Chapter 318

"Can I come with you?" Maryanne clasped her hands together in a pleading gesture. "I just want to give her a hug." "We can't both leave. Mom and Dad will wonder where we are. I'll be back in two hours," Terence replied as he rushed upstairs to grab an envelope and came back down. Maryanne, fearing that she might break down in tears after seeing Lily, decided to let Terence handle it. He was always reliable when it came to getting things done. … It was 2:00 p.m., just after mealtime, and the quiet house seemed to amplify Lily's loneliness. The walls weren't well soundproofed, and the occasional laughter and chatter from neighbors celebrating with their families drifted through the air. Lily sat on the couch, flicking through TV channels, each showing scenes of people celebrating the New Year. She decided to turn off the TV and take a nap in her bedroom. Just as she stepped into her room, her phone rang. It was Terence. She answered in surprise. "Terence?" "Lily, did Gloria giv