Chapter 23

Jennifer stood on the terrace, watching Clara watering the flowerbed in the yard. Clara was wearing a pale yellow dress and humming an off-tune nursery rhyme as she skipped around, looking utterly joyful. "What are you thinking about?" A pair of arms wrapped around her from behind. Kevin rested his chin lightly on her shoulder. He still carried the faint scent of hospital disinfectant. It was clear that he had just come back from work. "I was just thinking…" Jennifer hadn't even turned around yet, but she was already smiling. "Thinking about the first time we met, when you brought Clara to buy picture books." Kevin chuckled warmly. "I remember thinking, how is she still so beautiful after so many years?" "You're so cheeky." Jennifer laughed and lightly punched his shoulder. Their laughter drew Clara's attention from the yard. Clara tossed her watering can aside and ran to them. "Uncle Kevin! Ms. Jennifer! What are you whispering about?" Kevin bent down to scoop her up and kiss