< Chapter 7 Chapter 7 Two hours later .
The rain lashed down , a fierce wind whipping through the valley .
I waited at the foot of the mountain , my face numb with cold , the chill seeping into my bones .
I looked up at the inky sky , a wry smile twisting my chapped lips .
Uncle , you broke your word .
I knew Ryder wouldnt come back for me .
Pulling my collar tighter , I stood , intending to walk back alone .

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But my legs , stiff and numb , buckled .
Mr.
Charles , the park ranger , caught me .
Seeing my drenched and dishevelled state , he offered to send his son to take me home .
I wanted to refuse , but my clothes were torn , I was freezing , and I was lightheaded .
The walk back to the base was still a long one .
I said grategully , Thank you so much ..
Half an hour later , I was at the entrance to the residential area .
I thanked the young man and promised to return his jacket after washing it .
As he left , I turned and saw Ryder , his face grim .
Uncle … Before I could say anything , he grabbed my arm and pulled me towards the house .
I struggled to keep up , my wrist aching in his grip .
11:37 Menu < Chapter 7 Inside , a sudden chill .
He stripped off my wet jacket , tossing it on the floor , and his voice , cold and angry , hit me .
I told you to wait at the bottom ! Do you know what it looks like , a married woman wearing a young mans jacket ? Are you trying to cheat on me ?! He was furious ; the veins in his hands bulged .
I lowered my head , rubbing my aching wrist .
I felt utterly exhausted .
Uncle , I waited for you for a long time .
Later , I realized you werent coming .
My clothes were torn , I was soaked , I almost fainted .
That young man is Mr.
Charles son ; he was just being kind .
I looked up , meeting Ryders gaze .
Is that explanation sufficient ? Silence .
Ryders rationality seemed to return .
He looked at my neck , reaching out to touch it .
Is it bad ? Ill get some medicine .
I dodged his hand .
Its fine .
Ill put some ointment on it later .
I turned and walked to my room .
Ryder watched my frail back , his eyes dark , an indescribable emotion swirling within him .
I showered and fell into a heavy sleep .
In my hazy state , I felt a cool , tingling sensation on my neck .
But I was too tired to open my eyes , dismissing it as the wind .
I slept until dawn .
The next morning , I found a tube of ointment and a note on my 11:37 ԼՈՐ Menu < Chapter 7 bedside table .
Ill return the jacket to him .
The ointment will prevent scarring .
The base is busy before the festival ; I wont be staying home these days .
* I looked at the calendar : Six days until my departure .
Id hoped to spend these last days with Ryder , but it seemed that wouldnt happen .
Day 5 countdown : I gave away my modified gadgets to my neighbors .
Day 4 countdown : I organized my food and medicine , labeling everything clearly .
Day 3 countdown : I went to the market to buy some goods for the coming festival .
Passing a jewelry store , I saw a longevity lock .
The clerk said it was for children , to protect them .
I thought of Ryders conversation with his comrade about not having children at thirty .
I bought the lock as a gift for his future child a first birthday present .
After I leave , he and Autumn will remarry and have a child soon enough .
I placed the lock and the divorce papers in a box , tying it with a ribbon .
Day 2 countdown : The base was brimming with the atmosphere of the festival .
Children , dressed in new clothes , set off firecrackers .
I decorated my home , hung paper cuts on every door , and wrote down my wishes on it : Red plum blossoms in the snow , family harmony ; green willows greet the spring , peace and well being .
* It was my blessing for him happiness and health .
11:37 ་ Menu < Chapter 7 I looked at the neatly written characters , lost in thought .
My characters used to be uneven , deliberately messy so Ryder would have an excuse to help me .
A wry smile touched my lips while thinking of this .
Your calligraphy has improved , a low voice said from behind .
I turned , seeing Ryder for the first time in days .
I smiled easily .
Actually , I was deceiving you , Uncle .
After all those lessons , my calligraphy is perfect now .
Ryder didnt respond , his gaze lingering on my bright eyes .
Uncle , are you on leave ? Id thought he wouldnt be home for New Year .
Yes , but its conditional .
If the base needs me , I have to go back .
Come inside , its cold out here .
He went inside .
I decided to give him the box first .
Uncle , this is my early New Years gift .
Please open it after Christmas , okay ?