Chapter 95

Driving away from the stables, Charlene was at a loss for where to go next. Connie and Stewart were preoccupied with their own affairs. She considered coming to the Ross estate, but with Jasmine away, doing so there alone would only alarm the grandmother... As she considered her alternatives, she drove past a wetland park crowded with families camping and young adults out with their parents enjoying a day in the sun. Charlene felt a mixture of envy and melancholy as she observed the loving couples and happy families. After a period of driving, she suddenly pulled over and called a number on her phone, hesitating before making the call. "Hello, how's my mother doing?" She inquired as the call connected. One hour and a half later.

Harmony Health Retreat. Charlene stood in the courtyard and saw Sybil Ross from a distance. Her mother sat on a chair, looking lifeless and fragile, in sharp contrast to the vibrant lady she remembered from childhood. Despite becoming accustomed to the sight, Charlene's heart ached. "The same as always, no change," the director said quietly after a while. Sybil was unable to communicate with people from her past without risking relapse into chaos. Charlene didn't want to disturb her when she was in such a rare moment of tranquility. Charlene carefully fled the courtyard after a little pause, fearing Sybil would notice her. She walked out, thanking the director and the workers that cared for her mother. "Ms. Ross, it's our duty," they said.

Charlene left the retreat with a heavy heart after one last look through the glass, leaving some books and personal belongings for Sybil. On her way back, she passed the wetland park again, and the sight of kites in the sky persuaded her to turn around and go inside. The park was breezy and sunny, providing a magnificent scene. However, being alone in a crowd made her feel out of place. She was thinking about buying a kite when she was abruptly approached by a small hand tugging on her fingers. "Lady." Charlene looked down, surprised to see Daisy nodding but not releasing her grip. "Daisy—" Granger appeared, paused to see Charlene, and then approached. "Are you here for some fun too?" "Yeah." "Did you come with Minnie?"

Looking down, Charlene's voice was quiet. "No, just me." Granger fell silent for a little period as she realized her circumstances. Daisy smiled up at Charlene and said, "Lady, let's fly a kite together." Charlene pondered leaving because her and Granger's acquaintance was fairly superficial. "Can't, sweetie." "I have other things to do," Charlene politely rejected. Daisy's face fell. "Oh..." Granger interjected. "Why don't you join us? It's only the two of us." He appeared to anticipate her thoughts, saying, "I'll merely watch over. It's like giving Daisy a new companion. "Charlene did like Daisy quite a bit. *And, well... She did not want to be alone at the moment. When she heard this, she did not say no. They chose a kite and a blue butterfly, both of which were their favorites. Charlene had some kite experience, having flown them on previous occasions with Jasmine. However, the kite they chose this time was a little huge and difficult for Daisy to hold on her own. Granger moved in quietly to help, allowing for an unexpected moment of intimacy.