Independence

Miranda and Paul walked along the riverbank. Neon signs were flickering on both sides. The bustling city suddenly seemed to quiet down, giving Miranda a sense that time had slowed altogether.

They strolled side by side in a gentle silence that wasn’t awkward, but rather harmonious. It was as if just being next to this person was the most comfortable state to be in.

“Want to go up on the bridge and feel the breeze?” Miranda suddenly asked, the wind softly brushing past as she tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear.

Paul followed her gaze toward the distant bridge. “Sure, but it’s a bit far.”

Miranda teased, “What, are you too tired to walk?”

Paul raised an eyebrow and replied, “How about a race to see who gets there first?”

He found himself amused at the thought–they were both over 50 when combined, yet here they were, acting as childish as ever.

But Miranda was eager. “Alright, let’s see who gets there first. Loser has to buy ice cream.

If Winter were here, she would’ve teased Miranda, saying that ice cream was the only thing she ever cared about. Her competition was Paul, after all–even if Miranda had asked for something more. expensive, he wouldn’t have batted an eye.

Paul nodded earnestly. “Alright.”

“Okay, I’ll count from three, and then we start. Three, two, one-

Miranda took off running. Paul then followed at a steady pace behind her, not too close but not too far

either.

Meanwhile, she sprinted to the bridge, panting heavily but with her eyes sparkling. She turned back, smiling triumphantly.”

“Dr. Jefferson, I won!”

Paul was already standing at the convenience store entrance, pointing at the ice cream freezer with a grin. “What flavor do you want?”

“Strawberry, please,” Miranda said with a smile.

Paul also picked one for himself. They sat lazily by the sidewalk, enjoying their ice creams and the satisfying feeling after the run.

“There are no stars tonight,” Miranda remarked as she looked up at the pitch–black sky, her tone tinged with a bit of regret. “When I was little, seeing stars was so easy that I rarely ever looked up on purpose.”

It was easy back then, so there was no need to look up deliberately–she could see them anytime she wanted.

With her elbows resting on her knees, Miranda propped her chin on her hand while recalling scattered

memories.

She had always been the exemplary child admired by others. Her parents, fortunately, never imposed

strict rules on her.Exclusive © material by Nô(/v)elDrama.Org.

Lionel was often busy, unable to find time even during school holidays. Even so, he always fulfilled her small wishes and treated her like a princess. But when it came to discipline, he never held back.

In contrast, Mindy’s expectations were much simpler–or perhaps there were no expectations at all.

Miranda could roughhouse freely, splash in puddles on rainy days, or get covered in mud. Mindy was happy as long as she was happy.

.My mom always knew where I kept my allowance, and she could even find my dad’s secret stash of cash without fall.”

Talking about her childhood made Miranda genuinely happy. Her eyes crinkled with joy, bright like a river of stars. She gestured animatedly as she spoke as she was bathed in the soft, yellow glow of the streetlights.

Paul watched her quietly with a smile playing on his lips, irresistibly drawn to the light surrounding her. It felt like he could easily get lost in it.