282 The ending of an era [three]

A week later, the fracture of her leg was removed too. She could still not walk much on her own but it wasn't as bad as it was earlier. When she reached home, her family and friends all gathered together to throw her a get-well-soon party. She plastered a smile on her face and pretended to be happy just like she had been doing for a month. She acted as if her life wasn't in shambles. As if she wasn't crumbling bit by bit. As if she wasn't afraid of being left behind. Sometimes, it hurts less to leave first than to be left behind. 

"Betty and August missed you, " An Qinyan smiled as she saw the cats running to meet An Xiulan. She had to say not just people but even the animals missed her daughter a lot. The house was dark and empty without her. They couldn't see their future without her in it. To say they missed her terribly would be an understatement.