Chapter 13

I bought a plane ticket to France.

Leaving this old place was, for me, a process of completely separating from the past.

I didn't tell anyone. I spent two days quietly packing my luggage, and on the morning of the third day, I took a taxi to the airport.

In the car, I fell asleep from exhaustion.

When I woke up again, I found myself in an unfamiliar house.

The interior was cozy and elegant, with bamboo groves and plum gardens outside the window, and mountains undulating in the distance.

It was a lonely mountain villa.

A young nurse walked in, smiling as she said:

"Mrs. Stratton, it's time for your medication."

My heart sank.

"Where's Archer?"

"Mr. Stratton will be here shortly. There's heavy snow in the mountains and the roads are difficult, but he said he'd definitely arrive by 7 o'clock."

"Where are my phone and luggage?"

The nurse smiled, "Please take your medicine. I'm not sure about the rest."

I calmly asked, "What illness do I have?"