“After we go down the mountain, you must go to the hospital to have your hand bandaged and have an injection against tetanus,” Estelle suggested softly.

“Estelle,” Cristofer called her name gently.

“What’s up?”

“How have you been these years?” Cristofer asked. Then he saw a sad look appear in Estelle’s eyes.

“Neither good nor bad. When I heard the news of Mr. Mysterious’s death, I broke down and lost my will to live. But thinking about the children and my mother, I told myself that I couldn’t die and must be strong. Now I’m just living for them,” Estelle said calmly.

Cristofer looked at her in surprise and clenched...