Third person's POV
Theodora leaned on Orson's shoulder, her eyes fixed on Tabitha as she boarded the ship step by step. Theodora's eyes were red and brimming with tears.
"I don't know why. I just can't help but want to cry. It feels like Tabitha has gone through so much suffering. Now that things are just starting to get better, she has to leave again and drift at sea for a long time. What if... I mean, what if something happens to her at sea?"
Orson reached out to hold Theodora's shoulder, gently comforting her in a soft voice, "Everything will be fine. This captain has been sailing the seas for over twenty years and has always been safe. Tabitha has had her fair share of hardships, but her luck has been pretty good. I've been in this business for so many years. Someone in her situation who has survived is truly blessed. After all the suffering she's endured, her future will surely get better. Isn't it often said that after bitter hardship comes sweetness, and fortune favors the patient?"
"I hope it's true, as you say."
Theodora let out a soft sigh, "I don't understand why she would risk being discovered and insist on returning to Seattle. Wouldn't it be better for her to stay far away from there?"
Orson also sighed, "She must have something extremely important, important enough that she can't wait even a few more months. Don't worry, I've made other arrangements to protect Tabitha. How could I let her go alone and lonely?"
"That makes me feel much better. Let's go back then."
The crew helped Tabitha on board with great respect and politeness, as if she were an extremely distinguished guest.
It was easy to imagine that Orson had spent a considerable amount of money to take care of these matters. Tabitha deeply appreciated this kindness.
She thought that one day in the future, she would definitely repay Orson.
After boarding the ship, the captain warmly introduced Tabitha to the structure and layout of the entire ship.
"Ms. Hartley, Mr. Romero has explained everything to me very clearly. He told me not to be the slightest bit disrespectful to you. However, this is, after all, a cargo ship, not as fast as other modes of transportation. The time at sea will be relatively long. I hope you can be patient and endure a bit."
"I understand," Tabitha replied.
"Alright, if you need anything, just come to me. I'll have someone show you to your room."
"Thank you, Captain. I appreciate it."
"You mustn't say that. It's our pleasure. This way, please."
Tabitha's room was arranged on the fourth floor, with a great view from the window.
The room was clearly decorated with great care in advance. Even the bedding was brand new. There were even fresh flowers placed.
"Ms. Hartley, before we set sail, if you have any other needs, just let us know. Once the ship sets off, we won't stop until the next supply point. We won't stop the ship midway during this period."
"This is already very good. I don't have any other requests."
"Alright, then let's set off."
The cargo ship started to move, and Tabitha stood on the deck, watching Orson and Theodora on the shore. Theodora was waving goodbye to her.
Tabitha also gently waved her arm in response.
This parting was truly uncertain when they would meet again. Perhaps it would really be a farewell forever.
In fact, Tabitha quite liked this city. She felt very safe here. The temperature was very suitable, and even winter wasn't that cold.
Spring came in the blink of an eye. Everything was full of vitality and revival. Various beautiful flowers were blooming. The whole city seemed to be decorated with flowers.
Tabitha silently calculated the days. Now, the weather in Seattle should be very different from here.
'Time really flies. In a few months, a new year will come again.'
'Are those old friends in Seattle doing well now?'
Gradually, the sea breeze picked up. Tabitha planned to go back to her room.
But when she turned around, she saw a familiar face.
Tabitha looked at the man who was smiling foolishly not far away, full of surprise, and asked, "How did you end up here?"
Wilmot smiled and answered, "Mr. Romero arranged another job for me, which is to safely escort you back to Seattle."
Tabitha's heart was filled with both the joy and surprise of reunion, as well as the understanding and clarity that this arrangement was unexpected yet somehow inevitable.