When the news reported that Leland Burns had died, she felt a bit sad. She thought it was such a pity that someone so young and successful like Leland Burns had passed away.
She didn’t dwell much on the mistakes Leland Burns had made. To her, he was someone she knew, her employer, someone who had helped her before. Because of these connections, she indeed felt sorrow for his death.
Mrs. Protich was a particularly simple person, not one to think too deeply about complex matters. Seeing the living Leland Burns, she instinctively wondered if he had come back to life.
“Mr. Burns, you didn’t die?” She had so many questions she wanted to ask. She wanted to know if Leland Burns had truly committed those crimes to end up in prison. She wanted to ask why the news reported he was dead and how he managed to get out of prison. She also wanted to know why the two camellia trees in the yard were cut down.
“I brought you here to ask about Winifred Dawson.”
Mrs. Protich felt a lump in her throat. She knew that part of the reason Leland Burns went to prison was because of Winifred Dawson. Today, she had placed all her hopes on Henry and Wesley, never expecting they would bring her to see Leland Burns.
Winifred Dawson hated Leland Burns; there was animosity between them. Winifred Dawson had sent Leland Burns to prison, and given his character, he would surely seek revenge against her.
Asking Leland Burns to find Winifred Dawson was like sending a lamb into a wolf’s den.
For a moment, Mrs. Protich thought of many things. She was not good at hiding anything; whatever she thought in her heart would show on her face. Facing the deeply calculating Leland Burns, there was no way she could escape his scrutiny.
Mrs. Protich replied, “I don’t have any information about Miss Dawson either. Mr. Burns, whatever you want to know, I will tell you everything I know.”
“When Winifred Dawson left, what did she say to you?” Leland Burns stood in front of her, his back to the light source, making his handsome face appear extremely gloomy. He was very tall-Mrs. Protich stood at 1. 6 meters while Leland Burns was 1. 9 meters tall-looking down at someone from such a height naturally exuded an intimidating presence that compelled obedience.
This was exactly how Mrs. Protich felt at that moment. Even though she didn’t want to say anything, faced with Leland Burns’s gaze and questioning tone, she said, “She just said she wanted to travel around and would be back by late autumn at the latest.”
“And besides that?”
Mrs. Protich thought for a moment and then shook her head. “That’s all. When she left, she didn’t take much luggage and didn’t arrange for anyone or any car to follow her. She joined an online tour group in July; that day she suddenly mentioned wanting to go out and play, and at five in the morning a car came to pick her up. It was a tour group; I don’t know exactly where they went. Miss Dawson told me the place might be remote with possible communication blackouts.”
“So you can’t contact Winifred Dawson now?”
Mrs. Protich paused and then shook her head again. She was telling the truth; thinking carefully, there was no reason for her to hide anything from Leland Burns.
“I only realized today that I couldn’t reach Miss Dawson. Although she sends me a text every day at seven o’clock, those messages are scheduled texts. When I call, no one answers; I don’t know how she’s doing now.”
After speaking, Mrs. Protich felt a bit sad again; those daily scheduled texts from Winifred Dawson were meant to keep her from worrying.
“Give me your phone.”
After hesitating for a moment, Mrs. Protich handed over her phone.
Mrs. Protich used an elderly phone because she was farsighted; the large text looked somewhat abrupt on the small screen.
Leland Burns pressed the keys awkwardly but quickly adapted and navigated to the text message page.
He scrolled up through messages from Winifred Dawson until he reached the top.
The date was July 2nd.
Today was July 29th; overall, Winifred Dawson hadn’t been gone for even a month yet.
“Mrs. Protich, today I went to the beach and collected many shells. It’s hot during the day but cool at night here; there are so many stars-I really like it here.”
“Today I had seafood fried rice; it tasted great. I’m used to it and haven’t gone hungry-don’t worry about me.”
“The shells I collected can be used to make wind chimes.”
“I forgot to apply sunscreen and got a bit tanned; I need more clothes because it’s cold at night.”
“Mrs. Protich, your pancakes were so delicious that I’ve already finished them along with the beef sauce. When I opened it, everyone around smelled it and wanted some too-it’s just one small jar but I don’t want to share it with them even though I’m afraid they’ll call me stingy.”
“Your beef sauce is so good that everyone wants to buy it; I think you could open a store and once it becomes famous, find investors to build a factory for wholesale.”
“The dried fruits and cookies are also delicious; I eat them secretly so no one else finds out.”
“The snow-capped mountains are beautiful but too cold-I might only stay for one day.”
“I suddenly realized we are all like frogs in a well but with different sized openings-I want to see various places, taste different foods, and enjoy diverse experiences.”
“I miss you today as well-I miss your cooking too-please take good care of yourself.”
“Don’t miss me too much-if you really can’t help it-look at my photos before bed-you might dream of me then.”
…
“Mrs. Protich-there are so many unfortunate women in this world-when I die-I will donate my inheritance-to establish a charity specifically helping women-those who can’t go to school-victims of domestic violence-divorced single mothers-women working hard for their children… I once did something bad-there’s always a reason for retribution-if you knew what kind of person I used to be-you probably wouldn’t like me anymore.”
“I need to save some dried fruits-they remind me of you every time I eat one-the big bag is almost gone.”
“Today I ate buns from a street vendor-they said they were good-but they weren’t as good as yours-not even close-I told them that-they didn’t believe me-and laughed at me-calling me a mama’s girl who can’t leave home.”
“Sometimes I wish you were really my mom-in these days without me-did you take your daughter there? The seaview house is rented for a year-it’s summer now-the perfect time for fun-don’t worry about breaking anything-I’ve paid for everything-even if something breaks-you won’t have to pay.”
“Isn’t it boring being home alone? Take your daughter with you-it’ll be more fun.”
“I’m sure your daughter is better than me-more obedient-kind-hearted-and sensible…”
…
“Mrs. Protich-I’ve prepared a gift for you-you should receive it next month.”
“Do not worry-all is well.”