Chapter 1844
Larkin had been copying scriptures since he was a kid, and Abbot had meticulously preserved every bit of it, stacking up to six large boxes.
Every year’s copied scriptures was stacked together, each topped with the year written by Abbot himself. Larkin picked up the three thin copies of The Bible from the year he first came to the monastery. Flipping them open, he saw his own crooked handwriting.
By the time Larkin got to the third copy, his handwriting had significantly changed.
Abbot had even written a note on the last page, “Larkin is a good lad, steady and determined, progresses rapidly.” Larkin’s fingers lightly traced the words “good lad“, and he quietly wondered, Teacher, do you still think I’m a good lad after all these years?
The rain outside had slowly stopped, and it was getting dark. Erica kept glancing back from time to time. She had some understanding of Larkin now. If she went in, he probably wouldn’t let his emotions show too much. So she decided to stay put, letting him process everything. But wasn’t this taking a bit too long? Just as she thought this, the door suddenly swung open and Larkin emerged. He looked a bit tired, but he didn’t seem to have been crying.
“Larkin, if you don’t get out here, Ms. Erica’s going to starve to death!” Mary stood up, pointing at Erica’s stomach, “Her belly’s been growling nonstop!”
“Your stomach’s been growling too, hasn’t it?” Erica shot back.
A smile appeared on Larkin’s face, “I didn’t notice the time, was too engrossed. The cafeteria is probably closed now, I’ll take you guys
out to eat.”
“I’ll pass.” Mary waved her hand, “I’m going to check on the Prior.”
“What will you eat then?” asked Erica. “The Prior will have something, you guys go on, if you’re late the restaurants outside will be closed too.” Mary said, giving Erica a slight push towards Larkin.
“Alright then.” Erica knew that Mary was also worried about the Prior.
After parting ways with Mary, Erica took Larkin’s hand. “It’s so cold.” She said, holding his hand with both of hers.
“It’s okay.” Larkin comforted, gently squeezing her hand, “You must be exhausted from these past few days, aren’t you?”
“I’m okay, I didn’t do as much as Mary.” Erica replied. Larkin rubbed the back of Erica’s hand with his thumb. “Speaking of Mary, the Prior talked to me before the teacher passed away.” Larkin looked at Erica.
“Oh?” Erica’s eyes lit up, “What did he say?”
“He suggested we adopt Mary.”
“What?” Erica widened her eyes.
“Yeah.” Larkin nodded, “I respect your decision, if you’re willing to do it, we’ll take her home, if not, that’s fine too.”
Erica took her gaze off Larkin, and continued walking forward hand in hand with him. After a few steps, she said, “You know, grew up in a rather dysfunctional family. I’m not sure if I can be a good mother.
Erica knew that human nature was inherently selfish, and that it would take more love and patience to be a good mother to a child with no blood relation.
“And also…” Erica turned to Larkin, “While you adults are discussing this, has anyone asked Mary what she thinks?”
These past few days, every time Erica saw Mary, Mary was always trailing behind the Prior, her eyes filled with worry.
