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As the weeks went by, life slowly returned to a new normal. At first, William had consumed Addie’s mind nearly every waking moment. Eventually though, as the weeks gave way to months and although the pain never quite subsided, Addie was finally able to get through the day without crying.
Thanksgiving came and went as Addie immersed herself in her children. Patrick returned to the office after a few weeks, although he mostly chose to work at home. Over time, the two of them began speaking, as Addie tried to put on a happy front for the children.
In keeping with the facade, Addie agreed to accompany Patrick and the boys to pick out their Christmas tree. Maybe it was the spirit of the season, or the fact that Addie knew that it was likely their final Christmas together, but when Connor pulled the two of them together and Patrick reached for her hand, intertwining their fingers, she didn’t pull away. Seeing her children happy reminded her to be happy. She owed them that much.
Lost in her mind, it was Patrick who brought her back to reality. “Look, boys, it’s Mommy’s friend, Mr. Hartman.” Patrick said, gripping Addie's hand tighter as she tried to pull away.
Just up ahead, Addie noticed William, the two of them locking eyes for a brief second before his gaze fell to her hand still inside of Patrick’s. Addie could see the pain twisted on William’s face as he registered what he was seeing.
Patrick extended his hand and William hesitantly shook it, not taking his eyes off of Addie. “William, what a pleasure it is running into you here. I’m sure you remember my wife, Addison. These are our children: Connor, Parker and James.”
William smiled at the boys, shaking their hands one by one. “Well, I’d better be going.” Glaring at Addie, he continued. “It’s so nice to have finally met you guys.”
Addie watched, speechless, as everything around her happened in slow motion.
“Once this trial business is said and done, my wife and I and these little guys you see here are heading back to China. I think we’re all looking forward to getting away.”
Addie’s mouth gaped as she spoke. “I don't think . . .”
William put his hands up to stop her, his expression pained. “Like I said, I’ve got to run. Merry Christmas.”
William turned on his heel and walked in the other direction. Addie watched him until he was just a tiny speck blended in among the crowd. And just as Addie thought she’d lost sight of him, William turned, their eyes locking for a briefest of seconds, until she was being led in the opposite direction. Addie’s eyes welled up; the tears spilled over as it took every ounce of willpower she had in her not to turn and run to him. Although she couldn’t say for sure, Addie swore she saw the slightest hint of a smile form upon his lips. Wiping her eyes, she searched the crowd again. But just as fast as William had appeared, he was gone.
