As Celeste drove away from the equestrian center, she found herself unsure of where to go.
Lottie and Matthias had their own plans, and while she considered returning to the Rodriguez residence, the thought of going back alone without Jordyn made her hesitate—Betty would only grow more concerned.
These thoughts swirled in her mind as she passed a wetland park. Families were camping, couples were enjoying their time together, and young adults were taking 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—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 could trigger another episode. Her rare state of tranquility was something Celeste dared not disturb.
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,” they replied.
Through a glass window, Celeste stole another glance at Isabelle. After leaving behind some books and supplies she had brought, she departed the nursing home.
Though her body had left the nursing home, 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, still holding onto Celeste’s finger.
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 and didn’t press further.
As she wasn’t particularly close with him, 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 right now, she really didn’t want to be alone.
Hearing this, she finally agreed.
Together, Celeste and Shanice picked out a blue butterfly kite they both liked.
Celeste had experience flying kites from outings with Jordyn and was fairly skilled.
However, the kite they chose 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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