<b>Chapter </b><b>427</b>


    Her <b>eyes </b>softened a bit. “And you? How’s your depression?”


    “<b>I’m </b><b>off </b>the meds now.”


    I offered a smile, “A friend in France rmended a psychologist, and I’ve been working with them for the past couple of years. It’s been pretty effective.”


    At least now, even when I recall the past or encounter people from those days, I don’t panic, tremble, or think about suicide anymore. Back in RiverCity, even after bumping into Bryant at the hotel without any warning, I’ve managed to keep my sleep pretty decent.


    “That’s good to hear.”


    Edith breathed a sigh of relief, ncing at the time, “I should head to the airport soon. I’ll find the right moment to exin things to him, give him a heads up.”


    She stood up, gesturing towards the room where Ike was, with a helpless expression, “As for my son, I’m afraid he’s going to be a bit of a bother for you. Gregory just doesn’t have the patience.”


    “It’s no trouble at all, I like kids.”


    I chuckled as I walked her to the door, “Ike’s still at home, so I’ll say goodbye


    here.”


    Edith winked at me, “Ike really likes you. If you could be his aunt, he’d be thrilled.”


    I cleared my throat, not picking up the thread, just saying, “Safe travels, and let me know when you’vended.”


    She gave me an “OK” sign, then strutted off, pulling her suitcases behind her.


    As soon as I closed the door, Ike popped his head out from his room, looking around, “Where’s mommy?”


    ‘She’s left.”Ccontent ? exclusive by N?/vel(D)ra/ma.Org.


    I couldn’t help butugh. Edith, always so carefree, didn’t even say goodbye to


    <b>1/3</b>


    <b>Ike </b><b>before </b><b>her </b><b>trip</b>.


    <b>Ike</b><b>, </b><b>used </b><b>to </b>it by now, just shrugged. “She’s always like this.”


    <b>I picked </b>him up,forting him, “But she’ll send us a message when shends<b>, </b>okay<b>?</b><b>”</b>


    “Okay then, Ike forgives her!”


    His voice was soft and cuddly as he nestled into my shoulder, “Jane, are you done with your work? Can you help Ike with the puzzle? The one Uncle got is superplicated.”


    Sitting down on the carpet with him, I nced at the puzzle instructions.


    Wow. An adult puzzle for such a little guy. Talk aboutcking patience, even the gifts were so thoughtless.


    But Ike, bless him, wasn’t bothered at all and had already managed to put together a corner.


    I smiled, “Sure, let’s do the puzzle together.”


    The design process for Be’s gown was surprisingly smooth; we weren’t in a hurry. Somehow, thinking of designing for her sparked a lot of inspiration in me. Can’t quite put my finger on why.


    Outside, the sunset painted the sky in brilliant colors of a summer evening. Ike and I, in perfect harmony, worked on the puzzle on the carpet.


    My phone suddenly rang. I paused, sitting up to check the caller ID, and answered with a smile, “Hey, what’s up?”


    It was Mark on the line.


    With augh in his voice, Mark asked warmly, “Are you staying at a hotel or…<b>?</b><b>” </b>“Youing to Vista Town?”


    I was a bit surprised, then added, “I’m not at a hotel, at home.”


    Mark sounded puzzled, “You have a ce in Vista Town?”


    “Yeah, a friend gave it to me.”


    I didn’t borate, just asked with a smile, “What’s up, you need something?”


    012


    Mark chuckled, “Can you send me your location?”


    “Sure thing.”


    I quickly sent him my location along with the apartment number, “When are you arriving in Vista Town?”


    “Actually, I’ve got a surprise for you.”


    “A surprise? What kind of surprise?”


    “You’ll see when I get there.”


    <b>11</b>


    After a brief silence, probably checking his GPS, Mark said, “I’ll be there in about twenty minutes.”