"Sara, what are you doing?" Lilian had just returned from work from the United Nations Bureau. She walked into Sara's room with a wide smile plastered on her face.
Sara was sitting on the bed, knitting a sweater meticulously with a serious expression. She raised her head upon hearing Lilian's voice.
"I'm knitting a sweater for Jenna's child. I haven't had the chance to see my little grandchild yet. I want to go back to A City," Sara answered, but she did not stop what she was doing. Her fingers were nimble as she worked furiously to finish knitting the sweater.
"Sara, why must you knit the sweater yourself? You can easily buy a sweater anywhere." Lilian felt that she was too hard on herself and did not want her to bother herself with some mere trifle. Upon saying that, she asked, "Did the instructor urge you to complete your training today?"
Her tone was dead serious when she asked the question.
Remaining immobilized in a wheelchair for a long time without sufficient exercise was detrimental to a person's health. Hence, she attached a limb prosthesis to what was left of her limb and hired an instructor to curate an exercise routine for her condition.
Not only that, but Lilian also invited some psychologists to come over and conduct psychotherapy to help her overcome her demons. Besides, she accompanied her all the time and would talk to her about her life. She described the exasperation and the struggles that she had faced before in life. Every day, she would wriggle out of appointments with clients so that she can stay by her side as much as possible.
Thanks to her efforts, Sara began to adopt a more positive outlook in life and became happier as time passed. She was near recovery but her longing and concern for Jenna would often make her feel agitated and withdrawn.
Initially, this was what Lilian feared the most. However, now that they had news of Jenna, she could finally be at ease. Relief washed over her and a smile of pleasure never left her face.
"Sara, don't knit anymore. Come, let me bring you outside for a walk." The nanny told Lilian that Sara insisted on knitting for hours every day and barely had time to do anything else. Her heart went out to her when she heard it.
Sara knew that there was no room for objection. She could only put down the sweater in her hands and say, "I can walk there on my own. You don't need to push the wheelchair."
If she disregarded her identity, Lilian was actually in her seventies. She had been helping to push her wheelchair for the past few days. To be honest, Sara felt sorry. Hence, now that her condition had improved, she insisted on walking by herself.
"Okay, I will help you then." Sara's eagerness really cheered Lilian up. She recalled the times when she just moved over here. Sara seldom smiled and always wanted to return to A City. At first, she still spoke to her but once she knew of their relationship, she assumed an air of indifference and paid no heed to her. She was cold and distant.
Lilian knew that she could not force her to accept her. Hence, she took her time to prove her sincerity. Eventually, Sara had started to accept her presence. Although she still did not call her 'Mom', she had already accepted her identity as her mother.
The security was strict outside the villa. Lots of policemen dressed casually were in sight. The international agents stood upright as they guarded the premise, emitting a formidable aura.
Lilian supported Sara carefully as she leaned against her walking cane. They were engulfed in the beauty of the sun which was setting over the horizon. The golden orange hue stretched far and wide. It was the color of fire hearths and tangerines.
"Sara, Jenna will return to A City from Srirano next week. If you wish to go back, then I'll accompany you." Lilian gazed at the sun setting over the horizon. Her voice was light and soft.
As Sara got along with Lilian, she realized how precious her mother's love for her was and started to cherish it. She appreciated their relationship.
In fact, she started to learn about her struggles after living with her for a year. When there was a lot to do, Lilian had to work late into the night despite already being in her seventies.
"Madam Lilian, you are so busy. You can just send someone to accompany me." Sara thought for a while before she answered.
"Sara, are you still refusing to live with me?" A wave of loneliness washed over Lilian when she heard Sara rejecting her offer. Looking pretty downcast, she asked in a soft voice.
Both of them shared a kind of connection.
Sara sensed how lonely Lilian was feeling right away. Lilian never put on airs when she was with her. Instead, she was always cautious with her words, afraid that she would hit a raw nerve.
Sara came to a halt. Her mouth opened and closed, without making a sound. She was at a loss about how to respond.
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