Madeline Burely slept the entire night, formented by the fever and cold.
While she bail always been frail back with the Larson family, she seldom got sick. Hat this tinor, the illness came on fast and fierce.
Harper hall looked after Madeline throughout the night. When she saw Madeline finally manage to fall asleep in the morning, she couldn’t bear to
She thought. Watching the sunrise can wait. I don’t want to push Maddie any further
Maddelose, curling up under the blanket, clutched the rosary beats on her wrist, her warm breath lightly misting over them.
Harper wanted to wipe her hands and erukdn’t pry them open, so she gave up.
Genly feeling Madeline’s forehead, she murmured, “At least the fever’s gone. If it had messed up Maddie’s brain, I’d be guilty for life.”
She then went out to pour the hot water and found a man standing under the caves with his back to her.
Dressed in simple linen clothes, he looked tall and thin, as if the wind might carry him away. He exuded an air of ethereal grace.
“Good morning,” Noah greeted Harper. “Has Ms. Larson’s fever gone down?”
Harper was momentarily taken aback, then looked at Noals, and replied, “Yes, her fever’s broken, but she’s still not in great shape. She’ll need some
The rest”
Noah glanced at the man beside him. “Mr. Bermett…
“She does need to recuperate Aiden said. “It’s col
cold up here on the mountain. Noah, later, bring them a new blanket”
Harper was drawn to the enchanting voice and couldn’t resist poking her head to peek at the man speaking. All she caught was a glimpse of his sharp, handsome profile.
side, with long rosary beads wrapped twice around his wrist and disappearing into his wide
His posture was dignified, and his hand bung at his si sleeve.
Behind him, the mist–shrouded chapel stood framed by the pale blue–green of the mountain, the scene one of unearthly beauty.
After speaking, Aiden turned and walked away with long strides.
Harper couldn’t help but watch his retreating figure. His thin frame didn’t appear weak; his large, steady steps exuded calm confidence, and the hem of his clothes swayed lightly with each step.
She exclaimed in surprise. “That’s the priest I saw yesterday..”
Noah, young and quick on his feet, soon returned with a new blanket.
He was short, and with the thick blanket bundled in his arms, he looked both chimsy and adorable.
Madeline, cold in her sleep, felt the heavy blanket being placed over her.
Opening her eyes, she mumbled, still disoriented, “Harper, where did you get this blanket? What time is it? 5
Shouldn’t we go see the sunrisel
“We are not going” Harper replied, shaking her head. “Right now, your health is the priority. Honey, if you don’t get better soon, your brothers will surely give me a hard time”
Tucking the blanket around Madeline, she continued, “It’s really too cold here. I think it’s best you stay put and recuperate. You’re not in any condition to leave. After all, even if we take the cable car, we’d still have to walk a bit to get there. And after the cable car, there’s another stretch to the main road, then half an hour by bus to the nearest town,”
She shook her head and I concluded, “You’re really not up for that kind of journey
Madeline snuggled deeper into the blanket “Okay…”
your stay, so just relax and recover. And since your fever’s
Noah poked his head in and said, “Ms. Larson, don’t worry. Mr. Bennett already paid for your gone, you’ll probably be back to normal in a few days.”
Madeline asked in surprise, “Mr. Bennent? Why would he pay for met I already troubled him yesterday.”
“No problem. As I said, you have a connection with Christianity. Noah grinned. “Mr. Bennett is busy today, giving a sermon. You just rest sp. If he has cline tonight, he might come by with some medicine.”
11:35 AM c d
Chapter 227
Madeline qusly responded, “Please thank him for me.
Noah scratched his head. “Will do! Now, I’ve got to go sweep the floors.” Then he skipped away.
Harper sit by the bed and said. “Mr. Bennett is the priest I saw yesterday. My goodness, not only is he handsome, but he’s got such a kind heart, too. I would be a huge waste if he didn’t return to secular life”
Madeline couldn’t help but shake her head. “He can still do a lot of good here. Not everyone is interested in chasing fame and fortune.”
Feeling tired, she added. “No more talking. I need to sleep.
Wait, since you’re awake now, I’ll get you some hot oatmeal, Harper said, checking her phone. “The cafeteria might be crowded at this hour. You Take a nap, and 111 wake you when I get back with the food.”
Madeline nodded. Thanks for all your trouble.”
“Hey, I’m the one who dragged you up here. Otherwise, you wouldn’t be ill. I’ll take good care of you, Harper chuckled, touching Madeline’s cheek. Madeline heard the footsteps fade away and closed her eyes, slipping into a drowsy hare.
She vaguely heard the door creak open, followed by soft footsteps approaching her bed.
Her eyelashes fluttered slightly as she opened her eyes just a bit. She saw long rosary beads, a wide sleeve, a steaming bowl, and a bunch of plum blossoms
Someone lightly touched her forehead, their movements slow and gentle.
Madeline, feeling incredibly drowsy, couldn’t tell if she was dreaming or awake.
Thinking it was just a dream, she paid no mind and slipped back into sleep.
Fifteen minutes later, Harper, holding a bowl of hot oatmeal, shook her awake. “Maddie, wake up. The place is packed today. Looks like it’s SAT season. A lot of parents have brought their kids here to pray for good luck. Honestly, these parents are really thoughtful Once exam prep kicks in, the kids won’t have time to come here”
As Harper spoon–fed the hot oatmeal to Madeline, she noticed the medicine and a bamboo vase with a large bunch of plum blossoms on the bedside table. “Did Noah bring these over! He is really enthusiastic and sweet, isn’t he?”
Madeline glanced at the table. The plum blossoms were beautiful, freshly picked, their delicate pink and red hues blending together perfectly Just looking at them lifted her spirits
She reached out to touch the petals. “These plum blossoms from the mountain are so pretty
Her thoughts drifted to the plum blossoms she had seen the previous night outside Aiden’s window. Smiling weakly, she said, “Seems like there are a lot of plum trees here.”
“Not really though. From yesterday to today. I’ve only seen this bunch, Harper said, rubbing her chin. “With the chapel being warmer, the blossoms have long since fallen. It’s already late March or early April, plum season is over.
Madeline thought about it and realized it made sense.
But with Harper urging her to finish the oatmeal, she didn’t dwell on it.
She just thought the Bowers were truly beautiful
