Uncle Monk [3]

I went back to the forest after I completed another mission. It was around late spring. I didn't come alone this time; I brought Master Long. The reason for bringing him was to confirm Sophie's root. I knew for sure she had an Earth root, but I was worried she might also have a Lightning root, just like me. If she did have those double trouble roots, they would need to be 'killed,' just like mine.

"She only has the Earth," Master Long's confirmation gave me immense relief.

"Are you sure?"

Master Long nodded. "And it is very pure," he added before rubbing Sophie's hair gently. "You are such a special girl," he praised her.

Sophie grinned widely. "Thank you. My mom says that too. I love my mom."

"How about your dad?" I asked out of curiosity.

"I love my dad too, but he's always busy working. Mom says Dad is a smart doctor, so he has a lot of patients to handle. I wish he wasn't that smart," Sophie ended her answer with a hint of sadness.

"I'm sure your dad loves you very much. He works hard so he can bring you lots of gifts," Master Long said, trying to comfort her, while giving me a glare that made me lower my head.

"But... but..." Sophie pouted, her gaze drooping to the ground. "I wanna play with Daddy..."

That last sentence made me decide to stay in the forest for a couple more weeks. I spent my days with her, playing in the forest. I took her hopping from tree to tree. We fed deer and rescued bears from hunters' traps. We spent hours running through sunlit clearings, her laughter blending with the chirping of birds. She showed me her world, introducing me to her forest friends: squirrels with twitching tails, chipmunks scampering with acorns, and even a family of skunks. One day, we spent the afternoon building a little hideout made of sticks and leaves, her small hands carefully placing each twig with precision while she explained how the forest protected her. Watching her play, her joy was infectious, and for the first time in a while, I felt a sense of peace.

Of course, I also paid a visit to Virgin Mary Hospital to have a man-to-man talk with Sophie's dad. He promised to manage his time better so he could spend more time with her. And he did, at least during the last few days before I left.

During those last days, Sophie barely went to the forest. She spent her time at home, playing with her dad. I could hear her laughter from a distance, and it brought a smile to my face while I meditated. That's why I felt at ease leaving the forest.

I guess I'll need to pay another visit to Virgin Mary Hospital again.

11:22 PM

I recognize a figure stepping out of a car that has just stopped. Finally.

Peter Thompson is still standing beside the car, his upper body leaning inside through the open door.

"Uhum," I clear my throat to signal my presence.

When he turns to me, his face turns pale.

"I'll... I'll see you tomorrow," he murmurs to the person in the driver's seat before straightening up and closing the door.

"She... She's a potential investor for our hospital," he stammers.

I don't respond. Out of the corner of my eye, I watch the car drive away. Peter follows my gaze.

"Nothing happened," he says again, still stammering.

I sigh. He wouldn't be this nervous if nothing had really happened.

"It's her birthday in a few minutes," I remind him in a cold tone.

"I... I know. I'm about to go home to..."

"It's Sophie's birthday today," I say again, this time stunning him. It's obvious he forgot. "She waited for you the whole afternoon," I add.

"I'm sorry. It was hectic at the hospital..." Peter tries to explain, but I cut him off.

"Here. These are your gifts for them," I say, handing him a big teddy bear and a jewelry box. "And you must spend more time with Sophie."

"Okay. I promise," Peter says meekly.

I turn to leave but stop and face him again. "Whatever you do, don't let her know. It'll break her heart."

"I didn't..."

I switch my brain to fighter jet mode and leave him alone.

The sound of an opening door wakes Jennifer. Still sleepy, she turns her head to see who has entered the room.

"Sorry... Did I wake you?" Peter asks in a whisper.

"That's okay," Jennifer replies, sitting up slightly. "You missed her birthday," she protests.

"I know. I'm sorry. I had an important meeting with a potential client," Peter says, then kisses Jennifer's forehead. "I brought her a present though. I already put it beside her. I hope she loves it."

"She always loves everything you give," Jennifer replies.

"And I didn't forget about you either," Peter says, kissing Jennifer again, this time on her lips. He then places a jewelry box on her lap. "Happy birthday, Darling."

"What is this?" Jennifer asks curiously as her hands quickly undo the ties around the box. "Oh, Honey... This is gorgeous!!" Jennifer exclaims upon seeing the diamond bracelet inside.

"This must have cost a fortune," Jennifer murmurs, slipping the bracelet on. "Oh, it's beautiful. Thank you, Honey."

Jennifer kisses Peter to show her gratitude. Peter deepens the kiss, replying with passion. Soon, their activities go beyond kissing.

I turn my body away from the window and walk back into the forest. I try to block out the sounds of their activities, but they ring vividly in my ears. Fighting the jealousy I feel toward Peter's place in their lives, I chant a clear mind spell—one I've used dozens of times.

They are fine and happy, I remind myself while stepping deeper into the forest.