After listening to the birds in silence for a while, they went back to the car. Although they didn't speak on the way, they both felt better than before. After buying a few more things for Elizabeth, they were almost home. Katherine again parked the car in the parking lot a few streets away from the house.

As they were taking the bags out of the car, Elizabeth saw Katherine lifting a rather large bag.

Katherine smiled when she saw Elizabeth looking at the bag in her hand, "It's an inflatable bed. I guess you were right about me not fitting on the couch."

Elizabeth tilted her head slightly and looked away, "I'm sorry... I took your bed away from you…"

Katherine quickly recovered her composure, "No, no. It's not a problem, trust me. I've slept in these beds several times before, they're actually quite comfortable!"

Maybe she likes camping? Elizabeth thought. Why else would she need to sleep on an inflatable bed?

Elizabeth was almost hypnotised as they walked up the sunny street. The peaceful atmosphere of the neighbourhood quickly made her forget what had happened in the mall. They wouldn't find her here. She was safe here. At least she hoped she was.

Katherine had taken most of the bags herself, leaving only a couple of bags for Elizabeth to carry. Yes, her wrist still ached, but Katherine had hurt her hand too. Maybe the girl really did have a high pain tolerance?

Katherine's face didn't show the slightest change as Elizabeth panted up the slope to the house with these tiny bags. Well, the young girl was obviously exercising regularly. In fact, Elizabeth had wanted to do sports herself, but her mother had forbidden her to do anything sports-related, fearing that she would become muscular.

Katherine stopped immediately when she saw Elizabeth looking at her. She had barely realised that the girl was panting. "Oh- can we rest over there for a while, Elizabeth?" She pointed to a bench by the side of the road.

It was really sweet that Katherine had said she wanted to rest when Elizabeth was the one who is tired. It suited Katherine that she had been so quickly affected by their conversation a while ago and that she was still helping her, while trying not to make her feel uncomfortable.

“Okay.” Elizabeth chuckled.

After a little rest, just as they were about to set off again, an old lady waved and called out to them, “Katy my dear! What a beautiful day, isn’t it?”

“It is a beautiful day Mrs. Hudson!” Katherine greeted the lady.

Mrs. Hudson approached them, “Thank you for taking care the roses. Thanks to you, they look so much better.”

"I’m very happy to hear that, but it’s me who should thank you, thank you for giving me the chance to look after your garden."

“Ah, don’t mention it my dear. Their colours much more vibrant since you've been taking care of them.” Mrs. Hudson’s gaze shifted to Elizabeth “Oh- and who is this beautiful lady?”

Elizabeth's face flushed. She quickly leaned forward and greeted the old woman, "He- hello, Mrs. Hudson!"

“Oh, dear... What a fine lady you are!”

Katherine gestured to Elizabeth, "My friend…” She glanced at Elizabeth and smiled, “Rosaline. She and I are going to be housemates for a while."

Rosaline? Elizabeth turned back to the Mrs. Hudson without changing her expression. "Pleased to meet you, Mrs. Hudson."

"Is that so? How nice! Pleased to meet you too my dear. I hope you two will get along well." The old woman leaned towards Elizabeth, "You'll have a tough job, Katherine doesn't know how to cook... But if something breaks, she'll fix it right away! Just the other day she fixed my fridge. She's very skilful with her hands!"

“I am, indeed.”

The slight deepness in Katherine's tone drew Elizabeth's gaze to her. What’s with that smile?

"Well, this old lady won't keep you any longer. Take care!" They nodded to the old lady and kept walking. When the distance between them opened, Elizabeth asked, "Rosaline?"

“Well… That was the first name that came to my mind…”

“Do you know someone with that name?”

"No. But I have a feeling that you and roses have a lot in common."

“Roses? How come?”

“I will tell you later.”

“Pfft… Alright.” She exhaled, “My family is looking for me.” Her voice trailed off, and a chill ran down her spine. “Thank you for not telling my real name. I’m not even telling you my story but you’re keep supporting me.”

“No worries. And..." She smirked, "The best thing about living in a neighbourhood of old people is that they don't like strangers."

So even if someone comes looking for me... "Oh... Okay."

"Also, the staff at the store won't tell anything to anyone if I am involved." Now, there were no expression on the girl's face. "And... When the time is right, if you want to tell me, I'll listen.”

If she is involved? Why? Although she knew almost nothing about Katherine, these words reassured her anyway. How strange... She had spent twenty-eight years with her family, but she had never felt safe from a few words.