“It means that you’re getting better. That’s good. Has anything happened to you, or has anyone appeared in your life recently? If you can find out what made you fall asleep, you will not have to take sleeping pills in the future.”
Hearing this, Cristofer said in a hurry, “She’s back.”
“Who?”
“My Star.”
Dr. Stewart was confused, “Star? Are you referring to the star in the sky or a person?”
“She is the woman I love the most in my life.”
Dr. Stewart showed an expression of dawning comprehension, saying, “She came back to you?”
“Yes and no,” Cristofer answered, “She has fallen in love with someone else. And last night, she took me as that man.”
“She took you as another man?”
“Yes,” Cristofer confirmed.
“And you accept that?” Dr. Stewart was stunned.
“Yes,” Cristofer said with a happy smile. “As long as I can stay with her, I will do anything.”
Hearing his words, Dr. Stewart couldn’t help but feel pity for him. “Mr. Hans, in psychology, any method that helps a patient alleviate their troubles is considered beneficial. If pretending to be someone else brings you happiness and improves your condition, then go ahead.”
“Alright,” Cristofer agreed. “Even if I can only be with her at night, I’m content with that. At least I can spend every night with her, and she won’t treat me indifferently as she did before.”
Dr. Stewart nodded and cautioned, “Mr. Hans, it’s important to be optimistic but also remain realistic. If the man she loves returns to her someday, she might choose to be with him.”
“That man has passed away and will never return.”
“I see.”
“But Dr. Stewart, I still feel a little sad,” Cristofer quickly said.
“Why?”
“Have you been to the top of Mount Cloud?”
Dr. Stewart shook her head and said, “No. I only know there is a golf course located halfway up the mountain. There are no scenic spots on the top of the mountain, so few people will go there. What’s wrong?”
“Could you do me a favor?”
“What can I do for you?”
“Go to the top of Mount Cloud and see what it looks like.”
“Why don’t you go there in person?” Dr. Stewart was confused.
“I dare not to go there,” Cristofer said.
“Because the way up the mountain is too dangerous?”
“No. Because I can’t bear the thought of that child being there, I’ll be sadder if I’m too close to her.”
Dr. Stewart was more puzzled. “Mr. Hans, what are you talking about? There is a child on the top of the mountain? How could it be? The mountain road is very dangerous and steep. How is it possible a child went there alone?
“I dreamed that there was a big tree on the top of the mountain, and I watched the sunrise there…” Cristofer explained, “I’ll draw them and show you. Just a minute.”
“Okay,” Dr. Stewart nodded and waited for him quietly.
Cristofer then quickly downloaded painting software.
In the past, Estelle didn’t like to use a tablet PC to draw design drawings and preferred sketching them. However, the professor required that the students hand in electronic forms of their homework. So, Cristofer always helped her turn her sketch into an electronic edition. Gradually, he was more proficient in using painting software than her.
It only took him a few minutes to finish drawing the picture on the tablet PC. In the picture was the top of the mountain. The ground was covered with gravel, and there was a big tree. Not far away was half a sun rising from the sea level.
“That’s it,” Cristofer said, showing Dr. Stewart the picture. “This is what the top of Mount Cloud looked like in my dream. I want you to help me check if it’s like this.”
Then he looked at his watch and continued, “It’s a quarter past five now. The sun will rise at about six o’clock. Could you please go there and check it for me now? I’ll call a chauffeur service for you.”
Staring at the picture on the screen, Dr. Stewart suddenly remembered something. “Mr. Hans, last time you told me that you dreamed of a huge tree with pinky-white flowers, right?”
“Yes.”
“Have you found it?”
“No.”
“Mr. Hans, it is very likely that what you saw in your dream doesn’t exist in reality. I can help you. But don’t get your hopes up too high because you may be disappointed. If the top of the mountain differs from your dream, I hope you can calmly accept it.”
Taking a deep breath, Cristofer nodded and said, “Okay. I see.”
“Okay,” Dr. Stewart quickly got up and said. “There is no time to lose. I’ll set off now. Wait for my news.”
****
It rained all night. The next day, when Estelle woke up, she found that she was lying on the big bed alone. The temperature was low in the morning, and she felt a little cold.
The air after the rain was fresh, and she smelled the faint scents of grass and soil in it. It was a lovely day, and the sun shone brightly through the big bed’s window.
Such a scene made Estelle feel a sense of familiarity, and she couldn’t help recalling the days that she had spent with Mr. Mysterious at the Grand Hotel of Hadale City.
When she was lost in thought, her phone suddenly rang. It was Rebecca who called.
“Estelle, you were sleeping so soundly. I’ve rang the doorbell for a long time, but no one has opened the door.”
Estelle rubbed her hair and said, “Just a moment. I’ll…” Before she finished her words, she realized that she was not in the hotel but in the Hans’ Residence.
“Rebecca, where are you now? Are you in the Grand Hotel of Hadale City?” she asked.
“Yes, I’m at the door of your room. Room 0826, right? I’m sure I didn’t go to the wrong room.”
“Well, I’m not in the hotel,” Estelle confessed.
“Oh, I see. Did you take the kids and Auntie Aurora out for breakfast? Where are you now? I’ll meet you there. I have super good news to tell you!” Rebecca said in an excited tone.
“What is it?” Estelle quickly asked, lowering her feet to the ground.
“Tell me where you are first! I’ll tell you the news face to face!” Rebecca said excitedly, “You will be very happy when you hear it!”
“I’m… at the Hans’ Residence.” Estelle felt a little embarrassed while saying this.
“The Hans’ Residence? You mean Cristofer’s house?” Rebecca asked with her voice full of disbelief and surprise.
“Yes.”
“Where are the children?”
“They are here too.”