?Chapter 2818:


    “Locke!” Joy stood there panting, cheeks flushed. With a pout, she demanded, “What are you doing here in secret?”


    Locke was speechless.


    “Locke!” she snapped, her eyes glistening.


    “You’re hiding something, aren’t you? You won’t even tell me!”


    She spun on her heel.


    “Fine! I’ll tell the teacher!”


    “Don’t!” Locke grabbed her hand in a rush.


    “Don’t go!”


    Joy whipped back around. She hadn’t truly meant to tattle—only to scare him.


    “Then tell me what’s going on!”


    “Okay.” Locke’s eyes grew wet. He had no choice but to nod.


    “Alright. Joy… I’m leaving.”


    “Leaving?” Joy’s eyes widened with confusion—and fear.


    “Where are you going?”


    She clung to him desperately.


    “No! I won’t let you go!”


    “Joy.” Locke’s voice cracked as tears stung his eyes.


    “I miss my mom. I want to find her. I want to be with her.”


    Joy blinked at him, stunned. Slowly, her grip loosened.


    Behind them, the sound of footsteps drew closer.


    “Locke… Locke…” Joy’s voice quivered, her lips trembling as tears shimmered in her eyes.


    “Are you going to find Aunt Elissa?”


    “Yes.” Locke gave a small nod.


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    “Mom asked Grandma to fetch me. She said I’ll be with her now.”


    “Really?” The thought of her own mother drifted into Joy’s mind, filling her with a strange blend of warmth and sorrow.


    She felt d for Locke—but the dness hurt too.


    “Does this mean I won’t get to see you anymore, Locke?” The question broke into sobs, and atst she cried openly.


    “Please don’t cry, Joy.” Locke brushed at her cheeks with his hand.


    “We’ll still meet again. But Grandma told me it’s a faraway ce, so we won’t see each other very often.”


    “I see…” The answer eased Joy’s heart a little. Not often was better than never.


    “Then go on, Locke. Be with your mom. Children should stay close to their moms.”


    “Alright.” Locke nodded again.


    “Don’t let sadness take over, Joy. I’lle back for you one day.”


    “Will you keep your word?”


    “Cross my heart!”


    “Alright, then.”


    Their tiny hands reached out, and their pinkies curled together in a solemn pact.


    Neither of them noticed the tall figure quietly closing in, its shadow stretching across the floor.


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