Chapter 9.
After five years away from my homeland, due to some coincidences, I decided to return.
The first thing after returning was to pay respects to my mother, to let her know I was doing well.
I also wanted to see family and friends back home, catch up, and resolve some unfinished business.
After all, I had left in such a hurry that many people only found out much later that I’d gone abroad.
Thomas and I returned to the city I once knew so well, to a place filled with memories.
The scenery remained unchanged, but my feelings were entirely different.
I brought Thomas to the cemetery outside the city.
It had been renovated, surrounded by lush trees, creating a serene environment.
Mother’s tombstone was situated on the quietest hillside in the cemetery.
Following my memory, I led Thomas inside, but when I saw the familiar slope, I was stunned.
Someone had planted white magnolias all around it–my mother’s favorite flower when she was alive. The pristine white blossoms surrounded the tombstone. A tall oak tree shielded the grave from harsh sunlight. “Did someone build this for your mother?” Thomas noticed my confusion and asked softly.
I didn’t know. I truly didn’t know.
I never imagined anyone would maintain mother’s grave so meticulously.
But after the initial confusion, I thought of one person–it couldn’t have been anyone else.
With questions in mind, I walked closer.
A photo of mother had been added to the tombstone–in it, she smiled kindly, as if she had never known life’s hardships.
Fresh fruits and incense were placed before the memorial tablet, clearly showing someone visited regularly to pay respects.
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Run from Your Killing Lies Leave You to Suffer ForquIOR
Chapter 9
Grief welled up from within me. I had no interest in whoever had done these self–serving things, and simply took out the photos I’d taken during my travels over the years, showing them to mother one
by one.
I told her where I’d been, whom I’d met, and what had happened.
I told her I was doing well, that she shouldn’t worry.
I also introduced Thomas to her, so her spirit could be happy for me.
Just then, a familiar voice sounded behind me: “Rowan.”
I turned around and saw Mason.
He stood not far away, holding a bunch of white magnolias. He still stood tall, but was much thinner
than before.
His hair had started graying, and new wrinkles lined his forehead. Clearly, these years hadn’t been easy for him.
“You’re back,” I said flatly, my tone revealing nothing.
It was obvious Mason had been visiting Mom regularly over the years, but I really had nothing to
say to him.
If not for him, Mom and I might not be separated by life and death today. I found it hard to show him any kindness.
“Rowan, have you been well?” He approached and asked softly:
“All these years, I couldn’t find you. Did you know how much I missed you?”
“I’ve been very well, thank you.”
After answering, I put the last photo back in my bag.
In the photo, Thomas and I leaned against each other, smiling brightly.
“Rowan, can we go back to how we were? Give me one chance to make up for my mistakes.”
Mason looked at me, his eyes full of hope.
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Run from Your Killing Lies. Leave You to Suffer Forever
5.8%
Chapter 9
I shook my head firmly and said:
“No, Mason. From the moment you deceived me, from the moment my mother passed away, wie
were already over.”
“Besides, I’ve found someone I care for.” I turned toward Thomas, who stood nearby, silently
supporting me.
“This is my boyfriend, Thomas,” I introduced.
Mason looked at Thomas, surprise and disappointment flashing in his eyes.
He understood that no matter what he did, there was absolutely no possibility for us anymore.
“Rowan, I wish you happiness.” After saying this, Mason turned and left the memorial hall.
I watched his retreating figure, feeling no ripple in my heart.
Thomas came to my side and gently embraced me:
“Rowan, the past is behind us. The future is what matters most. I’ll be with you, walking forward
together.”
I leaned into his embrace, feeling his warmth.
I knew I had made the right choice.
Looking again at mother’s memorial tablet, my heart filled with gratitude.
If her spirit is watching over me, she probably won’t worry about me anymore.
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