English Version: Dandelions in the Wind

19

"It's a good thing you finally decided to visit me!" Amelia greeted with a smile in the living room and immediately hugged Dionne. "How's my favorite niece?"

Dionne laughed softly and hugged Amelia tightly; they exchanged cheek kisses. "I'm your only niece."

Amelia shrugged and sat on the sofa. "True. But you're still my favorite." Thanks to her skincare routines and physical fitness, Amelia looked remarkably young at seventy. Standing 5'5", she had a tan complexion and a slender figure. Dressed in a green floral dress, her style was sophisticated, complemented by pearl earrings and a necklace. "Marj, can you get Dionne something to drink?" she asked the maid, who was standing near the sofa, in a gentle tone.

"What would you like to drink, sweetie? Juice? Wine? Water? Or soda?" she asked her niece affectionately.

"I'll take the juice, Auntie Amelia. I won't be long. I just stopped by. I'm going to visit Mom after this." Dionne set down the white paper bag on the blue carpet and sat on the sofa. She sank slightly into the softness of the brown leather couch as she sat down. Dionne moved a throw pillow, matching the sofa's color, aside and crossed her legs. "I bought you gifts, Auntie Amelia. I know you like delicacies from the province, so I have some for you. I also have seeds of flowers that you like." She pointed to the paper bag and took a glass of orange juice handed to her by the maid. "Thanks," she said briefly, drank, and placed the glass on the adjacent coffee table.

Amelia happily took the paper bag and looked inside. "Oh, my god! You're spoiling me. I love these rice cakes you bought. It's been so long since I had these." She also pulled out a small plastic bag from inside. "Oh, you brought me Zinnia and Aubrieta seeds? This is fantastic!" Amelia exclaimed joyfully. "Can you put these in the foyer? Thanks." She handed the paper bag to the maid with a warm gesture.

"So, how's Adelle? I will visit her this week after James finishes his travel trips," Amelia said, flashing a warm smile as she made herself comfortable beside Dionne. "Being married to a diplomat means you're practically obligated to attend endless parties." She let out a sigh, the excitement momentarily fading from her voice. "It's so tiring," she confessed, her tone betraying a hint of boredom. Then, a mischievous glint lit up her eyes. "Don't you want to accompany me, honey? You could meet suitable gentlemen who align with your tastes." Amelia nudged Dionne's shoulder teasingly.

Dionne reacted with a soft chuckle, her hand absentmindedly smoothing her hair. "No, thanks. Meeting someone isn't on my agenda. I'm not focusing on dating at the moment."

Amelia's eyebrow arched in surprise before she let out a sophisticated laugh. "Oh? Have you met someone you like?"

A slight cough escaped Dionne as she felt her cheeks growing warm. "Uhm... let's just say I've recently reconsidered my desire. But that's about all I'm willing to divulge right now."

Amelia leaned back against the sofa cushions and studied Dionne with an intrigued look. "Hmm... that sounds intriguing. Now I'm curious about this change." She chuckled warmly, her hand briefly landing on Dionne's knee. "You owe me a detailed story about this later. But for now, I'll respect your privacy."

Dionne grabbed her glass of juice, taking a momentary refuge in a long sip. "Regarding your question about my mom, she's managing. She seems to recall everything except her daughter," her voice carried a chilly undertone. "I've grown accustomed to it, so it's not something you need to worry about," she added with a hint of sarcasm.

Amelia's face showed sympathy as she started speaking. "You know, I already told you about Adelle having a high school sweetheart whom my father didn't approve of, right? And that her marriage to your dad was arranged?"

Dionne let out a heavy sigh, which seemed to carry a bit of resignation. "Yes, I remember you telling me those stories about how she wasn't always like this."