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His tired footsteps unconsciously led him to the room where Ellie once stayed. From the living room, as a cold breeze blew in, Alex stepped onto the balcony. Standing by the window, he could clearly see the northwest corner of the garden. Once, there was a native girl who secretly dug there for an unknown amount of time, all to escape and find her parents.
That night, there was a heavy rainstorm. He was playing an indoor basketball game with his classmates when a call came in saying she was missing. Everyone searched tirelessly all night.
When he found her, she was in an old alley a few miles from the villa. She was stopped by a big dog. She was soaked by the rain, looking like a stray kitten, with her head down, crying helplessly.
She didn’t dare to move forward or backward. From a distance, he heard her crying out “Alex,” and he couldn’t help but scold her. Crying, she turned and ran into his arms.
Even now, he remembers how she was trembling with fear, holding him tightly and speaking non–stop. She said she was scared of the dog and didn’t dare go any further.
She said she wanted to go back but was afraid to move, fearing the dog would chase her and she couldn’t outrun it.
She said she dreamed her dad was sick and she wanted to go home. She begged him, asking if he could take her to find her mom. He gave her a stern scolding, then carried her back to the old house.
By the time they returned to the Warren Manor, the silly girl on his back had cried herself to sleep. In truth, she didn’t realize that he had intentionally told her to just keep walking straight if she wanted to go home.
He knew there was a big dog in that alley. He knew she was scared of dogs. The next day, he scolded her once more and then personally blocked the exit.
He told her about a path that would never lead her back home. Then he personally blocked the only escape route from there. But in the end, he still couldn’t keep her there.
Late at night, Alex lay sideways in the bed where Ellie once slept. Holding the doll he had once bought for Ellie, he curled up as tightly as he could, gripping the doll with a firm hold.
He closed his eyes, and the room was extremely quiet. It was unclear how much time had passed, but the white pillow was soaked through.
*****
The next morning. Ellie stepped out of the bedroom, and Aaron gave her a reminder. “If you come home late again, call to let the family know.”
The siblings sat down at the breakfast table, and Ellie hesitated before speaking, “Mom, Aaron, I’ve decided to date Leonard.”
When Joanna and Aaron heard that Ellie had a boyfriend, they were both surprised, Joanna asked, “Ellie, does he know about your situation?”
Ellie nodded, “We went to high school and college together, and now we work at the same hospital. I told him about my situation, and he’s okay with it.”
Aaron asked, “What about his family?”
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Ellie replied, “He’s from a single–parent family. They’re slightly better off than us, with a house and a car. His mom is retired and helps take care of his sister’s kids. He said he’ll try his best.”
Ellie didn’t tell her family about Alex bothering her last night because she didn’t want them to worry.
Aaron said, “Since you’ve made your decision, you need to take responsibility for your choice and for others. Don’t hide your flaws when you’re with someone. Be true to yourself to see and feel who truly deserves your trust for life.”
Aaron looked at his sister with a gaze full of concern, hope, and silent blessing. He thought, ‘Marriage is a mandatory question. No matter what choice one make, there will always be regrets.
The cat in the alley is free but lacks a home. The dog inside the fence has a home but must bow its head for life.
‘But regardless, if the person has moral standards, manages their desires, and is disciplined in love, they’re worth trusting. Ellie said, “Don’t worry. I’m not a little kid anymore. Leonard is a great person;
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