16

After their conversation that day, Elijah never visited Eleanor's kindergarten again, which made Josephine feel a little relieved. But he moved to a place near her home. He came looking for her five or six times every day. Josephine never let him in once. At most, she only allowed him to stand outside the door. Many times, as mother and daughter enjoyed peaceful moments together inside, they'd glance up to see Elijah standing alone at the doorway. He rarely spoke and never tried to force his way in. He'd just stand there, often for a very long time. It seemed he was trying to soften Josephine's heart through this method. But she was no longer the woman she had been five years prior. Even when thunderstorms drenched Elijah to the bone, she wouldn't spare him a second glance. It was only on Eleanor's birthday that Elijah took another step forward. He crouched by the door, slipped a box inside, and said to Eleanor, “Ellie, happy birthday.” Eleanor looked at the gift, then glanced up at