This year, Liliana stayed home alone watching TV, waiting for her family to return with supplies and new clothes.
Sitting alone on the soft sofa, watching the lively programs on the screen, then she came to a realization.
It turned out that Linton’s shadow was woven into every single detail of her life.
Liliana pressed her lips together gently. “Martha.”
Martha was the maternity nurse the Hart family had hired. When Liliana was home alone, she was there to look after her.
“Yes, miss, I’m here,” Martha replied, quickly wiping her hands as she came out of the kitchen with a smile.
“Miss, I’ve warmed up a bowl of egg custard for you. I’ll drizzle a little sesame oil on top, it’s delicious. You should try some.”
Liliana first thanked her, then said in a calm tone, “Martha, could you help me tidy up the house?”
At first, Martha didn't think much of it and asked with a smile, “Miss, are you talking about a deep clean?”
At the beginning of a new year, every household in Crownport had a tradition of “sweeping the house.” Adults and children would clean the house from top to bottom, then use a broom to clear the dust from the roof, symbolizing a farewell to the old and a welcome to the new, a wish for good fortune in the year to come.
In years past, Linton was always busy. But when it came time for the annual clean-out, he would always return on time to help Liliana clean their new house. After they finished, they would lie down on the bed in their new home together. Liliana loved to curl up in Linton’s warm, broad arms and bicker playfully with him. They would look forward to the new year together. Linton would ask her what she wanted for a New Year's gift, and Liliana would playfully list off a long string of presents.
And the next morning, she would always receive them.
...
Martha turned to get a broom.
Liliana looked at her and gently shook her head, saying quietly, “Not the deep clean, just tidying up the house.”
“I suddenly remembered there are a lot of things in the house that shouldn’t be here. I was too busy before and forgot to deal with them.”
“Now that I have the time, please help me sort them out and pack them into boxes.”
Hearing this, Martha looked puzzled. “Miss, should I put the boxes in the basement storage?”
“No, put them in the yard.”
“When you’re done gathering everything...”
“I’m going to burn it all.”


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