Chapter 504
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Third Person’s POV
Upon arriving in the capital, Craig learned he was to sketch Caldwell.
Caldwell apologized, explaining he should have traveled to Shadow Peaks himself, but was tied down by pressing matters.
With a hint of amusement in his eyes, he added, “Besides, I’ve been meaning to catch up with Adelaide .
Craig was grateful to Caldwell for securing his release , and thus, he was more than willing to accommodate Caldwell’s requests .
However, upon hearing Caldwell’s specific ask, he frowned slightly. “This method isn’t very accurate . Without a childhood portrait of her, relying solely on your description to create a sketch, and then extrapolating her current appearance from that, I’d be lucky to achieve thirty percent accuracy.*
Caldwell acknowledged the challenge.
After a moment of thought, he suggested, “How about I sketch a rough outline first , and then we can refine the details with your input?”
Craig looked at him and said, “You’ve already forgotten what she looks like, haven’t you?”
Caldwell’s expression turned pained. “I always thought I’d never forget. But when I try to recall her features, all I can see are blurred smiles and her running toward me, calling out me. As for her exact appearance, I can’t conjure clear details.”
“You’re right, you wouldn’t be able to draw her either,” Craig said.
“Don’t beat yourself up about it. It’s been over a decade. Forgetting is natural. Moreover, it’s a painful memory. Our brains tend to avoid pain, so it’s no surprise you’re struggling to recall specifics.”
He patted Caldwell’s shoulder reassuringly. “But if she stood in front of you as a child, you’d recognize her in an instant. People change as they grow, especially women, whose faces can alter significantly with age . ”
“But don’t worry,” Craig continued. “Tell me whatever you remember, especially the facial structure and shape. Remember, the bone structure is crucial. Also, any distinctive features on her face, like moles or birthmarks, peculiarities of her eyebrows, and whether she was plump or thin as a child. Share all that with me.”
Caldwell turned to Lance and Adelaide and said, “You two can leave now.”
Lance immediately took Adelaide’s/hand and stood up, heading for the door. “Let’s go to Yellowstone,” he
said.
Adelaide glanced at the overcast/sky. “But it looks like it might rain.”
Lance was frustrated. If it rained, they wouldn’t get to see the Yellowstone sunset,
This plan had been delayed for so long without success .
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“How about we visit Melinda instead?” Adelaide suggested.
“Rainy days can be a bit melancholic. Let’s bring some cheer to her place. We can invite Priscilla along and send word to Zelda too.”
Seeing the anticipation in her eyes, Lance swallowed his carlier retort about not bringing Priscilla and said , “Alright, as long as it makes you happy.”
Priscilla was thrilled at the prospect of going out. Previously, when Paisley had free time, she would take
her out.
But now that Paisley was often with Melinda, Priscilla was practically stir–crazy.
At the mention of visiting Melinda, she was naturally delighted.
She had Susan prepare a multitude of nutritional supplements. Regardless of whether Melinda could consume them all, she insisted on bringing everything over.
“To be honest, I don’t like Luna Skye,” she said. “But Melinda’s been a sweet girl since childhood, endearing to everyone. It’s heartbreaking to think of what she’s been through, and that child… born into such a fate , not even getting a chance to see the world. It’s truly disheartening.”
Her voice wavered with emotion.
As a mother, she couldn’t bear to hear or witness such things.
She couldn’t fathom how Luna Skye could be so unfeeling.
Susan reminded her, “Don’t mention any of this in front of Melinda. We don’t want to upset her and make her cry.”
“I’m not foolish enough to rub salt in her wounds,” Priscilla retorted with a glance.
“Do you take me for someone utterly lacking in tact?”
Susan smiled and flattered her, “Of course not! You’ve always been kind–hearted and protective of Melinda. You wouldn’t bring up anything sorrowful or deliberately offer empty comfort. You’d simply chat with her about everyday matters.”
Priscilla hummed in agreement, though inwardly she thought, “What about all the comforting words I’ve prepared? How disappointing it would be not to share them.”
She had hoped to encourage Melinda to move past her pain and look forward to the future.
Noticing Priscilla’s confusion, Susan added, “Given what Melinda has endured, it’s not something most people experience. Adelaide once said we shouldn’t disturb her and should let her have her space. Enough time has passed; it’s time to bring some cheer into her life. Otherwise, holding it all in could lead to illness . ”
“Got it. Let’s hurry up and catch up,” Priscilla said hastily.”
Melinda was already much improved. Accompanied by Georgina and Paige, she would take short walks in the courtyard.
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Paisley had been visiting for two out of the past three days. It wasn’t that she didn’t trust Georgina and Paige to look after Melinda; rather, she felt there was little else she could do to help.
Her heart ached for Melinda, prompting her frequent visits.