Chapter 761: Ill-Fated but Not Self-Pitying

After some thought, June Lowe said, “Uncle Ye, I think I’ll skip going to school. Mom can’t be left alone, so I’ll just study at home.”

She really couldn’t bear to leave her mother home alone. Her mother had been her father’s biggest worry on his deathbed, and she couldn’t let him be unable to rest in peace.

Feng Ye was in a difficult position. It wouldn’t do for a child to skip school, but his sister-in-law really couldn’t be left alone. It would be a disaster if she had an episode with no one around.

“How about we send your mom to a care facility?” Feng Ye suggested, thinking it was the best solution.

June Lowe shook her head without a second thought. “Mom would be scared. She’s not used to unfamiliar environments. She only trusts Dad and me.”

Feng Ye was at his wit’s end. This solution was out, and so was that one. ‘What am I supposed to do?’

June Lowe, in turn, tried to reassure him. “It’s alright, Uncle Ye. I can study on my own. Mom can teach me, too. She’s an even better teacher than the ones at school.”

Feng Ye sighed, looking at June Lowe with compassion. ‘This poor kid has had it so tough.’

“I suppose this is the only way for now. You can go back to school once your mom is doing better.”

June Lowe nodded, but in her heart, she knew. ‘Mom is never going to get better. I just hope she doesn’t get worse, that she can stay with me a little longer. Otherwise, I’ll truly be all alone in this world, like a lone boat adrift on the sea.’

Clayton Xavier spoke up, “If there’s anything you don’t understand, you can ask me. I’ll come over whenever I’m free.”

He added, “My name is Clayton Xavier.”

June Lowe lowered her head, feeling ashamed of herself. Clayton Xavier was so wonderful, as perfect as the bright moon in the sky. She felt plain and unworthy, not daring to look him in the face, but she could sense his kindness, and her heart felt warm.

‘A boy so perfect and kind… He must be one of heaven’s favorites!’

“Thank you,” June Lowe said softly.

Clayton Xavier smiled, a smile as warm and gentle as the sun. Adrian Hawthorne scowled. ‘There’s that annoying smile again.’ Even though he and Clayton Xavier were on good terms now, he still found it an eyesore and had the urge to slap the guy across the face.

A speckled hen suddenly started cackling as if making a grand announcement. Jim Thorne yelled boisterously, “It laid an egg! And it’s still warm!”

Jim Thorne grabbed the egg from under the hen and grinned at the group, two chicken feathers stuck to his hair. He looked utterly ridiculous.

The atmosphere instantly lightened. A spark of joy appeared in June Lowe’s eyes, and she felt a surge of confidence about the future. ‘Maybe Mom and I really can start a new life here in Dad’s hometown!’

“That’s a plump chicken. It would make a delicious soup,” Will remarked, his eyes gleaming as he stared at the speckled hen. ‘A fat hen like that is the best kind to eat.’

June Lowe smiled. “I want to keep her. My mother likes having small animals around.”

“Go ahead and keep it. You should get some cats and dogs, too. It’ll liven up the place,” Feng Ye suggested with a smile. The doctor had also recommended that her mother tend to flowers or keep a dog to lift her spirits and ease her mind. ‘It would be wonderful if she could recover. Then life would be a little easier for young June.’

“Ms. Lowe, I can help you get some puppies! And kittens, too,” Tang Xiaonan offered. She had a really good feeling about June Lowe.

‘Even with that birthmark on her face, the girl isn’t self-conscious at all. She’s so poised, and she takes care of her sick mother. It shows that June Lowe is a resilient girl who’s not afraid of hardship. And best of all, she’s so positive and upbeat, with no hint of self-pity or resentment.’

“Thank you, Xiaonan. Having both puppies and kittens would be wonderful,” June Lowe said with a smile.

“I can get both! Next time, I’ll bring my Dollar over for you to meet. Dollar is super smart and pretty, a real little princess!” Tang Xiaonan couldn’t resist showing off her dog. ‘And I’m not just bragging. You couldn’t find a smarter, prettier dog in the entire world.’

June Lowe’s smile grew wider. She really liked this chubby little girl. ‘She’s like a little ray of sunshine; just looking at her makes you happy. No wonder even someone as cold as Uncle Ye thaws out completely whenever he sees Xiaonan.’