A Farewell After Being Reborn

"Huh?" Sage was taken aback as Thomas seemed perfectly well when she and Donald bid him goodbye yesterday. His voice had been full of energy, but he was gone now.

"The doctor said it was terminal lucidity," croaked Donald.

Sage understood that losing a lifelong friend must have been crushing for Donald. She was also disheartened to learn that Thomas, who had spoken highly of her just the day before, was suddenly no longer alive. After consoling Donald, she went up to Linda. "Grandma, I'm sorry but I can't stay the night. My grandfather is grieving the loss of his friend, and I need to be there for him."

Linda replied, "Silly child. There's nothing to apologize for. It's only natural to want to comfort your grandfather in his time of need. I'll have lan send you back.” Then, Linda attempted to make one of the maids get lan.

Sage stopped her. "Grandma, that won't be necessary. Let lan keep on with his work. I'll hail a cab.”

only fitting for lan to pay his respects to Mr. Joyner

to inconvenience anyone. She insisted, "Grandma, it's easier to

But allow our family driver to take you. It may take some time for

into the tranquil suburbs, far from the city's

take a look," the driver announced before he got out of the

went out to check on the car. But as she opened the car door, someone covered her nose and mouth. Panicking, she attempted

cloth that he pressed against her face might have been sprayed with

up. Her mind raced to piece together the events leading up to her abduction—the car had been rear-ended, and her captor covered her nose and mouth with a cloth before