A Graduation Gift

"Courtney? What's wrong with Courtney?"

Clearly, Edith had no knowledge about Courtney's illness. Hence her reaction portrayed utter shock.

Comprehending this, Cassandra went forward and stroked her mother's arms. She wanted her mother to calm down. Eventually, she turned and brought her focus back to Whitney. In a low-pitched voice, she asked, "Auntie Whitney, I believe Cloris isn't aware of Courtney's illness, am I right?"

As she asked this, Cassandra broke into a cold-sweat. She was very intuitive and something told her a bad news was on its way. She sat looking at Whitney expectantly. In spite of her worry, she tried to look unruffled. She didn't want to heighten her mother's anxiety.

"Well, I believe that's a question Cloris should be answering,"

Whitney said in a detached voice. She turned to stare at Cloris who hadn't uttered a single word yet. In fact, ever since she came here, Cloris had been sitting still. For an outsider, she would have come across as mute.

"Cloris, what is going on? Would you just speak up for God's sake? I want you to tell me everything that you know!"

Edith demanded gruffly. Everyone present here was acting vague. She couldn't take it anymore and wanted an explanation.

But Cloris was unperturbed by her mother's screech. She didn't even bother to look up. Instead, she gritted her teeth and turned her head to avoid meeting her mother's gaze.

"Auntie Whitney, is it possible that there is some kind of misunderstanding? We have looked into Courtney's condition before. I am certain it has nothing to do with my sister!" Cassandra asserted.

was beginning to lose her composure. When she saw her own sister's attitude, her fear intensified. She was afraid that Whitney might know something that they didn't know. 'Besides, why is Cloris hesitating to speak? From what I know, she is not

to support her family. Cloris was her sister hence she would be on her

this incident. All I ask for is Cloris's apology. I wish she would meet Courtney in person and ask for her forgiveness. This is the least she

in a determined tone. She came here expecting an apology and didn't intend to go back without one. She raised her head and her eyes once again flitted over Cloris.

for what?" demanded Cassandra.

was certain that something had happened between Courtney and Cloris. 'Why does she want Cloris to apologize to Courtney? And does it have anything

I am sorry but I don't get you. Would you please care

In spite of this, Cloris didn't speak up or make an effort to wipe out her sister's and mother's confusion.

dug into her bag and took out a plain black

I found in Courtney's bedroom. Even since she was a kid, she had a habit of writing. I normally don't spy on her stuff, but I casually went through this one. That's how I discovered where the problem

written in a neat handwriting. In spite of being meticulous, one could easily tell it was a young child's handwriting. It seemed like the child had put

eyes on the diary for a moment before

dig it up. But now that I have stumbled upon it, I don't have any choice. If you don't believe me then you should visit us and see Courtney's condition. You will understand that she is still fixated on it and hasn't moved on. I don't mean to put all the blame on you, that's not my intention. I just want you to meet her and apologize. I am a helpless mother who is willing to do

and Cassandra by surprise. If what Whitney said was true, then it meant Courtney's illness

wasn't willing to do anything that would distress Cloris. Not matter what she did, her motherly heart was willing to safeguard her. So although this came as a shock, she

Cloris isn't willing to speak. How about let me go and comfort Courtney?