Agnes’s fingers tightened slightly around her phone. She pursed her lips and read the message three times. For a moment, she didn’t know how to respond. She hesitated for a long time, knowing it was polite to reply, especially since it was from an elder.
There were about twenty minutes left before she returned to the city. Including the time to buy gifts and travel to Fritz Manor, she would make it in time for dinner. When Mr. Cat left, she had promised him that she would visit his grandmother if she had the chance. She hadn’t gone even once, which was quite rude.
After careful consideration, Agnes began typing her reply: “Okay, Aunt Jane, see you later.” She looked at the edited text and decided to replace “Aunt Jane” with “Mom” to avoid another reminder from Jane about how to address her. She sent the message after making the change.
Jane quickly replied with a big smiley face, expressing her happiness, followed by a few words: “See you soon! Summer.” Agnes didn’t reply again. She took out a wooden cat sculpture and placed it in her palm, gently stroking its tiny ears, her eyes reflecting a hint of sadness. Ever since she had secrets on her mind, she spoke very little each day.
After arriving back in Arkpool City by high-speed train, Agnes went straight to the mall. She had already decided on the gifts for the elders during the journey. Her salary account had six figures saved from years of frugality. Today, she didn’t limit her spending; she just wanted to buy them the best.
After all, she had received many things from the Fritz family. She bought tea leaves and red wine for Mr. Fritz, bird’s nest and a necklace for Mrs. Fritz, and a massage pillow and supplements for Grandma. This left her salary account nearly empty.
But she wasn’t sad at all; she felt it was necessary. Before visiting the Fritz family, Agnes went home to change clothes and wore the bracelet Aunt Jane had given her. Then she took a taxi with her gifts, glancing at the scenery along the way and thinking of Tom.
When he brought her back, he would hold her hand tightly and play music for her. Even if it was just acting, there was always an air of ambiguity between them. She missed him again…
The phrase “scenery triggers emotions” resonated deeply with her now. What was he doing? Was he busy? Tired? Did he think of her even for a second?
At Fritz Manor, the elders were delighted to see Agnes. They had prepared a table full of delicious dishes and were surprised by all the gifts she brought. While they were moved by her thoughtfulness, they told her, “Next time come empty-handed! Come often! This is your home; there’s no need to bring gifts when you come home.”
Agnes just smiled at everyone. With Tom not there, it felt like she represented him. Grandma was in high spirits, chatting and playing chess with her; it seemed like it had been a long time since she’d been this happy.
“Bubu,” Grandma said earnestly while making a move on the chessboard, “when Tom returns in six months, you must have your wedding. Do you prefer a traditional wedding? A church wedding? Or maybe on a fresh green lawn? Tell Grandma so I can have an idea and help plan it for you!”