While Jasper and Charlie were talking, at the west of Tefa City in Walmart.
Wendy and Sally talked and laughed as they picked out items while Julian stood near them and stared at everyone who got close to them.
The second time he managed to scare a little girl to tears, Wendy turned and said helplessly to Julian, “Julian, can’t you have a kinder expression on your face? Look at how scared that little girl was.”
Julian said innocently, “I didn’t mean to scare her on purpose. I just took another look at her because she seemed cute.”
“You have no idea how scary you appear when you look at people,” Sally said as she laughed. She picked up a foam pillow, which had just started gaining popularity in a small part of the country in recent years.
“Wendy, do you think these pillows are useful? Jasper’s dad has some neck problems, and the normal pillows don’t allow him to get a restful sleep. I heard that these pillows are quite useful in allowing restful sleep.”
Wendy asked in surprise, “Charlie has neck problems? Has he gotten it checked out at the hospital?”
Sally smiled as she said, “There’s no need to have it checked. He’s had that problem for many years now because of his work. Back then, we had to plant several hectares worth of rice in a day, and we spent all that time hunched over working in the fields. It’s not odd that we have problems with our necks and backs. It can’t be cured.”
Wendy picked out the best foam pillow and placed it in the cart. “Let’s just buy one for the time being. I have a friend overseas, and I can get her to send one that was manufactured there to me.”
“No need to go to such trouble,” Sally hurriedly said.
Wendy smiled and said, “It’s just a small matter. There’s no need to be so formal with me.”
As Sally gazed at the racks of goods in the supermarket, she asked naturally, “Do you need anything back home? Let’s buy some for you to bring back home.”
Wendy smiled as she said, “No need, Sally. I have everything. I don’t need anything else.”
Sally disagreed as she said, “I heard from Jasper that your mom passed when you were young, and your dad raised you alone. He’s a man, and you’re a girl who hasn’t done any household chores in her life. There’s no way the two of you would know if anything is lacking from the cupboards.
“I’ll buy some things for you two. Both Christmas and New Year’s are approaching. You should take this opportunity to replace some things.”
Startled and touched, Wendy took Sally’s hand in hers as she said, “Thank you.”
After so many years, Wendy had already grown used to life without her mother taking care of her. However, she now got to feel the love and care her father could not provide from Sally.
It was the kind of gentleness only a mother possessed.
This sort of tenderness toward the smallest detail was the most touching to Wendy, who had lost the love of her mother more than ten years ago.
Sally patted Wendy’s palm gently as she said softly, “From today onward, I’ll be your mom. There’s no need for us to be so polite ever again.”
“Alright!” Wendy nodded and smiled happily as she answered.
When the two pushed their trolley to the check-out counter and stood in line, Wendy realized that a man in the other line was staring at her.
“Are you… Wendy Schuler? Is it really you? I didn’t dare say hi!” the young, handsome man said excitedly to Wendy.
