Tabitha's POV
Wilmot quickly responded, "The 22nd, why do you ask?"
I almost forgot about it. In a few days, it would be John's anniversary of passing.
Having been here recuperating for so long, my sense of time had become blurred.
"Could you help me prepare some mourning items, like flowers and candles?" I said softly.
In the U.S., people often use flowers and candles to remember the deceased. Flowers symbolize the beauty and continuation of life, while candles represent the enduring light of remembrance for the departed.
"Sure, Ms. Hartley."
I couldn't go back to Seattle. This was the first year since John's departure. I wanted to pay my respects.
Wilmot was not only obedient but also very efficient.
He not only prepared the offerings but even brought back a small toy for the dog.
I noticed that every time he went out, he would bring me a little trinket—sometimes a glass of lemon water, sometimes a donut, and this time, a toy.
I didn't reach out to take it, and Wilmot hurriedly explained, "Ms. Hartley, don't get me wrong. Mr. Romero's commission is generous. Seeing that you've been down since falling ill, I thought I'd buy you some new little things to lift your spirits. They're not worth much. Please don't disdain them."
Looking at his flustered demeanor, I gradually understood his nature.
He was a big man on the outside, but inside, he was delicate and gentle.
I reached out and took the toy, my lips curling into a slight smile, "I quite like it. Thank you for your thoughtfulness."
"I'm glad you like it, Ms. Hartley. I just thought you're different from my previous employers. If I treat you well, maybe you won't fire me, right?"
I couldn't help but let out a soft chuckle, "I first thought you were a man of few words, but now I find you to be a simple giant." Who blurts out their intentions to please someone so directly?
Wilmot just smiled, "It's mutual, isn't it? If I'm good to you, when you want to fire me, you'll remember my kindness, right?"
"Yes, when you accept someone's kindness, you inevitably feel in their debt. Rest assured, I have no plans to fire you."
Wilmot's eyes brightened with a smile. He hurried off to get the car.
For the memorial, I couldn't do it in the city, so I asked Wilmot to find a quiet seaside spot.
Before nightfall, I sat in my wheelchair, quietly gazing at the ocean.
Wilmot stood beside me. Whether it was my imagination or not, I felt he was unusually tense today, as if he was constantly on guard that I might fall into the sea.
I glanced at my hand resting on the wheelchair's armrest, noticing the veins slightly protruding.
"I'm just going to enjoy the breeze. What's there to be nervous about?" I asked.
Wilmot gave an awkward smile, "I... I saw you looking a bit off. I was worried you might do something rash."
"You're quite straightforward. Don't worry. I've barely clung to life. I'm not going to give up on it."
'I still have so much left undone. How could I bear to leave this world?'
"I just wanted to see the ocean," I said.
That child who perished at sea, if he were still alive, would be old enough to call me 'mother' by now.
As dusk settled and the sea breeze grew stronger, Wilmot gently urged, "Ms. Hartley, shall we begin now?"
"Alright," I agreed. I sat in my wheelchair as Wilmot arranged the flowers and lit the candles by the sea.
The candlelight flickered in the sea breeze, illuminating a small area around us.
A gust of wind blew, causing the flame to dance.
My gaze followed the flickering light.
"John, are you well in heaven? Rest assured, your daughter is doing well," I said, more composed than before. The candlelight flickered for a long time, and I fell into a long silence.
It wasn't until Wilmot whispered in my ear, "It's getting late, Ms. Hartley. Let's head back. The sea breeze is strong at night."
"Let's go," I said as soon as he finished. Wilmot pushed me a few steps, and he suddenly exclaimed excitedly, "Ms. Hartley, look over there."
Gorgeous fireworks shot into the sky, blossoming into beautiful flowers in the night.