After M''s feeble resistance proved futile, she was practically dragged to bed by Miranda, who wrapped herself around M like an octopus, denying her any sly chance to sneak away and work.


    The next day, Miranda was insistent on taking her shopping. "With the New Year just around the corner and both of us finally having some free time, let''s take a couple of days to rx and heal. You can''t just stay cooped up at home working all the time—you''ll start growing mold!"


    Miranda''s logic was hard to argue with.


    In a cozy café, M leaned back in her chair, sipping the warm milk she had ordered, feeling a bit resigned. "With my head in this state, shouldn''t I just stay home and rest?"


    "Come on, I''m not asking you to run a marathon; just a change of scenery and some fresh air to prevent cabin fever," Miranda replied with a gentle sigh. "If it weren''t so cold, I''d take you up the mountain. The snow up there is perfect for a winter camping trip right now."


    M''s eyes lit up at the idea. "Now that sounds amazing."


    One of the themes for M''s July Mn Fashion Week designs was inspired by nature andndscapes. A trip to the mountains could spark fresh inspiration. Art isn''t about being confined to routines or isted in one ce; it''s about seeing the world, grounding your feet on new soil, and letting your soul collide with the raw essence of nature to create something extraordinary.


    In the past, family obligations had restricted her travels, but not anymore. The thought stirred a longing within her to venture out.


    Miranda, knowing her too well, rolled her eyes. "Don''t even think about it. With that gash on your head, you''d risk getting frostbite and ending up in an ambnce. I want to enjoy the holiday, not spend it in the ER."


    M''s enthusiasm deted as she lowered her head.


    They decided to warm up with a drink and then browse the mall, picking up some treats and trinkets. But then, unexpectedly, M received a call from her mother- inw.


    She gestured to Miranda and found a quiet spot to take the call. As soon as she answered, her mother-inw''s cheerful voice came through. "M, it''s almost New Year''s! When are youing home?"


    M froze. In years past, she would move back to the family home well in advance of the holiday, helping her mother-inw with the festive preparations, shopping, chatting, and indulging in whatever activities she enjoyed. This year, she had avoided the topic entirely. It was no wonder her mother-inw was calling.


    But she knew she couldn''t go back.


    M sighed internally, hesitated for a moment, and then offered a reluctant excuse. "Mom, I''m really busy this year. I honestly can''t make it. You all enjoy the holiday..."


    There was a brief silence on the other end, and when Felicity spoke again, her voice had lost its earlier brightness. "So, you''re noting home this year?"


    M bit her lip, forcing herself to be firm. "No, I''m not."


    She could hear the disappointment in her mother-inw''s voice, and before she could say anything further, the line went dead.


    She stood there for a moment, phone in hand, feeling a strange sense of unease. But she shook it off. Her father-inw was there; everything would be fine.


    When M returned to Miranda, her friend casually asked, "Who was that?" "My mother-inw."


    "Wow, your saintly mother-inw? Was she asking you toe home for the holidays?"


    Miranda was well aware of the close bond M shared with her mother-inw. M often spoke of her, and Miranda couldn''t help but feel envious, even though she wasn''t married yet.


    M nodded, her expression tinged with helplessness. "But I turned her down. She''s probably upset now."


    Miranda sighed. "You''re such an odd case."


    "Throughout history, many girls have married into families where their mothers-in-w made life difficult, causing tension all around. But you have the opposite problem-a mother-inw who treats you like her own daughter, no issues at all. And yet..."