what a beauty you are Piper smiled Tess fixing a loose lock of hair and taking a step back smiled looking at the bride thank you my friend Piper said scrutinizing her reflection in the mirror she had to forgo the Lush wedding dress at 36 she would have looked ridiculous in it but this delicate cream colored dress suited her extremely well the silhouette accentuated her figure and the color warmed her pale skin come on smile why are you so gloomy I thought you'd be glowing with happiness Tess said when I was waiting for Jack I couldn't
sit still a shadow crossed Piper's face their gazes met and for a moment tension hung in the room Piper felt awkward looking into Tess's eyes she brushed an imaginary Speck off the table and stepped back to the window Tess's first husband Jack had run away when she got pregnant claiming he wasn't ready for fatherhood and Piper had played a significant role in that family drama forgive me I Piper began but Tess waved her hand cheerfully dismissing the past today is your day everything will be fine you deserve the best Piper nodded why am I so
sour she thought it's my wedding day I should be happy but I'm sad is this what I dreamed of what I planned for my life Houston is a good man but he's a simple worker not tall not handsome what am I saying I can't be picky at my age I love him he's kind and there's no line of suitors after me I should take what I can get a few minutes later the women went down to the entrance Houston Piper's Future Husband stood by the car smoking seeing Piper his eyes widened in admiration and he
smiled something warmed in the bride's chest hon isn't a bad man maybe we'll have a good family mom and dad would be happy for me now he's the kind of man dead want for me her parents had died 10 years ago in a tragic accident at the ceremony venue Hon's parents and a small group of guests awaited the bride and groom after the ceremony everyone went to a small restaurant on the embankment Piper caught her new husband's admiring look so what if he's a simple laborer he's handy he ears good money and loves me who
knows maybe tomorrow everything will change Rome wasn't built in a day Tess was genuinely happy for her friend offering toasts and encouragement at some point Piper felt embarrassed remembering an unpleasant incident from their past of course her friend had long forgiven her and Piper had noticed how Tess's eyes Shone when she looked at her current spouse who kept glancing at her as the evening ended and guests began to leave the hot July evening gave way to a Starry Sky enveloped in an intoxicating coolness wait a second Houston said as he opened the apartment door and
scooped up a startled Piper what are you doing she laughed put me down it's tradition I have to carry you over the threshold Piper felt amused by her husband's romantic gesture but that was typical Houston now her lawfully wedded husband they had met at her College friend's birthday party Houston was her friend's brother's buddy and also a guest Houston had asked Piper to dance shown interest in her all evening and then offered to walk her home at first Piper thought Houston was just a she had been dating Michael then considering marriage but he was in
no hurry to propose later she discovered Michael had been happily married all along my love today is the happiest day of my life Houston said hugging Piper before bed let's go to sleep I'm exhausted Piper murmured turning off the NightLight and so began their married life Piper and Houston decided to live in his apartment and rent out the one she'd inherited from her parents Piper told her friends how her husband carried her in his arms and it was true Houston did everything for his beloved even washing dishes after dinner when Piper was tired from work
you're so lucky Houston is a treasure take care of him Tess would say but Piper only sighed more something was lacking perhaps her sadness stemmed from the gap between her expectations and reality since childhood Piper had believed her husband would be special her mother often told her growing daughter you're my clever beautiful girl your husband will be rich and successful a perfect match her parents spoiled their Oni daughter giving her only the best and she grew up believing she deserved more Piper's father didn't interfere in her upbringing busy working to provide for his girls as
Piper grew up she had no luck with guys no one seemed promising or worthy enough she had romances not wanting to refuse dates or admiring looks besides other girls envied her popularity among guys it was far more pleasant than receiving yet another bouquet of roses from yet another admirer Piper changed sutors like gloves becoming increasingly convinced that there was no worthy one no one with whom she could walk hand inand for Life her friends were getting married and having children while she remained alone she was pressured to choose yet no candidate met her requirements her
friends often said she was too picky if you want to be a general's wife marry a private they told her I just don't want to waste my time Piper replied and then that bad story unfolded Piper always thought of Tess as a gray Mouse how could she not she out sha her the girls studied in the same course and spent a lot of time together Piper benefited from this friendship Tess excelled in exact sciences and readily helped her friend with tests and term papers Tess enjoyed being close to the star of the course Piper never
saw her friend as a rival after graduating H met Jack she had gotten a job at a small trading firm where he had worked for several years as a sales manager Tess took her time introducing her friend to Jack and Piper felt it was because of Tess's worrying that the guy would like Piper more than her and then finally seeing Jack Piper was speechless a tall blonde with a Hollywood smile didn't fit her image of Tess's boyfriend why did this gray Mouse get such happiness how could he even notice Tess short overweight dressed tastelessly Tess
Barely Used makeup and dyed her hair in a copper shade that didn't suit her at all while she Piper spent so much time on her appearance yet she was still alone the young woman was outraged to the core by the unfairness of this world but after learning about Jack's earnings and Prospects she completely lost her peace her friend's fiance became incredibly attractive to her when visiting mutual friends Piper always asked if Tess and Jack would be there if so she took Extra Care in choosing her outfit however it was frustrating that her efforts had no
effect Jack only had eyes for Tess after the wedding Tess annoyed Piper even more she talked endlessly about her wonderful husband band his successes and plans meanwhile Piper was going through a rough patch having rejected a hapless programmer from work she kept waiting for her prince charming but no one came soon Tess got pregnant for some reason Piper began visiting her friend more often perhaps she secretly rejoiced at Tess's changing figure pregnancy didn't flatter her the young woman suffered from edema dressing in shapeless clothes after such visits Piper would admire her slender figure for a
long time she couldn't imagine ever being pregnant herself maybe I should forget about pregnancy she thought why make such a sacrifice I'd rather live for myself than be an incubator all Tess talks about now are diapers and cradles it's really boring one evening Jack offered to walk Piper to the cab Piper had spent a long time at her friend's house as soon as Tess closed the door behind them Jack opened up Piper you're friends with Tess do something it's unbearable she only talks about the baby we used to discuss everything but now Everything Has Changed
Piper caught the troubled look in Tess's husband's eyes don't worry it'll get better it's just hormones you know you have no idea how much I need a break from all this the man replied well if you like we could go out on Friday evening Piper suggested surprised at her own words Jack looked at his wife's friend carefully then nodded why not I suppose I'm entitled to a little rest bite after meeting at the cafe Jack and Piper saw each other again soon their meetings became regular Tess began complaining to her friend that Jack stopped giving
her the attention she deserved he blamed it on work meanwhile the relationship between Jack and Piper intensified Piper felt guilty but it was so pleasant to be with a successful nearly perfect man as for her friendship with Tess no worries that's how life Works some lose others get lucky a couple of months later Tess gave birth to her son soon after Jack left the family he simply packed his things and left saying nothing to his mistress or wife however rumors reached Tess she discovered Jack's infidelity and the women stopped communicating 5 years passed Piper didn't
seek out Tess why would she her betrayal was hardly forgivable but Tess herself suddenly reached out on social media Piper I blamed you for a long time but my psychologist helped me understand life doesn't stand still we need to learn to forgive and forget what's unnecessary what happened happened maybe we can reconnect Piper didn't object by her 30es she suddenly realized that apart from Tess she had never truly connected with anyone else she had female acquaintances but no real friends among them then Tess got married again the girls from Piper's work also tied the knot
Piper found herself wondering more and more often about her next steps that's when Houston entered her life he wasn't perfect but he loved her sincerely and was ready to carry her in his arms Family Life satisfied Piper and she allowed herself to love better a husband like this than no husband at all she reasoned only Test new Piper's true feelings you see everything seems fine but it's not what I dreamed of the only thing that really suits me is our life in bed Piper admitted Piper Houston is a wonderful man he loves you yes I
know he does but he wants children Piper said dejectedly and you I don't want any it's such a hassle no it's definitely not for me Tess just Shrugged you know you have have a strange ideal in your head do such men even exist maybe you should appreciate what you have and stop dreaming about a prince on a white horse eh meanwhile Houston renovated their apartment with his own hands doing a wonderful job for the first time Piper looked at her husband with different eyes who knows maybe he's not so bad after all maybe I can
make a real man out of him yet then she took the initiative Houston she said at dinner why don't you start your own business Piper what are you thinking now I like working with my hands I don't have the entrepreneurial Spirit what kind of businessman would I be Houston waved his hand dismissively just think about it you could start making good money she persisted he earned well of course but Piper felt he should try harder a year later Houston got a promotion and his salary increased but to Piper it still wasn't enough her husband could
earn even more he's not ambitious at all at his age others have millions in their accounts but he's neither here nor there Piper complained to Tess she sighed tiredly he carries you in his arms treats you like a queen but your ungrateful p Piper complaining about him one day Tess called Piper with an unusual proposal listen friend I know a woman who once helped me a lot helped you with what I don't understand just listen and don't interrupt Tess said over the phone she reads cards I didn't believe it either but she told me everything
accurately she told me about my ex and my current partner she she even described his appearance exactly and spoke over waterer to ensure everything would come true Piper listened to her friend and thought what if if she helped Tess maybe she'll help me too Piper what have you got to lose no one's going to bite you you'll talk to her calmly she doesn't charge much and what if she tells you how your Houston can succeed in life Piper's eyes lit up this was her chance although it seemed foolish to trust a fortune teller she decided
to give it a try Tess gave her friend the fortune teller's number her name was Nicole Piper liked the fortune teller's Voice Low Husky and soothing are you calling on Tess's recommendation the woman asked immediately yes good what's troubling you my relationship with my husband Piper blurted out we'll need to look into that I'll try to help you after scheduling an appointment Piper put down her smartphone and thought what have I come to this is crazy the appointment with the fortune teller was scheduled for the next day and at night Piper couldn't sleep tossing and
turning sighing and glancing at her watch repeatedly honey are you feeling sick Houston inquired solicitor toly no there's an inspection at work it's so annoying Piper said you go to sleep I have to get up early tomorrow the next day the woman excused herself from work she had to get everything done before her husband came home by afternoon Piper was already home with Nicole due to arrive at 3:00 Piper was nervous unable to settle down from excitement at exactly 3:00 the doorbell rang Nicole turned out to be quite a modern young woman contrary to Piper's
preconceived notions of what fortune tellers should look like she ushered her guest into the kitchen Nicole took out a worn deck of cards from her bag and began to shuffle them slowly I see much without cards Nicole said scrutinizing Piper you deserve more than this girl you're not in your place now your path has been blocked and you're struggling Piper nodded sitting down on a stool this was not how she had pictured her life and you live with the wrong man Nicole summed up looking at the layout look here's the jack of diamonds that's your
husband and here's the King of Diamonds you know where the jack is and where the king is Piper nodded gazing at the shabby faces of the cards your husband isn't your fate Nic shook her head you haven't waited for your king but he will appear soon he'll shower you with gold and carry you in his arms how will I recognize him Piper inquired the fortune teller grinned don't worry he won't pass you by but as long as you're with Jack all this is empty what do you mean the woman asked alarmed your husband is no
match for you but he's with you the king we'll look at you and go away this king is your last chance otherwise you'll spend your whole life with the Jack what should I do get a divorce Piper gasped Nicole gathered the deck from the table that's for you to decide I felt I was improper and you've confirmed it I understand it's okay your destiny is in your hands after saying goodbye to the fortune teller Piper pondered her situation Tess didn't lie Nicole said everything right I am worthy of the best and I married a laborer
I was in a hurry but soon I'll have a king by my side isn't that wonderful news later that day Houston asked his wife over dinner you're cheerful today is everything all right at work how was the inspection yes everything is fine smiled Piper and added to herself and soon it will be even better since she had a happy new life ahead of her she needed to prepare for it in the best possible way Piper got a new fashionable haircut and renewed her wardrobe one warm April evening she decided to take a walk after work
and go shopping Piper smiled at her reflection in the store window and walked towards the shopping center suddenly while standing at an intersection waiting for the green light she felt someone's Palm on her shoulder Miss didn't you drop this Piper turned around behind her stood a tall man in an expensive coat smelling of pleasant cologne he was holding out an umbrella to her here you go I've been running after you to give it to you no that's not my umbrella Piper fixed her hair and smiled I know the stranger spread his hands I noticed you
by chance and couldn't help but come over to meet you the umbrella was just an excuse Piper felt a pleasant thrill well if he's the king of diamonds what if Nicole's prediction is starting to come true Piper assessed the value of the man's coat and watch but said aloud I'm not in the age of getting acquainted on the street what are you 25 Piper didn't hide her age why should she she was well into her 30s I thought you were much younger than me turns out we're the same age I'm 38 too the man extended
his hand to her my name is Ron Piper the woman introduced herself would you like to have coffee with me Piper hesitated for a moment it wasn't proper for a married woman to have coffee with the stranger she'd just met but to's words echoed in her mind she liked Ron very much he was so similar to the ideal man she had always imagined no she couldn't let a man like this slip away Ron turned out to be a great conversationalist he joked a lot made Piper laugh and told her about himself it turned out he
had his own company in construction field the woman liked this his own business not working for somebody else that's what a man should be unluckily her Houston chose to spend the rest of his life at his Factory when the coffee was ready Ron paid for both of them adding a few more points to his score in Piper's heart may I walk you out offered the new acquaintance no need Piper declined but gave him her phone number the man wrote down the number in an expensive leather notebook and smiling suggested they meet again when Piper got
home Houston came out of the kitchen to greet her oh Piper you're back finally how was your day I'm cooking dinner there was a pan of frying cutlets on the stove the woman wrinkled her nose you could have ordered Sushi I didn't even think of that Houston replied I just wanted potatoes and cutlets it's fine Piper smiled at her husband and her thoughts Were Far Away wow what a man Fate has sent me Piper mused her head in the clouds all evening she daydreamed about vacationing with Ron in Italy looking for a small house there
and buying a new spacious modern apartment the kind she had always dreamed of her only worry was how little she knew about Ron what if he was married and occasionally dated women feeding them l but Piper dismissed the thought believing a serious businessman wouldn't engage in such nonsense besides judging by his clothes and shoes he was clearly well off Ron called on Monday after agreeing on the place and time to meet Piper pondered her next move what will I tell my husband I could lie about going shopping but not finding anything he's unlikely to verify
that information anyway dinner with Ron was nearly the highlight of Piper's year he behaved like a true English gentleman offering Pleasant compliments as she sipped her wine and smiled she felt utterly happy she had thought she'd never again feel those proverbial butterflies in her stomach but looking at Ron she felt like a young girl in love upon opening her front door Piper heard the television Houston stepped into the hallway and she wrinkled her nose he's in his sweatpants and stretchy t-shirt again how many times have I told him to dress properly at home not in
clothes unfit for public Piper I was worried why didn't you answer your phone Houston asked anxiously did something happen why must something have happened the woman hung her raincoat and removed her boots I just forgot to turn on my phone's sound I was about to call the police Houston approached and peered into her eyes are you sure you're okay Piper quickly brushed past her husband toward the bathroom not wanting him to smell the wine just tired I'm going to shower and go to bed as Piper began seeing Ron more frequently Tess noticed the change you're
glowing from within you've met someone haven't you I have an admirer Piper announced happily to Tess no way Tess gasped what are you going to do get a divorce I don't know Tess he hasn't offered anything serious yet 3 months passed Piper fell in love with Ron and he reciprocated Houston began to suspect something but Piper didn't care she sensed Ron was about to suggest taking their relationship to the next level he knew Piper was married but wasn't bothered by this fact Piper had told him a heartbreaking story about her husband claiming that he had
been cheating on her for a long time and that they had long lived as mere neighbors not spouses feelings faded so quickly but what can you do daily life becomes routine she told Ron sadly and it's scary to be alone I'm not young enough to start over how can a woman like you fear loneliness Ron asked surprised you should have crowds of admirers don't tell me I'm your only one I won't believe it Piper was happy but her husband Houston was the only obstacle to a new life he acted as if nothing were happening though
Piper could tell from his eyes that he suspected she was seeing someone this only diminished her respect for him a real man wouldn't behave like this she thought he'd make a scene slam the door but what does he do he waits hoping it will all work out and that I'll return to be a model wife but everything came to her head when Piper lied about working late and went to a cafe with Ron as they were sat holding hands she suddenly heard her husband's voice so this is where you work Houston stood near their table
his eyes burning with anger let's go outside and talk he said quietly I don't want to cause a scene here who's this Ron asked in Surprise your husband so you didn't even tell him about me Piper fine let's go or I might lose control Ron stood up he was almost a head taller than Houston and Piper had a sudden thought how did I ever agree to this marriage why couldn't I have waited a few years for someone like Ron the men headed for the exit Piper quickly paid and followed fearing a fight but the men
just stood talking near the entrance their postures and expressions indicating an unpleasant conversation Piper hesitated catching only fragments of their exchange suddenly Houston moved quickly toward her she flinched pulling her head into her shoulders who knows what he might do will he hit me but he only looked at his wife silently then sneered through clenched teeth tomorrow you may leave my apartment we're divorcing and just so you know I really loved you Piper didn't even notice how Ron appeared next to her how are you she began to tremble she'd been contemplating divorce for a while
but she wished it hadn't happened like this guilt gned at her yet she wondered was it really her fault I'm okay Piper murmured leaning into Ron will you stay with me tonight I'm scared I live in his apartment he bought it before we married I'm sorry honey but I can't be tonight Ron replied Piper looked at him bewildered what what do you mean you should move out I'll come see you later okay I can call you a cab are you serious Piper couldn't believe her ears would he really abandon her in this situation I'm sorry
sweetheart Ron repeated another time I won't impose so shall I call that cap Ron escorted Piper to the car asking her to call upon arriving home oddly he didn't answer when she did the woman gave her tenants a week's notice and temporarily moved in with Tess it's for the best Tess said you didn't love him anyway you just wanted Comfort why torment a man you know no longer love I suppose you're right Piper didn't think she'd been tormenting Houston on the contrary she believed he should have been grateful for her attention and fought to keep
her if he'd missed his chance that was his fault sooner or later he'd realized that she'd given him an opportunity and he'd squandered it yet something unsettled Piper Ron's calls grew less frequent from daily to every few days their dates became scarce she attributed it to stress noticing her appearance had suffered she was certain that once she pulled herself together Ron's interest would rekindle and he'd surely propose after all didn't he realize this all happened because of him because of him she'd lost her husband imperfect as he was still a husband as an honorable man
Ron owed her his report when the divorce was finalized she informed Ron I'm a free woman now she said wistfully that's what we wanted right he replied cryptically how about we meet this week say Saturday now we can see each other on weekends well at least there are some benefits Piper smiled I'm in great and be prepared I have a surprise for you Piper's spirits lifted what could this surprise be surely he plans to propose he must have been waiting for me to be single he's probably chosen an expensive ring Piper imagined flaunting it to
Tess picturing her friend's envy that Saturday Piper arrived at Ron's Chosen cafe she looked stunning and knew it new dress styled hair subtle makeup it felt good to dress up for someone Ron was already there sipping coffee hi Piper purred Crossing her legs to reveal a hint of lace stocking I missed you hello Ron replied eyeing her thoughtfully you look lovely we're waiting for someone else he checked his watch just a bit longer someone else Piper arched an eyebrow do we need company it's part of the surprise coffee minutes later as their coffee arrived Tess
entered she waved to Ron who returned the gesture Tess approached sitting beside Ron across from her friend what's happening Piper was stunned you have no idea Tess smiled enigmatically you'd better explain Piper gripped her espresso cup so tightly it nearly shattered you had a good husband husband Tess began abruptly I even envied you Houston was kind uncomplicated and loved you deeply I couldn't fathom out why he loved you so he deserved someone who' reciprocate not just admire herself and you lost him how is that your concern Piper snapped and why are you here Tess glanced
at Ron he nodded slightly and said said I'm Tess's cousin you didn't know about me she asked for help and I couldn't refuse after the incident with Jack Tess nearly took her own life she overdosed on pills they barely saved her it was horrific a week in intensive care after learning about you and him her son could have been left motherless because you decided to break up a family I know your not solely to blame but trust me I had serious male conversation with him too Tess nodded yes he even fled Town out of fear
don't misunderstand Piper it's not like that but he wouldn't fare well here to put it mildly now he's living in some Village perhaps even happy and you what me why are you meddling in my life your life why did you come into mine Tess grinned you know they say karma exists and there's a law of boomerang if it doesn't work you have to help fate a little and launch this boomerang in the right direction we killed two birds with one stone Houston was freed from you from the illusion that you're a beautiful person worthy of
love you told me yourself how you treat him like he's nothing he's worried I know and you you got what you deserve too so Tess shall we go I think I did a pretty good job Ron stood up and bowed elegantly to Piper thank you for your time Tess stood up as well Piper you and I are now even I hope this makes you think a little and by the way Nicole played her part perfectly she said you were easy to deal with all we had to do was start talking about your uniqueness about being
worthy of more than other people you haven't changed at all since the college Ron and Tess walked out of the cafe Piper unclenched her hand and the cup fell to the floor breaking into small shards the woman looked at the white fragments for a couple C of seconds took a few deep breaths and then got up and slowly headed for the exit Piper couldn't remember how she'd gotten home had she walked or taken the bus it was as if it had been erased from her memory she threw off her coat and collapsed on the sofa
falling into a deep sleep she didn't want to shower eat dinner wash her face she didn't want to live Piper woke up in the morning at first the events of the previous day seemed like a terrible dream her brain desperately clung to this thought now I'll see Houston and as usual he'll wish me good morning but the conversation with Tess and Ron was not a dream Piper lay still for a while staring at the ceiling with unseeing eyes and why should I have all this why I am a beautiful woman who knows what she wants
isn't that what they write about in all those clever psychology books the main thing is to formulate a wish and it must surely come true and I formulated it to find a man who would be worthy of me and what did I get now I have no rich man no plans for the future only work Piper realized she had to start her life from scratch but she was already so old in her opinion she spent the next few days at home alone she cleaned the apartment where the tenants had been living for a long time
it seemed to her that by tidying up she was tidying up her own soul when the impromptu mini vacation was over Piper returned to work as expected her colleagues whispered behind her back but she tried not to pay attention every night when she got home she sobbed wrapped herself in a fluffy plaid and dreamed of going back in time she would have done everything right would have dismissed this Ron would have learned to look at her husband with entirely different eyes but what could she change now Piper spent her evenings sitting at her laptop she
browsed endless social media feeds watched silly videos and read articles about celebrity life and news she was barely retaining anything she needed the information noise to drown out the thoughts in her head she found not stupid old worthless and useless and she realized that in many ways it corresponded to reality it was an ordinary evening Piper was flipping through the news feed as usual when a post in the City's community caught her eye missing child said the caption under the photo of a pretty girl with bright blue eyes and brown curls just a little girl
about 5 years old no more Piper read the post it turned out that the girl and her parents had gone to their summer house the mother and father were distracted for a couple of minutes and she disappeared a search is underway volunteers and anyone else who is Keen to join in the woman reached for the phone and dialed the number on the ad yes do you have any information on Molly a female voice inquired no unfortunately I wish I could help I have a car have you been on a search before the woman asked no
not once Piper felt her voice shaking slightly where was she going why she was about to be laughed at or scolded for distracting people from their work but that didn't happen ah write down the address of the coordination Center if you want and are ready to help then come and bring our volunteers just three people are ready to leave and your help would be useful to them and and can I give them your number Piper dictated the number soon she received a call from a young man who introduced himself as Philip he told her where
he was so that Piper could take them to the village where Molly had disappeared soon Piper left the house she didn't understand what she was doing or why but the girl's sweet face and blue eyes never left her mind philli was already waiting for Piper at the appointed place with two girls dressed in hiking outfits standing next to him all the young people had impressively sized backpacks on their backs she stopped the car and Philip waved in greeting Piper was surprised so young and yet he involved in the search for missing people Phillip looked no
more than 20 the girls Carol and Sonia sat in the back seat while Phillip settled next to Piper thank you for your help he smiled it's rare for people to agree so easily to go out at night and we're all without cars I don't mind Piper replied eyes on the road it's a Pity about the girl yes children often go missing philli sighed we've had searches like that before a boy ran into the woods and got lost our team found him quickly otherwise he would have Frozen how long have you been involved in the search
I've been doing it for 2 years Philip said proudly lifting his chin you know since I started at the college about the same for me Sonia chined in and I got Carol involved Carol nodded yes Sonia told me at work how the searches go I got interested and decided to try once now I devote all my spare time to it Piper was surprised are you joining us too Philip asked what do you think the woman shook her head no I decided to help just this once it's not my thing I'm not a hero by Nature
I can give you a ride but I won't go into the woods I'd get lost and they'd have to look for me too the search party headquarters was located in the Village School building Piper drove the volunteers to their destination and decided to stay philli suggested she go into the forest with them they found High rubber boots and an old army jacket that looked awful but provided excellent protection from the cold stay close to me don't lose sight of me under any circumstances keep your phone on you remember there are several dozen people around you
look carefully Philip instructed Piper she couldn't believe what she was doing but when she saw Molly's mother crying she couldn't refuse the girl was found 3 hours later alive and well it turned out that the little one had seen a beautiful butterfly and chased after it not realizing how she ended up in the forest that night changed Piper's life she decided to become a volunteer with the rescue group she spent all her Spare Time attending lectures on the intricacies of searching for people twice in the first month she participated in search though she never found
anyone herself the feeling of being involved in something important something on which someone's life depended allowed her to distract herself from from heavy thoughts she met new people and was amazed by their stories there were many like her in the squad mature adults who had decided to change their lives doctors programmers Engineers students Piper was astonished at how many cared about the fate of lost strangers several months passed during another search in the forest for an elderly mushroom hunter Piper was asked to instruct a new volunteer it's the Man's first time explain everything to him
the coordinator told her he's standing by the headquarters the headquarters was a spacious tent where the coordinators sat volunteer cars were pulling up some had already left to scour the forest Square by square While others were just about to start their work when she saw the man standing by the tent she couldn't believe her eyes maybe I'm Dreaming but it wasn't a dream the new volunteer was Houston they looked at each other in silence for a while Piper nervously tucked a strand of hair that had escaped from under her bandana then with difficulty said hi
well hi Houston grinned in Surprise didn't think we'd meet here yes it's strange the woman tried to smile as carefree as possible but she wanted to turn and run into the woods it's unexpectedly very unexpectedly they were both silent Piper was sure Houston wouldn't want to talk to her but he didn't leave he just looked at her from under his brow and smiled tensely so are you going to tell me what to do the man finally asked Piper exhaled the tension gradually releasing her why am I so frightened she thought after all currently we're not
ex-husband and wife here separated through my fault we're volunteers searching for a missing person we should behave accordingly we don't need to get into an argument right here that night Piper talked to Houston it turned out he had decided to join the volunteers last month this was his first search how long have you been here he inquired almost 6 months so almost right after the divorce you came here didn't you the woman blushed it was a good thing the darkness couldn't reveal the color of her face yeah that's right she replied all right then let's
go remember every minute is precious fortunately they found the Lost mushroom picker quickly the man was badly Frozen but overall the doctors deemed his condition satisfactory as a tired Piper was getting into her car Houston suddenly approached herou doing well he said it's really quite remarkable whatever happened in the past I'm glad to know that you're well thank you I wish I'd started doing this sooner there's a lot to regret he waved his hand but better late than never Houston turned and walked to his car the woman stared after him thoughtfully Piper did you forget
something Philip asked already seated in her car no no I didn't forget she realized her words were practically a pun and smiled I haven't forgotten anything Piper and Houston began to see each other regularly at meetings on searches and during training sessions to the woman's surprise he neither avoided her nor brought up her past mistake but he also didn't single her Out Among the other volunteers Piper was a little upset by this but she knew perfectly well that she shouldn't expect more after what she had done one day after another search Houston asked Piper if
she could take him home the guy I made arrangements with changed plans he's going to another city Something's Happened to his brother he said is it difficult for you no not at all Piper replied the woman turned on the radio they drove to a quiet tune Dawn was breaking and she admired the pink clouds illuminated by orange Rays how did I not notice all this before what was I Living For she wondered it's strange you live and don't see this beauty Houston suddenly said Piper flinched thinking her ex-husband had read her mind and she nodded
yes sometimes you don't notice many things the woman Ed you've really changed even your eyes look different I'm getting old Piper joked no no that's not it Houston rubbed his chin with his overgrown stubble it always amazed her why he had such thick facial hair while there was hardly any on his head what do you mean Piper glanced at Houston I don't know myself it's like you've become more mature or something it's about time the woman laughed I'm almost 40 it's time to grow up a little you know I've been thinking for a long time
or rather he stopped talking as if struggling to find the words maybe we could at least try to well be friends again friends Piper asked in amazement I thought you were supposed to hate me for everything you you know I probably should but it just doesn't seem to be working Houston smiled sadly that's the kind of fool I am I'm the one who's a fool Piper almost whispered I should have said this sooner but forgive me please if you can I'm so sorry I'll try and I even know that I can the man touched Piper's
shoulder his light touch made her shudder like an electric shock it's impossible to start over but we can correct mistakes maybe I'll berate myself for it later but I missed I missed you the woman stopped the car tears filled her eyes she couldn't see the road in front of her I'm sorry I'm sorry she repeated crying like a child dropping her head into her Palms Houston stroked her shoulder and remained silent after a few minutes the woman managed to pull herself together she wiped her tears and looking into his eyes quietly said I'm ready to
try to make up for my mistake and I'm ready to try to help you do that Houston replied
