Chapter 315
After days of relentless rain and snow, the sun finally broke through this morning.
Rosie finished her breakfast and settled into the recliner by the window, facing outside.
With the New Year approaching, the normally quiet nursing home felt even emptier over the past few days. But today, there was a buzz of activity in the courtyard, and one could faintly hear the sounds of laughter…
“Ms. Miller,” a caregiver approached, handing her a glass of water. “You should drink some”
“Thank you,” Rosie replied, holding the glass and inquiring. “What’s happening outside! It sounds Lively.”
“Some folks are flying kites! The weather is pretty nice today,” the caregiver said, glancing out at the bright sun. “Why don’t we step outside for some fresh air?”
Since the day she had fallen into the water, Rosie had mostly stayed indoors, so a little fresh air wouldn’t hurt. “Is that okay?”
Rosie’s mind moved, but she was afraid that something would happen again. “I hope nothing goes wrong
“Don’t worry,” the caregiver reassured her with a confident grin. “We’ll just stay in the courtyard, won’t go far. This time, I’ll keep a firm grip on you, I promise.” She laughed.
Rosie found herself smiling back. “Alright then.”
“Let’s go
As they stepped outside, the sounds of laughter grew louder.
Rosie smiled, “Looks like there are a lot of people.”
“Yep,” the caregiver responded. “Our courtyard is spacious, and folks from other areas have come over. Plus, there are caregivers and staff here too
“It is really lively. Rosie chimed in.
The caregiver grinned and asked, “Ms. Miller, do you want to fly a kite?”
“Can we do that?” Rosie felt a twinge of excitement. “But we don’t have a kite.
“They’re handing them out over there, the caregiver said, hooking her an
arm through Rosie’s, “Come on, let’s go grab one!”
“Sounds good!”
The two hurried over and picked up a kite.
Once they had it in hand, the caregiver looked a little nervous. “How do we fly it?”
“Ah, Rosie chuckled, “You don’t know how to fly?”
The caregiver shook her head and laughed at herself. “I was too caught up in the excitement!”
Rosie remembered a time when Daniel had taught her how to fly a kite, but now, with her vision impaired and limited mobility, it wasn’t as easy.
*T’ll handle it,” a familiar voice chimed in, as an arm reached out toward the caregiver.
Mr. Flynn… The caregiver gulped, silently passing the kite over to him.
“Y–you…” Rosie tilted her head slightly, her hearing sharpened ever since she lost her sight. She recognized the voice.
Her delicate brows furrowed. “You’re… the gentleman who saved me last time, right?”
“Yeah,” Howard nodded, raising an eyebrow. He was relieved she remembered his voice–he wasn’t one for small talk.
Rosie straightened up at once, her tone earnest. “Thank you for what you did last time.
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Chapter 315
“You’ve already thanked me for that”
Howard brushed it off casually, picking up the k
kite. “You wanted to fly a kite,
te, but it’s too crowded here. Let’s go over there, where it’s less busy”
With a subtle gesture towards the caretaker, she understood and took Rosie’s arm. “Ms. Miller, let’s head that way”
“Okay” Rosie replied. Although she couldn’t see, she could tell the voices around her were quieter now.
Once they reached a spot, Howard said, “Til set up the kite. Just stay put and don’t move.”
“Alright,” Rosie answered, turning to him and nodded. She then asked her caretaker. “What’s happening?”
The caretaker relayed. “The gentleman is running with the kite right now. He hasn’t launched it yet. Oh! It’s almost ready?”
“Ah the caretaker exclaimed with excitement, clapping her hands gently against Rosie’s arm. “It’s taking off!”
“Really!” Rosie felt a rush of joy but also disappointment. “It’s such a shame I can’t see it.”
Now blind, she couldn’t even fly a kite herself.
Howard, running with the kite, approached Rosie quietly and discreetly waved at the caretaker.
The caretaker nodded and stepped back, giving them some space.
“Amy,” Rosie realized suddenly, feeling an empty space where the caretaker had been.
She raised her hand to grasp the air in a panic. “Where’d you go! Are you alright?”
Suddenly, her hand found another–warm and broad, masculine fingers wrapping around hers.
“Ah” Rosie gasped, trying to pull back, but the stranger held her steady. “Wait, it’s me”
“You…” Rosie recognized the voice of her neighbor and immediately felt a wave of relief. But she then thought, “Why is he grabbing me?”
“Here,” Howard handed her the spool of thread. “Hold onto this. Have you ever
you ever done
one it before!”
“Yeah,” Rosie nodded hesitantly. “But I can’t see anything
па пож
“No worries, Howard said gently. There’s no one else in this area, and it’s wide open. You can run a bit, and I’ll be right here with you. You won’t get hurt.”
Okay, Rosic felt a surge of excitement and bit her lip. Then I’ll give it a shot.”
The worst that could happen was that she could stumble a bit, she’d been blind for so long and was itching to move.
“Great, Howard’s lips curled into a soft smile. “Go for it”
“Alright”
Rosie gripped the spool tightly and took her first small steps forward. Howard stayed close by her side. This way, with the wind at your back.”
“Got it.” Rosie nodded, pulling the thread as she began to run, gaining speed.
The cold, crisp air hit her face, but she didn’t mind; it felt refreshing, almost liberating, and a smile began to bloom on her face.
On the edge of the lawn, Josiah stood watching, his gaze becoming increasingly icy as he observed the scene unfolding before him.
He didn’t say a word. Soon, Howard noticed him too.
“Hey, Howard waved at the caregiver, who understood immediately and approached them.
“You stay with her. Howard instructed.
“Sure thing,” the caregiver replied
Howard turned and walked towards Josiah.
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“Oh. Rosie slowed down, turning towards the caregiver. “He’s leaving
“Yes, he has something to attend to,” the caregiver responded.
Rosie furrowed her brow in confusion. “Amy, who is he!”
“Well…” the caregiver chuckled nervously and shook her head. “I don’t really know. I just know he lives next door to us.”
—–
e room. He let out a smirk and said, “So, Howard, you’ve settled here, huh?”
In the Room, Josiah lounged on the couch, his eyes sweeping the r
Howard frowned. “Can you speak properly?”
“Sure.”
Josiah’s expression turned serious. He sat un st
sat up straight and locked eyes with his brother. “But first, you need to tell me what you think about Rosic
He couldn’t shake off the earlier sight of Howard with her, flying a kite.
The way Howard had looked at her? That was the kind of look a man gives a woman he’s interested in.
Howard cast a sidelong glance at Josiah, his gaze dark and contemplative. “Josiah, Rosie is Robby’s mom.”
“That was obvious, Josiah shot back, his temper flaring instantly.
“I didn’t need you to spell it out for me!” This is what he already knew
“Wait a second
Josiah quickly pieced it together, staring at his brother in disbelief. “Howard, are you saying what I think you’re saying!”
“Yeah,” Howard nodded slowly.
“You’ve lost your mind!”
Josiah jumped to his feet, shock coursing through him. “You actually have feelings for her? What about Yvette? You promised her…”
“You’ve forgotten” Howard maintained his calm demeanor. “Wette and I broke up”
