“I used to carry you every day when

his broad back, she felt as if everything was

up from this dream, she would still be in her home in Jangasas. Melissa would make her fried chicken in the kitchen, while

and her mom catching him

home, that

its luxurious courtyard felt like a world

hop on Zuko’s back. Instead, she walked

sighed as he watched her stubborn back, feeling a

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