Chapter 7

It was a coincidence that the farewell party was scheduled for February 14th. On her way to the plant’s community hall, Sarah Quinn noticed a small street vendor selling roses. A curious crowd quickly gathered around, chattering excitedly. "What’s the occasion? Why are flowers being sold all of a sudden? They’re so pretty," someone in the group remarked. "Today’s Valentine’s Day," another chimed in. "It’s a foreign thing. Couples in the city celebrate it—dinner dates, roses—it’s all about expressing love!" This was the first time many of them had heard of such a straightforward holiday. Laughter rippled through the group, tinged with embarrassment. A few asked about the price of the flowers, and when they heard it, a wave of gasps followed. "Just a few roses, and they cost that much? They don’t look any different from the wildflowers growing in my backyard," one woman said, shaking her head. "You don’t get it," another teased. "Wildflowers can’t compare to roses. Look at the fancy wrapping! Roses symbolize love—it’s so romantic!" Sarah reached out to touch one of the petals but hesitated. Her hand froze midair before she quietly pulled it back. Of course, wildflowers could never compare to roses. Roses were elegant, sophisticated. They represented love. She quickly turned her gaze away and headed for the hall with purpose. Jack Cheney had told her he’d be free today and would arrive early. But when Sarah got there, his seat was empty. Even the staff on duty were rushing in late, yet Jack’s usual spot remained vacant. The farewell party commenced as planned. Sarah was nominated to speak on behalf of the volunteers, to share her thoughts before their departure and inspire the group. She managed a nervous smile as she stepped onto the stage, her eyes instinctively scanning the audience for that one empty chair. She hadn’t expected much. From the moment Lily Quinn had entered their lives, Sarah knew everything was coming to an end. Still, it was a little disappointing not to have a proper goodbye. After all, Jack had been the only person in over twenty years to ever show her kindness. Even if that kindness had been misplaced. Sarah spoke with a steady voice, passionate and determined. Meanwhile, Laura Jenkins, sitting in the audience, couldn’t help but notice the fleeting shifts in Sarah’s expression. Sensing something was off, Laura leaned toward a young worker next to her and whispered, "Have you seen Captain Cheney? I heard his unit doesn’t have much going on tonight. Where is he?" The young worker glanced at Sarah on stage, then lowered his voice. "Well… it is Valentine’s Day. I think he took that relative of his out for dinner." Laura frowned. "That’s odd. Shouldn’t Valentine’s Day be spent with your wife? What’s he doing taking a relative out?" Another worker, overhearing the conversation, leaned in eagerly. "I’ve seen Captain Cheney with that relative of his. He’s… unusually attentive. Once, I even saw him carry her out of a car. What kind of relative gets treated like that? Do you think—" "Enough!" Laura interrupted sharply, cutting off the speculation. "Maybe he just sees her as a little sister. Let’s not jump to conclusions. Now hush and listen to Sarah’s speech." Up on stage, Sarah remained oblivious to the murmured discussion. She focused on finishing her final task. When her speech ended, the hall erupted into applause. She stepped down to the approving nods of several leaders seated in the front row. With a steady hand, Sarah signed her name onto the list of volunteer teachers. From that moment on, everything was set. In three days, she would leave for the Everglades.