Kelly let out a soft laugh. She said, "George, I’ve been blamed and targeted over and over and you’ve never believed me. What kind of 'home' is this supposed to be?"
George looked uncomfortable. "As long as you behave yourself, I’ll always treat you like a younger sister."
After he said that, he pulled out a small bottle of medicated oil from his pocket and said, "The bruises on your arm haven’t faded yet. Apply this tonight."
Kelly felt his order was quite baffling. On one hand, he wanted to distance himself from her. On the other, he still showed concern in the smallest ways.
As he placed the bottle on the table, George’s eyes landed on a few books about satellites by her bedside. He frowned slightly and asked, "Since when were you interested in satellites?"
Kelly reached for the books and replied, "One day, I want to be like my parents and work in satellite research."
George stared at her face for a moment before speaking, "Satellite research is tough. Once you're in a research base, you’re practically cut off from the world for life. If you’re serious about it, once the special recruitment ends, I’ll ask my dad to take you to the base for a look."
Kelly gave him a strange look before nodding. "Okay."
Seeing her unusually compliant, George’s tone softened, "When you’re feeling better, apologize to Amanda."
His gaze settled on Kelly. It was deep and unreadable.
Kelly turned her head away to avoid his eyes, though her chest felt as if needles had pierced through it. The pain left a dull, persistent ache.
"George..."
Before Kelly could say anything more, George impatiently interrupted her, "Don’t call me by my name. Call me brother."
She smiled faintly. "Brother, rest assured. I’ll never interfere with your relationship with Amanda. I wish you both a lifetime of happiness and harmony."
After all, in two days, she would be gone. She would be gone for good and they would never get to see each other again.
Early the next morning, Kelly tidied the house from top to bottom. She gathered all the love letters and the gifts that George had given her and packed them. Then ignoring her fever-weakened body, she dragged all of them to the nearest recycling station.
After she had finished, General Palmer returned to the compound and called Kelly into her study, "Kelly, what’s been going on lately? I heard you fell into the river and drown?"