Isabelle texted Inman, letting him know she'd have to meet a client early the next morning and might miss the morning meeting.
After replying to Inman, Sophia felt a sudden slump in her spirits. She scrolled through her phone listlessly until her finger paused on Jason's name.
Opening their chat, she saw the last message she'd sent him. He hadn't reached out since that night.
A sense of emptiness mixed with restlessness settled over Sophia. Was he still in B City?
Would he go to Jewel if he was feeling down?
Tapping her fingers on the table, Sophia got up to drink some water. The cold water did little to calm her nerves.
Checking the time, she decided to call her mom, "Are you asleep?"
Jasmine laughed, "Am I dreaming, or are you? Calling me out of the blue!"
Sophia doodled aimlessly on a piece of paper, "Just missing you, aren't you touched?"
"Moved to tears!" Jasmine sighed, "My 28-year-old daughter has finally grown up!"
Laughing, Sophia asked, "Is Dad home?"
"Just got back, he's in his office on a call. Need him?"
"No, let him be."
After a pause, Sophia asked, "I didn't say goodbye to Gina either. Did you visit the Gilder family today?"
"I did, and I said goodbye for you. Your Aunt Lia is used to your whims; she won't take it to heart." Jasmine's voice deepened, "It's Jason, though—"
Sophia immediately asked, "What about him?"
"What are you talking about?" Sophia frowned, "You overthink a simple call; I won't bother calling next time!"
Jasmine snickered, "Afraid you won't sleep otherwise!"
Sophia, blushing and annoyed, retorted, "Who can't sleep? I'm going to bed."
"The weather's turned cold; take care of yourself. Without Jason there, I'm genuinely worried."
"Why bring him up again?" Sophia complained, "It's bold of you to say, considering you sent me off to J City as a child and later left me in Jason's care. You've had an easy time as a mom but left me owing him so much."
Jasmine paused, guilt in her voice, "I'm sorry, Sophia. I failed to take proper care of you."
Sophia's eyes welled up, and she sniffled, trying to sound light-hearted, "It's okay, really. I know you were busy with work, devoted to the cause, prioritizing the greater good over our little family. I understand! Besides, I've had a happy life these years."
"Mom, I'm sorry for what I said earlier."
Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: Find me in your labyrinth (Stella and Jonathan)