Chapter 80
As Celeste drove away from the equestrian center , she found herself unsure of where to go .
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Lottie and Matthias had their own plans , and while she considered going back to the Rodriguez residence , thought of returning alone without Jordyn made her hesitate – Betty would only grow more concerned for her .
These thoughts swirled in her mind as she passed a wetland park . Families were camping , couples were enjoying time together , and young adults were bringing their parents out for a relaxing day .
Seeing their happy , loving interactions , Celeste couldn’t help but feel a twinge of envy and an ache deep in her chest .
After driving for a while longer , she suddenly pulled over .
She picked up her phone , hesitating for a long moment before finally dialing a number .
When the call connected , she asked , “ Hello , Dr. Harrison . How is my mother doing ? ”
An hour and a half later , Celeste arrived at Harmony Nursing Home .
Standing in the courtyard , her gaze fell on a frail , vacant – looking Isabelle seated on a bench in the distance . Isabelle’s face was gaunt and hollow . It was a stark contrast to the vibrant , beautiful woman Celeste remembered from her childhood .
Even though Celeste had grown accustomed to this sight over the years , her heart still couldn’t find peace .
A soft voice broke her thoughts . “ She’s the same as always no change , ” Noah said .
Isabelle couldn’t be exposed to people from her past . Any such encounter would send her spiraling into another episode . Her current state of rare tranquility was something Celeste dared not disturb .
After a while , worried that Isabelle might notice her presence , Celeste quietly left the courtyard .
She walked farther away and said to Noah and the staff caring for Isabelle , “ I’ll leave Isabelle in your capable hands . ”
“ You’re too kind , Ms. Rodriguez . It’s our duty , ”
Through a glass window , Celeste stole another glance at Isabelle . After leaving behind some books and supplies she had brought for her , she left the nursing house .
Though her body had departed the nursing house , her heart remained heavy .
On her way back , Celeste passed the wetland park again .
Looking at the kites filling the sky , she impulsively turned her car around and drove into the park .
A gentle breeze caressed her face , the sunshine was warm , and the scenery was lovely .
But everyone around her seemed to have company – families , couples , or friends . Alone , she felt out of place .
As she stood by a small stall , debating whether to buy a kite for herself , a small hand suddenly grabbed her finger and shook it gently .
“ Ms. Rodriguez . ”
Celeste turned in surprise . “ Shanice ? ”
Shanice nodded slightly . She was still holding onto Celeste finger .
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“ Shanice
Beck approached , and his voice trailed off when he saw Celeste . After a brief pause , he asked , “ Are you here for some fun too ? ”
“ Yes , ” Celeste replied .
“ Did you bring Jo with you ? ”
Celeste lowered her gaze and said flatly ; “ No , I’m here alone . ”
Hearing this , Beck seemed to understand something and didn’t press further .
As she wasn’t particularly close with Beck , Celeste was about to excuse herself when Shanice looked up and said , Ms. Rodriguez , let’s fly a kite together . ”
Celeste gently declined . “ I can’t . I have something else to do . ”
Shanice’s face fell . “ Oh . ”
Beck said , “ Join us . It’s just the two of us here . ”
Sensing her hesitation , he added , “ I’ll just watch from the side and won’t bother you . Think of it as giving Shanice a playmate . ”
Celeste had always liked Shanice .
And she really didn’t want to be alone right now .
Hearing this , she finally agreed .
Together with Shanice , Celeste picked out a blue butterfly kite they both liked .
Celeste had experience flying kites from her outings with Jordyn . She was fairly skilled .
However , the kite they picked was larger than expected , and Shanice was too small to handle it .
Quickly , Beck stepped forward to help them manage it .
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Chapter 21