Chapter 391 Yearning for the Sun
Late at night, three folks were knocked out in bed.
Shirley's face was ghostly pale, her brows all scrunched up, and sweat was dotting her forehead.
Her dry lips quivered, whispering, "Dad, I'm sorry. Forgive me."
Outta nowhere, Shirley's eyes snapped open, gasping for air. Tears streamed down her face.
She stared at the ceiling for a bit, trying to chill out. These nightmares and sleepless nights were almost a daily grind, each one leaving a deep scar. The weight of it all made it hard to breathe.
Shirley covered her mouth, coughed softly, got outta bed, and slowly walked outside.
Luann, who had been lightly snoozing, opened her eyes and quietly followed. She found Shirley sitting on the backyard steps, staring at the sunflowers.
Luann draped a thin coat over Shirley's shoulders. "Mom, you'll get sick."
Shirley's heart warmed, and she hugged her. "Good girl, Luann."
Despite her crappy marriage with Mike, she was grateful for Luann's kindness.
"Mom, don't cry," Luann said, wiping away her tears.
"I'm not crying, just happy," Shirley said, pinching her cheek. "Why is our little girl so thoughtful?"
Luann hugged her and rubbed her face. "Because I want you to be happy forever. Grandma said Dad makes you sad; he's a bad person."
Shirley's expression changed. "Luann, you don't have a dad, and you shouldn't mention him again, understand? Don't take your grandma's words seriously."
Luann blinked. "Why, Mom? Grandma said Dad is bad, and good people should fight bad people!"
Shirley's gentle expression turned stern. "Luann! Are you not listening to me anymore?"
"I am," Luann said, lowering her head, feeling hurt.
Shirley didn't want Luann burdened by her mistakes. If Luann grew up with hatred and a desire for revenge, how would she live her life? "I hope you can be like these sunflowers, always yearning for the sun, and just be happy every day."
Luann stared blankly. "Do you like sunflowers?"
"Of course, I love sunflowers the most. When your grandpa was around, he'd bring me a sunflower every day. Later, he planted sunflower seeds in front of the house. They were the most beautiful in July and August. Sunflowers always grow towards the sun."
At that time, Luann didn't understand such deep words. She smiled brightly. "Then I am your little sun, always shining on you!"
Shirley smiled gently. "Okay."
Early the next morning, Luann left with Jones.
Once she left, she rarely came back, only staying a month or two each year before leaving again.
At five, Luann held a solo concert in Brithia. It was a big hit.
She rushed back excitedly to surprise Shirley. "Mom! At my concert, an old man wanted to take me as his student. I said no; I want to do it on my own! Mom, my medical skills are improving! But there's so much to learn every day. Everything's fine at Jones', but it's exhausting. Sometimes I want to rest, but Jones won't let me. And I want to go out and play like other kids, but I don't have any friends. I passed by a place with lots of kids my age. Williams said it's called a kindergarten. What's a kindergarten? Why can't I go? Oh, and the girl next door is named Hill. I like her, but Adolph seems to like her more and doesn't want me to get too close. Adolph always gives my things to her, does he think I don't notice?"
Luann chattered on. Shirley lay in bed, looking unwell, quietly waiting for her to finish. "Yes, my Luann is the best."
Luann beamed, craving her mother's praise. "By the way, Mom, there's something I haven't told you. Jones asked me to pick a stage name. Guess what I chose? It's Sunshine! I'm your sunshine, your little sun!"
Shirley smiled. "That's a beautiful name, Sunshine."
The slightly open door was knocked on twice. A voice called from outside, "Did you take the mended clothes over?"
Shirley coughed and said weakly, "I'll go in a moment." She then propped herself up.
"Mom, I'll go too!"
Usually, Debra handled these tasks, but she was out today.
Shirley didn't want to keep the person waiting, so she decided to deliver the clothes herself.
A pile of clothes was placed in the car. Luann automatically sat in the back. She smiled and said, "Mom, hurry up and drive."
Hearing "drive," Shirley felt a bit dazed. She slowly got in, calmed herself, and started the car.
With a clattering sound, the car sped off. But the scene triggered memories of the car accident years ago.
"Mom! Brake!" Luann saw Shirley wasn't avoiding the sharp turn ahead. If they didn't dodge, they'd crash.
Shirley's face turned pale. She heard the screams from that fateful day. "The brakes are broken! I can't stop!"
"Turn! Turn now!"
Seeing Shirley unresponsive, Luann froze but tried to help.
Just as Luann steadied herself to reach Shirley, the car hit a large rock. The jolt threw Luann out.
