Chapter: 1168

Her leukemia treatment also progressed, yielding better results than anticipated.

Yet, Norah's absence continued to weigh heavily on her friends’ minds.

One day, Joanna decided to visit Gil and Trudy, bearing gifts and honoring Norah's request to check on them whenever she was free.

Upon arriving, Joanna knocked and entered. She was immediately enveloped in darkness.

The gloom inside pressed down on her spirits, prompting her to turn on the Light.

The sudden brightness caused Trudy to spin around abruptly in the living room.

Joanna didn't notice anything amiss and placed the gifts on the table.

"Hello, Mr. and Mrs. Davies, I'm Joanna Andrews, a good friend of Norah's."

After introducing herself, she gave Gil a nod. "I apologize for not visiting sooner."

Since Norah had gone missing, Joanna had been reflecting on their shared memories and realized she hadn't kept many promises. She was now determined to fulfill them one by one.

Gil nodded back at her. "You're a kind soul. Thank you for thinking of us. Next time, please don't bring gifts. We're just happy to see you."

He recognized Joanna, as she was often with Norah. After Susanna was hospitalized, Joanna frequently looked after her.

Trudy moved deeper into the living room without engaging with Joanna.

Standing in the hallway, Joanna peered into the room. “Norah made it clear that gifts are a must whenever I pop by. She's even offered to foot the bill herself! So, naturally, presents for you two are a must!"

She blinked playfully, trying to inject some humor to lighten the somber mood in the house.

"We'll both come to visit when she gets back. Mr. and Mrs. Davies, I need to go now. Take care."

She waved goodbye with a smile. Despite their cool demeanor, she didn't mind and turned to leave.

As soon as she stepped outside, her smile vanished. Joanna gazed at the closed door with sadness. She had noticed some items on a small table in the corner of the living room. Moreover, Gil had spoken with her on the hallway, preferring not to let her inside.

Back inside the house.

Trudy lifted her aged face, her eyes red and teary. She began to cry again.

"Norah always cared for us, even while on a business trip. She was only gone for three months. How could this have happened?"

Gil had learned of Norah's disappearance from Susanna the previous week. He had tried to shield the news from his wife but found himself too distracted at home. Eventually, Trudy pressured him into telling her.

Their home was then enveloped in sadness.

"What a remarkable girl! She was so kind to us. We haven't even met her new boyfriend yet..."