Chapter 30
What Benedict hadn‘ t expected, on the eighth day of his journey through
Switzerland, was to hear Odette’s voice.
“It’s not bad, pretty good. You should try it,” Odette’s voice rang out, light and
cheerful.
“It’s really delicious. If you like it, I’ll get a few more packets. Have you decided where we’re staying tonight?” Amadeo asked, his voice warm and gentle.
Odette paused before responding, her words thoughtful. “Let’s go up the mountain. I want to watch the sunrise.‘
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Benedict stood, his back turned to them, as a
little girl beside the road tugged at his sleeve, offering flowers for sale.
He heard their voices fade into the distance, the sound of Odette and Amadeo growing smaller, and something tightened painfully in
his chest.
The little girl, noticing his sudden sadness, looked up with concern. “Sir, it’s okay if you don’t buy anything… don’t cry,” she said in soothing English.
Benedict’s heart clenched, but he whispered quietly, “Buy them all. Can you give these flowers to the lady who just walked by?”
“Of course! I’ll give them to her first, then you can pay me afterward, okay?” The little
Chapter 30
girl’s bright smile was like a fleeting
sunbeam.
Benedict nodded silently, and a few minutes later, the girl returned, clutching a handful of flowers.
She pulled at Odette‘ s skirt with innocent
excitement.
“Ah? You‘ re not an aunt; you‘ re a pretty sister!” the little girl exclaimed, her wide eyes sparkling.
Odette, ever the picture of grace and youthful beauty, smiled down at the girl. Despite nearing forty, she had aged like fine wine- her beauty untouched by time.
“Little sister, what’s the matter?” Odette bent down, her voice gentle and full of
Chapter 30 warmth.
“These are the flowers that Uncle sent you.” The little girl handed them over eagerly before running off with a happy laugh.
Odette and Amadeo exchanged a quiet look. They didn’t need to say a word to
understand–both knew who the flowers had
come from.
The little girl returned to Benedict‘ s side, and he leaned forward, his voice filled with impatience. “How did she look?”
“She’s very pretty, and she looked happy to get the flowers,” the little girl said with a serious nod.
Benedict let out a soft breath, his heart feeling both lighter and heavier all at once.
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Chapter 30
“That’s good, thank you.”
He pressed a few bills into her hand, then, with his cane in hand, slowly turned away, walking off into the distance with the weight of unspoken words lingering in the air.
