Content Warning: Please be aware that the following chapter contains disturbing themes. These scenes may be distressing or triggering to some readers.
Reader discretion is advised. If you find such content unsettling or uncomfortable, I recommend skipping this chapter or proceeding with caution.
=======
Leaning on Lisa's shoulder, she idly cracked sunflower seeds, listening to Lucy share amusing anecdotes from her daughter's childhood, chuckling heartily as Lisa's cheeks became increasingly rosy with bashfulness.
Lucy also peppered her with questions about various aspects of her work and personal life.
Jennie responded with sincerity, not hiding anything, including details of her illness.
Lucy couldn't fully comprehend the disease, but when Lisa described the symptoms—regular insomnia, long-term medication usage, vomiting, and other side effects—she felt a twinge of sorrow for this poor child.
Ultimately, her primary concern was: "This...what syndrome did you call it? It's not hereditary, right?"
Jennie hadn't fully swallowed her mouthful of water when, with an indelicate snort, it nearly sprayed out everywhere.
Really, was this the primary concern of all parents in the world?
Lucy was visibly worried.
Lisa couldn't help but chuckle: "It's okay, Mom, it's not hereditary. Besides, even if it was, you've still got me, right? And if all else fails, we can always adopt."
She cracked a handful of sunflower seeds, giving all the kernels to Jennie.
"By the way, how did you come to know about all this?"
Lucy was slightly embarrassed; she hadn't really had any exposure to these things herself.
"I, uh, read about it in the newspaper."
From the TV set, the tune "Unforgettable Tonight" began to play, and the chimes of the midnight bell rang from outside the window.
Lucy heaved a sigh of relief and started to hustle people out.
"Alright already, hurry up and go take a bath and sleep, don't you have to catch a flight tomorrow?"
"Okay." Lisa put the sunflower seeds back into the dish and pulled Jennie as they dashed into the bathroom.
"Mom, no need to make breakfast for us tomorrow, I'd like to sleep in a bit."
"Fine, got it, got it."
Lucy's drawn-out response came from the living room.
Lisa held her hand as they washed together, then they brushed their teeth, and after washing their faces, she began to take off her sweater.
Jennie pressed down on the hem of the garment, looking at her warily: "What are you doing?"
"It's water and time-saving for two to wash together."
"Auntie is still outside, you—" Jennie's eyes widened, but her mouth was swiftly covered by a hand.
"Shh, don't make noise. What used to be sneaky can now be done openly."
"Um... No, you can't!" Jennie's eyes reddened with urgency, steadfastly refusing and gasping for breath, she managed to push Lisa out the door, splashing her face with water from the showerhead.
Lisa, wiping the water off her face, turned to see Lucy still busy in the living room and went over to help tidy up.
"Mom, let me do it. You should go to sleep." Lisa said, helping Lucy to sit on the sofa, then she took the broom and started to sweep the room.
YOU ARE READING
Just Like Bonnie & Clyde II
Любовные романыJ: You sheltered me from harm. Kept me warm. You gave my life to me. Set me free. The finest years I ever knew were all the years I had with you. L: And I would give anything I own. I'd give up my life, my heart, my home. Just to have you back again...
