“Happy New Year, Bryn. By the time you hear this message, I’ll probably be gone already… There’s so much I want to say, but I don’t even know where to begin…”
“I suppose I should start by saying I’m sorry, for leaving you like this. I know it’s cowardly and selfish of me, running away and leaving you with so many regrets… I’ve never been a good mother, not when you were little and I couldn’t protect you, and not now, when you’ve made something of yourself through your own hard work. Instead of helping you, I’ve only become a burden. Bryn… I know I’ve failed you, but the one thing I’m grateful for in this life is having you as my daughter.”
“The other day, I found that test result in your coat pocket. It turns out my Bryn is going to be a mother herself. Twins, the report said. I know you’ve kept it from me, and I can understand you must have your reasons, but I couldn’t help worrying. I reached out to Director Grant from the hospital, and she told me you’re planning to end the pregnancy. But if you do, you might never be able to have children again…”
“Bryn, I won’t interfere in your decision about the babies. If you choose to keep them, I thought of some names–Milo and Nina. I hope they’ll have peaceful, happy lives. But if you go through with the surgery, I’ll pray to every saint I know, asking them to protect you and keep you safe. There’s a little chapel up on Brightspring Mountain outside Northborough. It’s supposed to be a place of miracles. If you have the surgery, promise me you’ll go and light a candle first…”
“Bryn, the little home you made for us is so warm and inviting. I can’t bear the thought of it becoming a place of tragedy. They say the river below Pearbrook leads out to the open sea. All my life, I’ve felt trapped–by family expectations, by marriage, by the law… But now, I’m finally free. I want to follow the river, to see how big the world really is. Bryn, please don’t cry, don’t grieve, and don’t come looking for me…”
“Bryn, I have to go now. Promise me you’ll take care of yourself. Work hard, but don’t forget to spend a little on yourself–buy clothes, a new bag, some jewelry. A girl should treat herself, and you’re so beautiful, Bryn. If you dress up, you’ll turn every head in the room… Listen to me, rambling on and on. It’s getting dark. I have to leave
now…”
“Bryn, remember to eat well, sleep well, and love yourself. If you miss me, just come to Pearbrook. I’ll be there, in the river breeze, right by your side…”
The recording ended, and the whole house fell into a heavy silence.
Briony’s face was already streaked with tears, but she hadn’t made a sound from start to finish.
She pressed her phone to her heart, her pale lips trembling. “Star, I don’t have a mother anymore.”
“You still have me.”
Stella gathered her into a tight, tearful hug. “Bryn, you have me. I’ll always be here, no matter what. Don’t be afraid. Whatever happens, I’ll stay by your side, always!”
Briony squeezed her eyes shut, and a sob finally broke free from her throat.
Three days later, Briony held a funeral for Julia.
She bought a small plot by the river, but with no body to bury, she could only put up a memorial stone for her mother.
The Hudson family had cut ties with Julia five years ago, though Julia’s own mother was still alive.
After some thought, Briony had the funeral home send a notice to the Hudsons anyway.
No one from the family came. Only Old Mrs. Hudson, now in her seventies, sent a wreath.
Dressed in somber black, Briony watched as the staff quietly placed the two wreaths in a corner.
Her lashes trembled. She turned away.
1/2
10:00
Chapter 99
Next door, another funeral parlor was crowded with mourners, the air thick with crying and words of comfort.
But Julia’s memorial was quiet and still, heavy with loneliness.
It had been half an hour since the service began, and so far only Briony’s colleagues and Stella’s parents had come to pay their respects.
Briony wasn’t surprised.
Just then, footsteps echoed at the doorway,
Stella turned and, seeing who it was, blinked in surprise. “Dr. Clarke?”
Cedric Clarke nodded politely. “I hope I’m not too late?”
“Not at all,” Stella said, ushering him in. “We’re just grateful you could come.”
After paying his respects to Julia, Cedric turned to Briony, offering her a gentle, sorrowful smile. “Ms. Kensington, my condolences.”
10:00
