d no other option. I truly believed nothing like this would ever happen. I didn't know where that man

nfusion and sorrow. He listened as his wif

ant. "Eventually, I forgot everything about him-until now. And I have t

ed up at her husband, her

d will turn twenty

t his conditions back then, Rose? Why?" h

survived, it wouldn't have changed anything. Please try to understand, dear. I'm finally lifting this heavy

ssion. She shook her head slowly, her messy bun loosening and a soft curl

t the time to speak to Hildegard. Her ins

cked and her tongue was tied by an invisible force. After a long silence, s

t sleep, s

kly ahead before they fluttered cl

-

gs this instant-we're leaving

rough the early morning

beneath her blanket. "Where are we going at this

he pillow ov

y!" Rose snapped

ying out of bed. "What abou

"Now get ready. We'll expl

Hildegard mumbled, dragging

hey were ready to leave. Hildegard stood at the doorway, ta

say goodbye to her frie

then turned to her parents. She sighed heavily

-

ep. When the vehicle finally stopped, the s

er her eyes. Slowly, she opened them,

ted trousers and cropped hoodie catching the br

mouth dro

nestled within a lush, gated estate. It shimm

re are we?" she br

xchanged a se

Dave whispered to Rose.

led, "are you going to keep s

to them. "Mum... Dad... again, whe

r, "we're in California. This house-and everything in it-belongs to your mother an

n to come here until now. But now

what do you mean? This is so sudd

, cutting her off. "This is our decision. We're

friends-we'll figure everything out l

other to her father, trying to find some hint of

est ti

s no goi

pered. "Yes, Mum

red medium-sized ecolag and slung her black school bag ove

she thought after a while

interior-ornate chandeliers, marble floors, and stai

to herself, Just breathe, Hilde. Ev