Chapter 24 Chapter Twenty-Three

The next morning, Luanna baked a cake and the aroma was overflowing, and the aroma wafted into Ray's room upstairs. Ray and Ruth lay in the room overnight. Completely changed. They dealt with the aftermath carefully, making sure that no trace of anyone had been in the garage. After packing up, they left the garage and drove back to Lei's house in silence.Late that night, Luana saw the two nestled together, both fully clothed and apparently sound asleep, and she was glad that Ray at least had this strange friend. At around three o'clock in the morning, Lei woke up suddenly. He sat up and looked at Ruth's slender limbs and the beautiful carcass with which he had just had an intimate relationship, and his heart was suddenly filled with indescribable emotions.He reached out to touch Ruth, and a ray of moonlight slanted into the room through the window. Over the years, I have sat by this window and watched him read for countless nights.He looked down the moonlight just in time to see Ruth's backpack on the ground.

He slid out of bed on tiptoe, trying not to wake Ruth next to him, and quietly walked over to the backpack, which contained Ruth's diary, picked it up, and began to read: There was a trace of air at the top of the feather, and the bottom of the feather was covered with blood.I picked up the bones, hoping they would condense like shattered glass, but I still wanted to put them together, and when the bones were done, make them stand upright, and maybe the murdered girl would come back to life. He skipped the page and read on: Penn Station toilet, an old woman struggling to get to the sink.

Domestic violence, C Street, both husband and wife were killed. A teenage girl was shot dead on a rooftop on Mott Street. Not sure about the timing, the little girl got lost in Central Park, the white lace collar is so pretty. He sat in the room, feeling more and more cold, but he continued to read, and did not look up until he heard Ruth's voice. I have so many things to tell you.she says. Nurse Elliot helped Dad into the wheelchair while Mom and sister ran around the ward, busily collecting daffodils to take home. Nurse Elliott, Dad said: I will always remember your loving care, but I hope I don't see you too soon next time.

Me too.She said that my family members were all in the ward. She saw everyone standing aside and didn't know what to do, so she said to her younger brother: "Barkley, your mother and sister have things in both hands, so you can push the wheelchair." Buck, push slowly.Dad said. I watched the four of them walk slowly down the corridor toward the elevator, Buckley and Dad in front, Lindsey and Mom behind, both dripping daffodils in their hands. As the elevator descended slowly, Lindsay stared at the bright yellow flowers in her hands, and suddenly remembered that when everyone held a memorial ceremony for me in the cornfield for the first time, Samuel, Hall and she saw a bouquet of yellow daffodils, but It is not known who put the flowers there.Linxi looked at the daffodils, then at her mother, and she knew it all at once.Buckley leaned gently against Lindsay, and Dad looked tired but clearly happy to be home in his shiny wheelchair.They walked into the hall, and the automatic doors opened one by one. I knew the four of them were meant to be together, and I knew I should leave them alone.

Luanna peeled one apple after another, her hands were red and swollen from the blisters, and the idea of ​​avoiding it for many years gradually emerged in her heart.Over the years, she had wanted to divorce, but she had always refused to think about it. Seeing her son and Ruth cuddling together last night, she finally stopped hesitating.She couldn't remember the last time she went to bed with her husband. He wandered around the house like a ghost. In the dead of night, he quietly got into the quilt, and sometimes the quilt was hardly creased.While he wasn't Mr. Bad as he was portrayed on TV or in the newspapers, he was always absent-minded, and that hurt most cruelly.Even when he came home and sat at the table with her and ate the food she had prepared, he was still in a daze, as if he wasn't here at all.

She heard the sound of water coming from the bathroom upstairs, and she thought it would be a little longer before calling her son and Ruth down after they had finished washing.My mom just called to say thank you, she called from California to ask what was going on and Luana told her what happened so she called specifically to say thank you.Luana decides to deliver an apple pie to Salmon's house later. Luana passed coffee to Ray and Ruth, and then said that it was getting late, and she wanted Ray to accompany her to Shamon's house, and she planned to quietly leave the pie at the door of Shamon's house.

Wow, that's like cheating on an exam.Ruth said. Luana glared at her. Mom, I'm sorry, Ray said: Too much happened yesterday and we were exhausted.He said so, but he wondered if his mother would believe what happened yesterday? Luana turned to face the kitchen counter. There were two freshly baked pies on the counter. She took one and put it on the table. There were several gaps in the golden pie crust, and a hot aroma came out of the gaps.Would you like a piece for breakfast?she says. Wow, Mrs. Singer, you are amazing!Ruth said. Luana smiled. Eat your fill, change your clothes, and you two can come with me.

Ruth looked at Lei and said: Well, I have other places to go, I will come to you later. Hall brought the drum kit to the younger brother, and although the younger brother's thirteenth birthday was still weeks away, both Hall and Grandma agreed that Barkley needed a drum set.Samuel asked Lindsey and Buckley to pick up my parents from the hospital alone, and he didn't go with them.For everyone, this return home has a double meaning, not only the father was discharged from the hospital, but also the mother went home.Mom stayed with Dad in the hospital for a full forty-eight hours. During these forty-eight hours, their fate and that of others changed.I now know that in the future everyone will face more changes, and no one can stop the rotation of life.

I know it's too early to drink, grandma said: But I still have to ask: Men, what would you like to drink? I thought we were popping champagne to celebrate.Samuel said. That's right, but the champagne will be opened later, she said: it's an aperitif. I don't think I can, Samuel said: I'll just drink Lindsay's. Hall? No, I'm teaching Buckley the drums. Although grandma wanted to say which great jazz musician was not drunk, she forced herself to suppress the words and asked instead: Well, how about I pour you three glasses of clean and transparent boiled water?

After she finished speaking, she walked back to the kitchen to pour water.After going to heaven, I love my grandmother more than when I was alive.As much as I wish I could tell everyone that Granny made up her mind to stop drinking as soon as she was in the kitchen, I know very well that Granny won't change, she just loves a drink or two, which has become her trademark.So what if, after she passed, she was remembered only as a drunken cheerleader?I like such a grandma. Grandma took the ice maker from the freezer to the sink, poured out a big pile of ice cubes, put seven cubes in each glass, and turned on the water until it was as cold as it could get.Her queer Abigail, her beloved daughter, is finally back.

She looked up out of the window, and in the dimness, she could have sworn she saw a little girl, dressed in the same clothes as when she was younger, sitting outside the shed where Buckley kept his gardening tools, staring at her intently.The little girl disappeared after a while. Grandma shook her head, forgetting the image of the little girl. Everyone is busy today, so she had better not bring it up. I watched the car drive into the door and thought, isn't this the moment I've been waiting for for a long time?The whole family was finally reunited, but everyone came back to this home not for me, but for each other.Without me, we are still a family. In the afternoon sun, Dad didn't know why he looked thinner, but his eyes were full of satisfaction that he hadn't seen for many years. Mom's mood was up and down, thinking maybe she could make it through the trip home. The four of them got out of the car at the same time. Buckley walked from the back seat to the front to help his father. In fact, his father didn't need his help. Buckley just subconsciously wanted to protect his father so that he would not be hurt by his mother again.Linxi looked at our little brother through the roof of the car. She still used to protect the two of them. Linxi, Dad and Buckley supported each other for so long, and the three couldn't let go of each other.Lindsay turned her head to see her mother watching her, bright yellow narcissus lighting up her face. What's wrong? You and your grandmother look exactly alike.Mom said. Help me carry these bags.sister said. They walked to the trunk, and Buckley helped Dad to the door. Lindsay looked into the dark compartment, there was something she had to figure out. Will you hurt him again? I will do my best and never do anything to hurt him again, my mother said: But I can't promise anything. Linxi raised her head to look at her. Linxi's eyes were full of challenges. She grew up too fast. After the police announced my death, Linxi became an adult; from that day on, my mother lost Lindsay lost her eldest daughter, and Lindsay also lost her sister. I know what you did. I will remember your warning. Lindsey lifted the bag vigorously. They heard Barkley at the same time, and he rushed out of the gate, shouting excitedly like a child: Look what Hall gave me! He tapped vigorously, once, twice, three times. After five minutes, only Hall still had a smile on his face, and the others couldn't help but think that the future might not be peaceful. I think it would be best to teach him to play the drums now.Grandma said, and Hall nodded in agreement. Mom handed the daffodils to grandma, she excused herself to go to the bathroom, turned around and walked up to the second floor, everyone knew she wanted to visit my room. She stood alone at the door of my room as if standing on the shore of the Pacific Ocean. My room was still lavender, and there was an extra grandma’s rocking chair in the room. Other than that, all the furnishings remained the same. Suzy, I love you.Mom said. I have heard my father say it many times, but when my mother said it, I was stunned.I know now that all these years I had been unconsciously waiting for my mother to say that.She needs time to convince herself that it doesn't matter if she misses me or loves me, such thoughts won't ruin her, and I gave her enough time; after all, what is time to me? My mother saw a photo on my previous closet. Grandma put this photo I took for my mother in a golden frame. In the photo, she was not wearing makeup. I pressed the shutter before everyone got up, secretly Captured the mysterious side of my mother.Wildlife photographer Suzy.The woman Shamon photographed is staring into the distance across the lawn shrouded in morning mist. This is the mysterious Abigail under my lens. She used the upstairs bathroom, blaring the water and messing with the towels on the rack.As soon as she saw the creamy yellow towels, she immediately knew that the towels were chosen by her grandmother. She thought the color was very impractical, and there was no point in embroidering her initials on the towels. Seeking truth from facts, but what good does this attitude towards life do to oneself?Although her mother was sometimes drunk, she was full of love, and her personality was flashy, but she lived a real life.If she can accept the fact that the dead cannot be resurrected, why can't she learn to accept the relatives who are still alive? I wasn't in the bathroom, tub, or around the faucets, and I wasn't lingering near the mirror above Mom, or shrinking down to hide on Buckley's or Lindsay's toothbrush.But all these years, every day I wondered: How is everyone?Will my parents get back together?Will they be together forever?When will Barkley tell everyone what's on his mind?Is Dad really cured of his heart disease?I never stopped missing them and I hope they don't forget me.As the years go by, I know I will always think of them and I know they will always think of me. Downstairs, Hall held Buckley's wrist and taught him how to use the drum stick: just slide it lightly over the drum like this. Buckley complied, then looked up at Lindsay, who was sitting across from him on the couch. Buck, that's so cool.my sister said. Sounds like a rattlesnake. Hall is very satisfied, yes, that's it.He said he already had a picture of him and Barkley sharing the stage in his mind. Mom walked back downstairs, and as soon as she entered the living room, she glanced at Dad first, and whispered to him that she was okay, and although she had mixed feelings in her heart, she could hold on. Well, everyone, grandma yells from the kitchen: Samuel has something to announce, everyone sit down! Everyone couldn't help laughing, but the atmosphere was still a little awkward.While everyone looks forward to family reunion moments like this, being together is not knowing what to do.Samuel and grandma walked into the living room, and grandma was holding a tray with goblets, waiting to fill up the champagne for everyone, and Samuel took a quick look at Lindsay. Grandma will help me pour wine for everyone.He said. This is her best.Mom said. Abigail?Grandma said. Um? Say what you want, as long as you're happy, I'm glad you're back. Pour everyone a drink, Samuel.Dad said. It's a pleasure to be with all of you. Hall knew that his brother had something to say: Hey, great orator, you haven't finished yet!Buck, let's play a little drum.This time Hall let Buckley play the drums himself, and my little brother picked up the sticks to cheer for Samuel. What I want to say is that I am very happy that Mrs. Salmon is back and that Mr. Salmon is home.Well, I am so glad I have the honor of marrying your beautiful daughter. well said!well said!Dad said. Mom stood up and helped Granny with the plate, and they all passed the glasses together. I watch my family sip champagne and think about what they've been through before and after my death.Samuel took a step forward and kissed Lindsay bravely while the whole family watched.I looked at them, and the past was vivid in my mind, and the scenes appeared in front of my eyes. My death brought about these changes, some prosaic, some quite costly, but almost everything that happened after my death had special significance.Over the years, everything they have experienced is like a long and beautiful backbone that binds everyone together.They can still do just fine without me, and I'm finally starting to see that.My death may have disrupted their lives, but given time, a new backbone will grow in their lives. In the unknown future, they will surely be able to regain a fulfilled life.I now finally know that my life has created such a magical cycle of life. Dad looked at the daughter standing in front of him, and the hazy figure of the other daughter finally disappeared without a trace. Hall promised the younger brother to continue teaching him to play drums after dinner, and the younger brother put away the drumsticks after listening.Everyone walked into the dining room one by one, and Samuel and grandma set up beautiful bowls and plates on the dining table. On the table were grandma's specialties: Stouffer's frozen pasta and Sara Lee frozen cheesecake. There are people outside, Hall saw a person through the window, ah, Ray.Singer is out! ask him to come in.my mother said. He is leaving. Except for Dad and Grandma who stayed in the dining room, everyone else ran outside to chase Thunder. Hey Ray!Hall yelled, he almost stepped on the pies that were placed outside the door when he opened the door, wait a minute. When Ray turned, his mother was waiting for him in the car with the engine running. We don't want to bother you.Ray told Hall that Lindsey, Samuel, Buckley, and a woman he recognized as Mrs. Shamon were all crowded at the gate. Is Luana there?Mom yelled, please come in and sit down. It's okay, really don't bother.He stood still, thinking: Is Suzie watching us? Lindsay and Samuel walked towards Ray. By this time, Mom was walking down the driveway, talking to Luana by the car window. Ray glanced at his mother, and Luana was opening the car door, about to go inside, and Ray and I would eat anything but pie.She said to my mother, and the two walked to the gate together. Is Dr. Singh still working?my mother asked. He's working all the time, said Luana, and she watched Ray walk in the house with Lindsey and Samuel, will you come over and smoke some sniffing cigarettes with me someday?she says. No problem, it's settled.my mother said. Ray, welcome, welcome, please take a seat.Dad said he watched Ray walk in through the living room, a boy who had been in love with his daughter, and he had always had a special feeling for Ray.Before everyone could sit down, Barkley suddenly ran over and sat on the chair beside Dad. Lindsey and Samuel brought two chairs from the living room and sat down by the sideboard, Luana sat between my mother and grandma, and Hall sat across the room by himself. At this point, I finally realized that they couldn't feel that I was gone any more than they could feel that I had come.They couldn't see me, even though I tried to circle the room sometimes.Barkley felt like I spoke to him, even though I don't remember what or if I even spoke, to Barkley, the older sister did chat with him.Over the years, I have lived in everyone's thoughts. Whenever they want me to appear, I will appear in front of them according to their imagination. Ruth was in the cornfield again.All my loved ones were sitting in the same room, and she was the only one walking to the cornfield.She always feels my presence and will always miss me.I know her heart, but I can't do anything for her anymore.Ruth was a girl haunted by ghosts back then, and now she is a woman surrounded by ghosts.Back then, it was her own choice, but now it is her own choice.She can tell about my life and my death if she wants to, if only to one person at a time. Luana and Ray were staying late at my house, and Samuel was talking about the old house he and Lindsey found off Highway 30. Propose, and plan to live there with Linxi after marriage.Ray listened and asked Samuel: Is there a big hole in the ceiling in the house you are talking about, and there are some beautiful glass windows above the door? That's right, Samuel said, Dad looked a little worried, Mr. Shamon, please don't worry, I promise to fix the house. That house belonged to Ruth's father.Ray said. Everyone fell silent after hearing this, and after a while, Ray continued. He took out loans on some old houses that hadn't been knocked down, and I think he's going to renovate them.Ray said. God.Samuel said. I disappeared without a trace.