Keeley quietly wiped away her tears and looked up at Lumma. To her surprise, she saw that the rims of Lumma’s
eyes were red. “What’s wrong?”
“Nothing.” Lumma reached out and pinched Keeley’s cheek lightly. “Why doesn’t it hurt? Am I dreaming?”
Keeley was amused and pinched Lumma’s cheek in return. “Silly girl, how about now?”
Lumma said, “Ouch… So, I’m not dreaming. I really saw you.”
After Keeley left, Lumma had dreamed of her more than once, especially in the past few days when she learned
that Keeley had been under George’s watch. Keeley had appeared in her every dream.
In her dreams, Keeley was brought back to Hanton City by George. Keeley was covered in blood. George broke
Keeley’s leg and asked her if she would run again.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtThis morning, Lumma had been awakened by this nightmare.
“Of course, it’s the real me! It’s just me!” Keeley grabbed Lumma’s hand and said, “It’s getting dark. Let’s go in for
dinner. I’ll show you my farm tomorrow.”
Lumma nodded. “Good.”
Keeley led Lumma to a two–story cabin up ahead. “That cabin is where I live now. It’s not big, but it’s comfortable
to live in.”
“That’s what matters.” Lumma knew what Keeley meant by comfortable.
Keeley had once lived in the Marple family’s million–dollar mansion in Hanton City where she had been waited on by
servants and lived a luxurious life that everyone envied.
Only Keeley knew the truth. Her life had been like that of a caged canary, with no freedom to speak of.
She had exhausted her means to escape just to find inner peace.
The light in the wooden house was dim, but Lumma could see Keeley clearly. She looked much better than a month
ago, both physically and mentally.
Keeley said, “This place has two floors. The ground floor is for living and working. The second floor housed the
bedroom and the study.”
She gave Lumma a tour of the cabin. It wasn’t very big, but it was tidy, with a warm and welcoming atmosphere. It
was much more comfortable than the apartment complex where Keeley had once lived in..
After the tour, Keeley poured Lumma a glass of hot water. “I know love hot pot, so I’m going to make some for
dinner. It’s cold here We can chat while we eat.”
Lumma said, “Don’t go to so much trouble. I came here to see you, and any food will be fine.”
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏm
Keeley grinned. “Okay, I’ll admit it. It’s me who wants to have a hotpot. There’s usually no one here on the farm to
dine with me. Now that you’re here, I can’t pass up this opportunity.”
“In that case, let me help you prepare,” Lumma offered, but Keeley gently pushed her back into her chair. “I’ve
already got everything ready. You came all this way to see me. Just sit back and relax.”
Keeley wasn’t a fan of spicy food, but she knew that Lumma loved it. So, she prepared a split hot pot with both
spicy and non–spicy broth. She set it on the table, lit the burner, and brought out two plates of succulent beef from
the kitchen. “The beef is from our farm. I’m not bragging, but it’s better than anything you can buy at a
supermarket.”
The beef looked quite nice, and Lumma rubbed her hands together in anticipation. “I can’t wait to try it. With beef
this good, I’m afraid two plates won’t be enough for me.”
Keeley smiled and brought out two plates of tender mutton from the kitchen. “Don’t just focus on the beef. The
lamb is also raised on our farm.”