Chapter 66
Chapter 66
“Really?” Daisy closed her eyes, then opened them again, a little doubtful as she looked at Simon. “But I didn’t see Lily in the
room.”
“That’s because she’s sleeping,” Simon said gently, trying to reassure her. “Just like when you sleep, you hide under your blanket so no one can see you.
“Lily is probably doing the same, and when she wakes up, she’ll come out and play with you.”
“Okay then,” Daisy said, puffing her cheeks but deciding not to push it any further.
Their conversation wasn’t exactly quiet, and Stella overheard every word. Even the flower shop owner, standing nearby, looked over with a mix of curiosity and concern for the little girl.
It was obvious to anyone that Daisy seemed to be suffering from something-probably a mental health issue.
Simon led Daisy off to play for a bit, making sure she was out of earshot. Then he pretty much collapsed into the chair beside Stella, looking absolutely wiped out.
“Daisy’s situation is kind of complicated,” he started, his voice low. “It’s sort of like Dissociative Identity Disorder-a mental health thing, you know?
“That means switching between different personalities, memory loss, and sometimes hearing or seeing someone else inside
their head.
“It’s super rare in kids, actually. Daisy’s different. Sure, she’s lost some memories, but it’s not like she’s forgetting things all the time. The weird part is she can always see Lily.
“It’s almost like they’re sharing the same body, or maybe Lily is like a spirit that’s always with her.
“Anyway, that’s the situation,” Simon said, looking down, his bangs covering his eyes. He sounded drained. “No one’s been able to give a clear answer, even after all the specialists I’ve seen.”
Silence hung in the air. Stella, after everything she’d been through, could just barely keep cool. But the shop owner was already tearing up, her eyes red and full of sympathy as she watched Daisy admiring the flowers.
If she weren’t worried about startling Daisy, the owner probably would’ve run over and just scooped Daisy up in a hug, wanting to cherish her for a moment.
After a while, Stella was the first to break the silence. “Did anyone say if there’s a cure for this?”
“No,” Simon replied with a wry smile, shaking his head. “There’s no real cure. All we can do is guide Daisy while she’s young, and maybe when she’s older, medication can help. Hopefully, she can live a normal life then.”
When Stella heard there was no real hope for a full recovery, her heart ached. For a parent, nothing was worse than hearing their child might not fully recover.
Even though her bond with Irene was basically gone, Stella still couldn’t bear the thought of Irene ever having to go through something like this.
“And her parents?” the shop owner asked softly, her concern written all over her face.
Simon started to say something, but just sighed and looked away, a shadow passing over his eyes.
“Ah, sorry-shouldn’t have asked,” the shop owner apologized, a little embarrassed. “Let me put together a bouquet for Daisy before you go. Consider it a little blessing for her, wishing her well.”
1/3
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Since it was for Daisy, Simon didn’t refuse, just nodded gratefully. “Thank you, that’s really kind of you.”
They didn’t talk much after that-the mood was just too heavy. After a while, Simon stood up to leave, calling out to Daisy, “Hey Daisy, time to go.”
LIBE||
THEI
“Coming,” Daisy called out, running over.
Simon crouched down as he always did to pick her up, but Daisy suddenly ran straight toward Stella instead. “Hug,” Daisy chirped, holding her arms out.
Stella didn’t hesitate-she bent down and scooped Daisy into her arms.
Stella had always liked Daisy, but after learning what the little one had gone through, her fondness now carried a genuine tenderness and compassion.
“Time to head out,” Daisy cheered, her voice full of excitement.
Daisy didn’t understand why Stella’s expression seemed so complicated, but being in her arms made Daisy feel happy.
She didn’t know why, but Daisy just liked Stella so much. It felt like Stella reminded her of someone.
“I feel like I forgot someone really important,” Daisy suddenly piped up, her brow furrowing in thought.
Before Stella could even process that, Simon dashed over with a stiff smile plastered on his face. “Daisy, did you see how fast I was? Did I scare you?”
Daisy didn’t get scared but quickly forgot what she had been thinking.
“Uncle Simon, you’re amazing. I almost got scared-just a little bit,” she said, laughing along with Simon’s goofy antics. Obviously, this routine had happened more than once.
Simon threw his head back and put his hands on his hips, laughing loudly. “I knew it—I’m Daisy’s favorite Uncle!”
Because of the angle, Daisy couldn’t see his face at all, so she just giggled along with him.
But Stella saw that his smile was forced, and his eyes were red, either from some hidden sadness or just the bright light. He was trying hard to hold back tears.
“I’ll take Daisy outside. You… Actually, forget it, we’ll just wait for you out front,” Stella said, pressing her lips together. She turned and carried Daisy out of the shop without saying another word.
“Thank you,” came Simon’s choked voice just as the door swung shut behind them.
If it weren’t for Daisy, Stella would have no reason to deal with Simon at all. She still hadn’t forgotten what happened the other day.
Not long after, the bell above the door chimed gently as Simon stepped out, having composed himself and holding a bouquet of flowers.
“Daisy, look! This is from Auntie at the flower shop. Isn’t it pretty?” Simon asked, smiling.
Daisy nodded excitedly. “It’s so pretty. I really love it.” She turned to the owner, who had come out to see them off, and beamed. “Thank you for the flowers. I really like them.”
“You’re welcome, sweetie. I’m glad you like them,” the owner said, gently pinching Daisy’s cheek.
They chatted for a bit longer before finally saying their goodbyes.
2/3
The streets were busy as always, filled with people rushing around and cars everywhere.
Walking beside Stella, Simon felt awkward, wanting to talk but still remembering how he’d offended her the other day. He decided to stay quiet.
Stella didn’t bother with him at all, too busy giggling and whispering with Daisy snuggled in her arms.
“Where are we going to play next?” Daisy asked, her eyes sparkling with excitement.
Stella paused, not sure what to say. She wasn’t sure if Daisy could handle places like an amusement park, or any crowded, noisy places.
“What do you usually play, Daisy?” Stella asked, hoping to understand her better.
Daisy replied right away, “I play games with the grown-ups in the same clothes.”
She paused, her mood suddenly dipping. “But Lily doesn’t really like them. She keeps telling me to leave that place, even though the games they play are actually really fun. I wish Lily liked it too.”
Stella paused, realizing Daisy was talking about doctors.
It struck Stella how Daisy’s biggest joy seemed to be visiting the hospital, and her heart ached. For a child, that shouldn’t be the happiest part of life.
“Do you think Daisy could go to an amusement park?” Stella asked quietly, glancing at Simon with a look of concern.