Chapter 14
I caught the first train back to my hometown. Got there and rushed straight to Millbrook General Hospital. Ms. Johnson looked so much smaller.[]
“Lung cancer, stage four.” The doctor said.[]
I felt like my world collapsed.[]
“Ms. Johnson…” I held her hand, tears streaming.[]
“Silly girl, why are you crying.” She touched my head. “Everyone’s time comes eventually.“[]
“No, Ms. Johnson will get better. I have money now–we’ll go to the best hospitals, find the best doctors!”
“Ms. Johnson’s lived long enough.“|
“Listen to me,” she took a shaky breath.[]
“My proudest achievement in life was raising you. Watching you get into college, watching you find your birth parents–I’m satisfied.“[]
I cried so hard I couldn’t speak.[]
“Promise me,” she gripped my hand tight, “live well. Live for yourself.“[]
I nodded frantically.]]
“And,” she smiled weakly, “if the Whitmores really cares about you, forgive them. Life’s too short for regrets.“[]
I stayed with Ms. Johnson for a month.[]
During that time, the Whitmores visited several times.]
Mom brought supplements, Dad arranged specialist consultations, Mason booked a whole VIP floor.[]
Ms. Johnson was thrilled. “Raven’s family treats her so well.“]
I didn’t tell her the real story.]
Early May, Ms. Johnson passed away.[]
She went peacefully in her sleep.
I arranged her funeral. Not many people came–just some old neighbors.[]
And all the Whitmores.[]
Mason held me steady, Mom cried with me, Dad sat in his wheelchair sighing.
At the burial, it was raining.]
I knelt at her grave and kowtowed three times.[]
“Ms. Johnson, I don’t have a home anymore.”
The wind blew, like Ms. Johnson was saying: Silly girl, stand up.
After Ms. Johnson died, I got sick–laid up in the hospital for three days.[
When I woke up, Mom was by my bed.
Her eyes were red and swollen–she’d bbviously been crying []
“You’re awake?” She grabbed my hand, looking relieved. “Hungry? What do you want to eat?“]}
I shook my head.]
“Raven,” her voice cracked, “I’m sorry. Moruny came too late.“]
I knew she didn’t just mean this time.
Chapter 14
“If… if we’d found you sooner, you wouldn’t have suffered so much.“[]
I closed my eyes, not wanting to listen.[]
once?”
“Raven,” she asked carefully, “can you call me Mom? Just once?”
I opened my eyes, seeing the hope in hers.[]
“I can’t.“]
Her tears fell.]
“I’m sorry.” I said.
“No, it’s Mommy who should be sorry.” She wiped her eyes. “Mommy failed to protect you.“[]
After getting out of the hospital, I rented a small apartment near campus.[]
One bedroom, tiny, but it was mine.]]
The Whitmores visited regularly, bringing food and supplies.[]
didn’t refuse, but I didn’t get close either.]]
We kept this careful distance.]
June, finals again. I got first place again.[]
Mason took me to dinner to celebrate.[]
At the restaurant, he said: “Mom and Dad want to throw you a party.“[]
“Don’t
need it.”
“Just family. No outsiders.”
I thought about it: “Whatever.“]]
That night the Whitmores prepared a huge spread.[]
All my favorite foods.
When they’d researched my tastes? I had no idea.[]
Dad raised his glass: “To Raven’s excellent grades.“]
Everyone toasted. I took a symbolic sip.[]
“Raven,” Mom asked tentatively, “any summer plans?“]]
“Writing, making money.”
“How about… coming on vacation with us?” Dad suggested. “The beach, to relax.“]
1 shook my head: “Not going.“],
Awkward silence.
Mason changed the subject: “Heard your new story’s doing well?”
“Not bad.”
“When can we read it?“]
“It’s already finished. You can find it online. ”
He pulled out his phone to search, then froze{]
Back Home?” He looked at me.
“Yeah.
Chapter 14
He silently read the summary, eyes getting red.]]
A story about a girl searching for home.]]
In the end, she realizes home isn’t about blood or buildings, but about people who truly love you.[]
