"I understand you are busy, but remember, we work for a better life. Right now, you're a total slave to your academic research. Trying to get a hangout with you is harder than meeting the president of the USA," Jared spoke in a fatherly tone.
"Uncle, I hear you. But these years, you've been busier than me. Mom told me that you've moved your residence to your office, often forgetting to eat or sleep, pulling all-nighters. As a doctor, it's my duty to tell you that if you keep this up, your health is gonna take a hit sooner or later," Ryder responded in a typical doctor's tone.
Jared just chuckled, "Ha, now you're lecturing me, huh?"
"I just care about you."
"Alright, I get it. I'll explain things to your mom. You can't make it back for the holidays again."
"Thanks, Uncle."
As he was leaving, Ryder asked, "Uncle, how long do you plan on staying here?"
According to Jared's plan, he was only going to stay in Manhattan for three days.
But now...he had a change of heart.
Jared said, "This time, I plan on vacationing here for a while. I'll be staying at Wavesong Villa, you can drop by anytime."
Ryder didn't say anything.
After leaving the hospital, Jared returned to the villa.
It was a house he bought here several years ago.
Located right by the river, it boasted stunning views.
Jared's idea when buying this house was to sometimes bring Agnes here for vacations.
But to his surprise, she never came.
Upon returning to the house, Jared felt it was so empty.
He tossed his coat on the couch and plopped down, exhausted, rubbing his nose bridge.
The image that came to mind was the profile he saw in the car at noon.
In fact, Jared was not certain at all.
He was just stunned at the sight.
Was that person really her?
It had been four years. She had disappeared for four years.
Jared closed his eyes, the scene from that night four years ago resurfaced in his mind.
Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: Heartstrings on Fire