Chapter 101.

It was the final detail in an image that never stopped moving.A week later, I had a chance to meet Sister Claire's descendant, Darlene Bidwell. I wasn't sure how I got invited—perhaps she wanted to know who else knew her grandmother—but I accepted the invitation nonetheless, excited to learn more about my subject and her life outside of art. Darlene sat on the edge of the couch, swinging her legs like a little girl, while I perched uncomfortably in the chair across from her."So you think she might still be alive?" Darlene asked with a puzzled look. "Even though it was written all over the papers and everything."I shrugged. "The records aren't exact," I replied, wishing I didn't sound quite so vague. "Besides, there were many theories as to what happened to Sister Claire, but no one has actually seen her for several years. She may have gone underground after her escape, or maybe she was spotted at some point...but we don't really know."Darl

Last Updated : 2023-08-06

Chapter 102.

Darlene got up from the table and grabbed the journal again, pulling me away from the chair. I didn't want to go; there were so many questions left unanswered, so many mysteries surrounding her disappearance, but she dragged me back upstairs anyway. She pulled me into the room where her mother kept the rest of Sister Claire's things—her mementos and keepsakes, tucked away in storage with no real place in this world—and closed the door behind us. The only light came from a dim lamp on the nightstand, casting shadows along the wall and floor like dark storm clouds.Darlene had already told me about what she'd found inside her mother's old diary, how she'd read every last entry that she could find, trying to glean something of meaning from the words. She'd gone over it with me repeatedly during our dinner at the diner, telling me everything she knew about Sister Claire's life, both as a nun and an artist.But now Darlene sat down on the edge of the bed and placed

Last Updated : 2023-08-07

Chapter 103.

"It wouldn't have changed anything," Darlene said. "She was already gone by then. I went to visit her body one last time... and I'll never forget what I saw. It wasn't my mother lying there, but someone else." She paused for a moment, gathering herself, then let out a soft breath. "This is where I came when I needed to be alone with her. But it's not like we can talk back here."I frowned, moving my hand across the ground to wrap my fingers around hers. "You still don't remember anything? The night she died?"Darlene shook her head. "No. I told you before. I lost consciousness before then, and when I woke up...""Yeah," I whispered. "You were in your car, outside the old church.""But not Sister Claire."She turned away from the gravestone, letting go of my hand and placing the flashlight down next to her feet. Then she wrapped both arms around her stomach, curling into herself and looking more vulnerable than ever before. Her scarf fell against the ground,

Last Updated : 2023-08-08

Chapter 104

I helped her out, chopping some vegetables for a salad while she cooked the eggs and bacon. We ate together at the table, enjoying our meal and each other's company. Then we took a walk through the park, holding hands as we walked along the path that wound through the trees.It was nice to just spend time with Darlene. I felt like I was falling in love with her all over again. She was beautiful and kind, and I couldn't imagine life without her.We went home after lunch, spending the rest of the afternoon relaxing in front of the television. We were watching a movie when Darlene turned to me, taking my hand in hers as she spoke."Ben?" she asked.I looked over at her. "Yeah?""Do you think we could go out tonight?" she asked. "To dinner, or something?""Sure," I replied. "What did you have in mind?""I don't know," she said. "Maybe we could go somewhere nice.""Like where?""I don't know... someplace romantic."I smiled. "I'd love to

Last Updated : 2023-08-09

Chapter 105.

She asked what was wrong, and I told her that we didn't have enough money to pay the rent next month. She asked if we could sell the apartment and move somewhere else, but I said no. I explained that if we sold it, we wouldn't be able to afford to buy a new one. She said we could find something cheaper, but I knew she was right. So instead, I suggested we get a second job. Darlene said it would be difficult, but she agreed to do it anyway. That night, we went out and looked for work. It was hard, but eventually, we found something. We started working at a bar, serving drinks and making tips. We had to work late nights, but it paid well enough to cover our bills. It wasn't easy, but we did it. After a few months, we were able to pay off all of our debts and save some money. Once everything was settled, we decided to go back to the apartment. But when we got th

Last Updated : 2023-08-10

Chapter 106.

Darlene wasn’t feeling the part like everyone else. She was fading out. “You okay Darl” he said as he reached out to touch her shoulder.She brushed his hand away. She was embarrassed at how much she was shaking. She didn't want him to see her like this. "Yeah, I'm fine." She said in a quiet voice.He turned around and faced her. He saw that her face was red with embarrassment. Her eyes were closed tight."I'm sorry," he whispered. He leaned forward and kissed her forehead. The kiss lingered there for a few seconds. Then he moved away."Don't be sorry." She said, opening her eyes. "It's just... you know...""You don't have to explain it to me." He smiled as he placed his hands on her shoulders. "If I were you, I would feel the same way."She felt better after hearing those words. But she still wanted him. And now she knew what she had to do.***After they left the mall, Darlene asked Tom if he wanted to go somewhere and get

Last Updated : 2023-08-11