Chapter 21
It had to be said that Samuel’s display in the video touched a lot of hearts. Even foreigners who didn’t understand the language could sense his despair from his expression, along with the subtitles.
“He’ll be fine,” Emily said, her eyes lowered as she held the kitten. “Everyone is responsible for their own life. No one needs to rely on another person to survive. If he truly decides to give up on himself over this, then it can’t be helped. We can’t expect another person to sacrifice themselves for his sake.” She was resolute. Even if Samuel stood in front of her and wept till his tears dried out, she would still refuse to take him back.
Lisa smiled and said, “Alright then. Feel free to stay here without worrying about a thing. There have been a lot of heavy snowstorms out here in the forest. The roads leading to the nearest city have been sealed off. Even if someone mistakes you for her, they won’t be able to get in touch with those people and cause a commotion.”
Emily felt a surge of warmth within her. She took a bite of the freshly baked cookie. Eyes red with emotion, she said, “Thank you. The cookie tastes amazing. I really mean that.”
The days went by, and soon, it was Christmas Eve. This was a major celebration for the town. Many of the young folks who went to the city for work rushed home to spend time with their family.
Emily lived alone in that wooden cottage. She went out to get some fresh flowers and also hung up the painting she recently completed. That was her way of decorating for the festive season.
However, Lisa was very thoughtful. She came over and extended an invitation, saying, “Aria, my younger brother George will be coming home tonight, but it’s no fun with just the two of us. Why don’t you join us for Christmas dinner?”
Since there won’t be anyone else around, Emily couldn’t think of a reason to reject the invitation. She picked out some of the flowers she bought. Then, she headed over to Lisa’s house with a flask of warm coffee and the little kitten in tow.
Lisa lived alone, and she was thrilled to have a female friend of a similar age. Glancing at the decorations that were placed all over the floor, she said apologetically, “George bought all of these. He was supposed to set everything up, but I guess we’ll have to do it ourselves.”
The Christmas tree was nearly six feet tall. It looked very pretty next to the fireplace, but it was rather difficult for the two women to put the star up top. “It’s fine,” Emily said unconcernedly. “Give me a chair. I can reach the top.”
She was a little taller than Lisa. Thus, after climbing onto a chair and standing on her tiptoes, she was able to reach the top of the tree. The two women worked together, and soon, they had a fully decorated Christmas tree that added a festive air to the room.
Nevertheless, Lisa couldn’t resist grumbling, “George really is such a klutz. First, he forgot to get the fairy lights. And now, he’s been gone for so long! He’d better not have gotten lost.”
After checking the time, Emily said, “It’s still early. He just has to be back in time for the turkey.”
“Oh, no! My turkey!”
Lisa was suddenly reminded of the turkey that was baking in the oven. She immediately dashed into the kitchen. It looked like the food would be keeping her busy for a while.
With a helpless smile, Emily continued to hang a few more decorations up on the tree. When she heard the doorbell, she decided to get the door for Lisa. A tall and handsome young man was standing outside. He’d assumed it would be Lisa answering the door. As soon as it opened, he raised the fairy lights he bought and said, “I got the fairy lights…”
He trailed off when he realized he was blabbering in front of a stranger.
Their eyes met.
Emily didn’t think much of it.
“You must be George,” she said before introducing herself with a smile. “Lisa is my landlady. She’s in the kitchen preparing the turkey, but she should be coming out soon.”
George Ford continued to stare at Emily with sparkling eyes. He didn’t respond at all until Lisa called out from the kitchen, “Why are you still standing there? Come and help me with the turkey!”
Only then did he snap out of his daze and obediently march into the kitchen with the fairy lights. Lisa had to chide him before he remembered to come back out and pass the lights to Emily.
Although he looked about as tall as the Christmas tree, he didn’t even dare to look Emily in the eyes. His faint skin was flushed.
That night, the three of them gathered around the tree for a meal of turkey and Christmas cookies.
When exchanging gifts, George mustered up the courage to look at Emily and ask earnestly, “Can you be my girlfriend?”
It was a simple confession unadorned by flattery or flowery words.
Emily handed over the presents she had prepared for Lisa and George before saying, “I’m sorry, but I’ll be leaving later on.” “Where do you want to go?”
“I want to roam freely and go wherever the wind takes me.‘
“1
The Envi
