Ambergris Locakboxes Traveled Salt Routes by Hugh Calder 27

Chapter Twenty–seven: A New Journey In Life.

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Cassienne boarded the next available flight to Lisbourn without telling anyone. She did not inform Merrick. She did not inform Daisy. She did not even leave a message behind. This was something she needed to do alone.

She was about to begin a new life, and before she took that step, she needed one thing–her mother’s blessing.

Her phone was switched off the moment she settled into her seat. She leaned back slightly and closed her eyes, trying to calm the storm inside her chest. The man sitting beside her was already asleep, his head tilted to the side as he snored softly. The sound was oddly comforting. It reminded her that the world kept moving, even when her own life felt like it had shattered.

She let out a slow breath.

The last time she boarded a flight, she had been with Dreston. It was a private jet, filled with soft leather seats, expensive drinks, and quiet luxury. Everything had looked perfect on the outside.

But now, she was on a commercial flight.

The seats were smaller. The air felt tighter. People were close to each other. There was no luxury, no privacy. Yet, Cassienne smiled faintly.

At least here, no one was looking down on her.

On Dreston’s private jet, she always felt small. The staff never spoke to her unless necessary. Some looked at her with hidden judgment. Others acted like she was invisible. And Dreston… Dreston always kept his distance, never standing beside her the way a husband should.

His coldness had given the staff permission to treat her poorly.

They don’t even know me, yet they judge me, she thought.

She opened her eyes and stared out the small airplane window. The clouds looked soft and endless, like cotton stretched across the sky. For a moment, she imagined herself floating above everything–above the pain, above the betrayal, above the broken marriage.

The pilot’s voice came through the speaker, announcing that they were about to land.

Cassienne straightened up and fastened her seatbelt. Her heart beat a little faster. She was nervous. Lisbourn held too many memories–some painful, some warm, all tied to her mother.

Lisbourn was cold.

The moment she stepped out of the airport, the chill air hit her skin sharply. She shivered lightly. She hadn’t planned this trip at all. It was an impulsive decision, made with a heart full of emotions and no clear plan.

But she was here now.

All she wanted was to see her mother. To sit beside her, even if only for a few minutes. To ask for her blessing before returning to Southvale that same night.

The cab ride was quiet. Cassienne stared out of the window, watching unfamiliar streets pass by. She smiled, seeing the calm city, almost gentle, as if the city was welcoming her silently.

Soon, the cab stopped in front of a large building.

Chapter Twenty–seven. A New Journey in life.

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Happy Days Mental Hospital.

Cassienne paid the driver and stepped out. She stood there for a moment, gathering herself, then walked inside.

The moment she stepped inside. The smell of antiseptic hit her nose. Her shoes clicked softly against the tiled floor as she walked toward the reception desk. A blonde, middle–aged woman looked up and smiled warmly.

Cassienne returned the smile.

“Hi,” she said softly. “I’m here to see Emily Rhodes.”

The woman began typing on the computer. “Relationship?” she asked without looking up.

“Daughter,” Cassienne replied.

The woman glanced at her briefly, then continued typing. After a few seconds, she straightened.

“Second floor, room 203,” she said. “Visiting hours will end in a few minutes, so please be quick.”

“Thank you,” Cassienne said sincerely. “I really appreciate it.”

She turned and headed toward the stairs instead of the elevator. Her steps felt heavy, like her body was already preparing for the emotions ahead.

When she reached the second floor, she walked slowly down the corridor, scanning the room numbers. She didn’t have to walk far before she found room 203.

She stopped in front of the door.

This wasn’t the room her mother stayed in during her last visit.

Cassienne knew immediately who was responsible.

Mrs Tremont.

A tight feeling filled her chest. Despite everything, Dreston’s mother had always taken care of her mother’s hospital needs. Cassienne would always be grateful for that.

Her hand trembled as she reached for the door handle.

She took a deep breath, then she opened the door.

Cassienne gasped softly.

The room was large and private, filled with soft light. Machines hummed quietly. Her mother lay peacefully on the bed, asleep. Her chest rose and fell steadily, her face calm and relaxed.

Anyone looking at her would think she was perfectly fine.

No one would guess that her mind was broken. No one would know that some days, she remembered everything, and other days, she remembered nothing at all.

Cassienne walked closer and sat on the chair beside the bed. She gently took her mother’s hand and squeezed it.

How beautiful life could have been if her mother was well.

She missed her deeply. Every single day. And she prayed silently that one day, her mother would get better.

The last time she visited, her mother had spoken clearly. She had asked about Dreston. She smiled and laughed.

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Chapter Twenty–seven A New Journey in Life.

+25 Bonus

Cassienne was almost leaving with hope in her heart.

But before she even reached the door, her mother looked at her again and asked, “Who are you?”

That memory hurt more than anything.

A soft knock sounded on the door.

Cassienne quickly wiped her tears.

“Mrs Tremont, you’re here,” a woman with brown hair said as she entered, dressed in scrubs.

Cassienne stood immediately. “Hello, Doctor Marvin.”

“It’s been a while since your last visit,” the doctor said gently. “But Abigail visits often.”

Cassienne nodded. She wasn’t surprised. Dreston’s mother truly cared about her mom, and for that, Cassienne would always be thankful.

The doctor walked over to the heart monitor, checking the readings.

“So… how is she doing?” Cassienne asked, her voice full of hope.

The doctor turned to her. “She’s stable. Still the same. But don’t worry. Let’s keep hope alive.”

Cassienne nodded, holding back tears.

“Is there any way I can talk to her before I leave?” she asked quietly.

The doctor shook her head. “It’s better not to wake her. It could be risky. Next time, notify us before you visit. We’ll make sure she’s awake.”

“That’s fine,” Cassienne said softly. “Thank you.”

After a few more words, the doctor left, leaving Cassienne alone again.

She sat back down, placed her mother’s hand gently on her own head, and closed her eyes.

“Mother,” she whispered, “I’m starting a new journey in life. Please bless me. Pray that I succeed. I’ll come back and tell you everything next time.”

She leaned forward and kissed her mother’s chestnut hair, careful not to wake her.

Then she stood up, picked up her handbag, and took one last look at the woman who had given her life.

She turned and walked out.

Outside, the cold air wrapped around her body. She hugged herself slightly and made a mental note to buy a thick sweater and a shawl before heading to the airport.

Cassienne looked up at the sky.

She was starting over.

And this time, she prayed that life would be kinder to her.

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She promised herself that she would become the girl she used to be before she married Dreston–strong, confident, and alive.

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