Chapter 358
Chapter 358
I didn’t see it coming that Snow would actually know about my past with Neil.
The way she asked… it seemed like she knew a lot.
“Since it all happened a long time ago, I’ve moved on.” I answered calmly.
Snow nodded in agreement. “That’s a good way to think. Lingering too long can drain one emotionally. Instead, it’s the brief moments that are more memorable.”
I didn’t quite get the logic. Brief moments were more memorable? Was that really true?
Wasn’t it the other way around? The more time we invest, the deeper the feelings, and the harder it was to let go.
Snow’s thoughts always baffled me somewhat.
And I didn’t really want to discuss Neil with her any further.
So I changed the subject. “Where’s your son?”
“He’s playing games. I’ve been looking for a school for him, but I don’t know which one is best. And it’s summer break, so I just let him play.” Snow seemed to enjoy talking about her son. Every time I asked her anything, she would answer in detail.
But she never told me her son’s full name, just calling him “Hiram.”
Hiram was learning Chinese, but it was not very good. He barely managed to communicate with others. Sometimes he was outgoing, sometimes he was quiet. His favorite thing was to play games. Every time I came for treatment, he was always playing games.
Since he resembled Neil a lot, I’ve always wanted to take a closer look at him, but he stayed in the room most of the time.
“Have you found his father?” I asked again.
“Not yet. I didn’t have a pleasant breakup with his father. The chances of us reconciling are slim.” Snow sighed. “By the way, Ms. Finch, you’re a local, right? I heard there’s a good elementary school in Rosemont, but it needs some connections to get in. Can you help me?”
I was a bit surprised that Snow would ask for my help.
If I could help, I would. But our relationship didn’t seem to be that close yet.
“Is it inconvenient?” Snow asked me directly.
“Alright, I’ll take care of it before school starts.” I promised her after a few seconds of thought. This way, I could find out more about Snow and Hiram, since admission required personal information.
I was sure I could find a way to get that info. I didn’t believe it was possible for two random people in the world to resemble each other so much.
On hearing that I was willing to help, Snow was very pleased; her voice even lightened up. “Thank you, Ms. Finch. I owe you one.”
I smiled. “Just help me get better. And don’t tell anyone about my condition, okay?”
Snow replied, “Of course, I won’t compromise a patient’s privacy. Don’t worry.”
After the session, I planned to rest a bit, get dressed, and leave.
However, Snow suddenly received a call. Her tone changed abruptly. She said to me, “Ms. Finch, I have to step out for a bit. Can you look after Hiram?”
“How long?” I asked, a bit surprised.
“About an hour or two.” Snow frowned; the call seemed to have brought some bad news.
I hesitated, but eventually agreed. With my consent, Snow left in a hurry, leaving me alone in the living room. Occasionally, I could hear Hiram’s voice from his room. After a while, I walked towards the room and knocked on the door.
Hiram’s voice came through. “Mommy, I’ll play for a bit longer, then practice writing.”
I said softly, “Snow had to leave for a bit. Hiram, are you hungry? I can take you out for something to eat.”
“I’m not eating. Mommy told me not to accept things from strangers.” Hiram became cold the moment he heard my voice. He spoke to me, “Stay away from my room. I want to keep playing!”
Hiram was a bit rude, but I couldn’t help comparing him with Neil. They seemed to have similar personalities.
I tried to talk him into it. “Hiram, you can’t play anymore. Snow will be mad when she comes back.”
“That’s none of your business. You’re not my mommy!” Hiram retorted.
“But Snow asked me to look after you!” I was a bit angry. Hiram was a real handful.
I opened the door to find Hiram sitting in front of the computer, with his headphones on and fingers flying over the keyboard.
After seeing me barge in, he angrily took off his headphones and pointed at me. “Who let you in? Get out, or I’ll call the police!”
After looking at Hiram up close, I was taken aback. He was so much like Neil; even the mole on his nose was the same.
I was dumbstruck, unable to react.
Hiram stood up from his chair and tried to push me away. I grabbed his hand and blurted out, “Hiram, did Snow tell you what your dad’s name is? Tell me, I can take you to him.”
After hearing that I could take him to his dad, Hiram stopped pushing. He looked at me, not totally convinced. “Really?”
“Really, just tell me his name.” I crouched down to his level, asking patiently.
“Mommy never told me what my dad’s name is. But she said my dad is very handsome and rich,” Hiram looked at me, his eyes full of longing for his father.
A chill ran down my spine. Both conditions matched Neil.
Hiram urged me. “Take me to my dad. A handsome and rich man should be easy to find, right?”.
Hiram’s thinking was pretty naive. He held my hand, seeming unusually friendly.
But could I really help him find his father? Should I really take him to Neil?
“Hiram, we’ll find your father later. I need to figure out how to find him first. Once I find a clue, I’ll take you there, okay?” I tried to smile and comfort him.
If Neil really had a child, it would only strengthen my resolve to leave. After all, my mother also wanted me to leave.
But Hiram didn’t seem to agree. He said unhappily, “You’re lying to me. If you can’t take me to my dad, then take me out to play. I’m bored staying in the hotel.”
“Where do you wanna hang out?” I couldn’t help but ask.
“Amusement park. My mama says I’m not in the best shape, so I can’t just fool around. It would be a real pain in the ass if I trip or something.” Hiram got all excited, thinking I was about to give in.
