Chapter 156

I had no idea how long I cried. By the time I looked up, the blazing sunlight shining through the window had transformed into a fiery red sunset, blending with the clouds. The light cast shadows on my face, but I kept my head down expressionlessly. I had run out of tears and been drained of sorrow. My mind felt empty as if I were a robot whose energy had been depleted. With a sluggish mind, I pushed myself up from the floor. Every step felt like my feet were weighed down with tons of lead; it took exhausting effort. After one last glance at the bedroom, I carefully tucked the gifts into the bottom of the drawer. "Darren, I'm gonna wait until you're back to give them to me yourself," I muttered. Then, I gently shut the door and locked it. Before heading home, I rubbed my face hard so that my tear-streaked face could look more presentable. "You're early today, CeeCee." Mom was busy in the kitchen and peeked her head out when she heard me at the door changing into slippers. My lon