04
She had naively believed it, but she was wrong. Tara was far from being a simple, innocent little white rabbit. Stacy silently set down the violin. It had been a gift from Pat, and she had planned to return it to him today. Over the years, he had given her many gifts, most of which she never used. Some still had their tags attached. One day,
she would return them all.
ted away But
Alfonso Taylor had made him promise to take care of Stacy for the rest of her life before he passed away. that wish was an impossible burden. Stacy couldn’t stay with him forever, and neither could Pat, who was constantly surrounded by women.
When Tara noticed Stacy’s piano, she covered her mouth in mock surprise. “Stacy, are you playing the piano for me again today?”
Before anyone could respond, she turned to Pat, her face lighting up with glee. “Pat, you’re so good to Tara. You knew I was feeling down today, so you called Stacy just for me, didn’t you?”
Pat hesitated briefly, and Stacy lowered her head. She already knew what he was going to say.
Feeling down? That was hard to believe.
Anna, looking pained, took Tara’s hand and sighed dramatically. “My poor Tara. Losing her parents at such a young age. It’s all your aunt’s fault you’ve been left all alone.”
Pat disliked emotional displays, and his expression darkened. “Mom, enough.
But Anna continued, her voice trembling with feigned sorrow. “It’s not about me. It’s your father. He’s trying to secure Tara a spot to study abroad at Toronto University. They’re treating her unfairly because of her health…”
Toronto? Did Tara alen
want to go abroad?
As Anna and Tara chatted, Stacy quietly moved to a corner, trying to disappear. Pat noticed and glanced at her
way.
“I’ll take care of it,” he said.
Tara smiled, and Anna seized the opportunity. “Pat, Tara doesn’t just want to go abroad. She must study under Professor Morgan. Only as Robin Morgan’s student can she gain the prestige she deserves.”
“Our Tara is determined to join the national team! You have to help her, Pat.”
Pat nodded, and Anna’s face immediately brightened with relief.
When dinner began, Tara couldn’t resist causing another scene.
*Stacy, I feel so down I can’t eat. Could you play something for me? You know I love your piano.”
All eyes turned to Stacy. She paused, then looked up at Pat.
“What’s so hard about that?” Anna chimed in. “Play something for her. Stacy learned all this just for moments like
these.”
Anna always spoke like that. Stacy reminded herself to stay calm, to see it as a way of repaying the Taylor family for all they had done for her.
Pat remained indifferent, sitting at the head of the table. “I haven’t heard you play in a while. Go ahead.”
Stacy clenched her fist under the table, her face a calm mask. At least Pat hadn’t said anything else, or she might have foolishly forgiven him again
It was just a song. She had played for them countless times before. Forcing a bitter smile, she nodded. “Alright.”
When she opened the guitar case, she realized her palm was bleeding. The pain didn’t register. Her vision blurred as she stepped forward to play.
-Sadness and Sorrow
Sduntess diu SUITUW
Winter–a season perpetually heavy with grief. The song felt painfully fitting.
If Pat had looked up even once, he might have seen the despair in Stacy’s eyes. But he didn’t
Stacy didn’t remember finishing the piece; she only heard Jeanie’s voice mentioning blood.
Pat dabbed his mouth with a silk handkerchief, set down his utensils, and walked over. His gaze fell on her
injured hand. Without a word, he asked Jeanie to fetch the medicine box.
