Chapter 14

Arthur kept turning up like a bad penny. When Celeste was younger, Cindy's health had declined so much that she could barely hold Celeste for long. There were times when Cindy had to stay in the hospital's chemotherapy ward for months. That was why Celeste now worried that after this rare outing together, it might be long before she saw Cindy again. It was also why Cindy had refused conservative treatment. Though Celeste spent more time with Sylvan, she had, unexpectedly, grown more attached to Cindy. Cindy couldn't bear to see that quiet longing on Celeste's face again. When Celeste was younger, she would cry and beg for Cindy. But as she got older, she came to understand that Cindy was sick, which meant there would be no long hugs or outings together. She grew more mature and obedient, never holding on to Cindy or becoming another weight on her shoulders. Raising a child was exhausting, but raising one like her was undeniably a blessing. At that time, Cindy had lost all will to