Matthew, Veronica, and Skyler embarked on a journey to the picturesque countryside in search of Shirley’s house. As they stepped out of the car, their gaze was drawn to Shirley’s parents, who were cleaning the pigsty and engaged in a lively conversation.
With anticipation in her heart, Veronica emerged from the car, clutching a beautifully wrapped gift box. However, to her dismay, Shirley was nowhere to be found in the yard. Shirley’s father, immersed in his work within the pigsty, raised his gaze upon seeing Veronica, his brows furrowing in an attempt to recognize the woman before him. “Who are you?” he inquired.
Regretful for not introducing herself earlier, Veronica extended a warm smile and spoke. “I apologize for not introducing myself earlier. My name is Veronica Murphy, Shirley’s dearest friend. I came here with the sole purpose of meeting you.”
Pleased with the revelation, Shirley’s father, affectionately known as Mr. Wilson, set aside his water hose and broom, closing the iron gate of the pigsty as he stepped out. A hearty laugh escaped his lips. “Hahaha, so it’s the three of you. Shirley didn’t return with you?” Veronica subtly glanced at Skyler, silently signaling him to remain composed..
“Shirley is still at work. We happened to pass by and thought of paying you a visit,” Veronica explained, taking a step forward and presenting the gift in her hands. “These items were personally chosen by Shirley for you.”
Shirley’s father, a man of simple and honest nature, beheld the valuable items and smiled with contentment. “Ah, this little rascal spent a fortune on these gifts.”
“Shirley is doing exceptionally well at her job. and earning money. It’s only fitting for her tor shower you with such thoughtful presents,” Skyler interjected, offering further clarification.
Accepting the gifts graciously, Shirley’s father chuckled heartily. “Hahaha, alright then. I shall treasure the kindness of my child. Come, come, let’s head inside.”
Veronica politely shook her head, declining the offer. “There’s no need, really. We have other matters to attend to, so we must take our leave. However, I promise that when I have the opportunity, I’ll bring Shirley along to visit you.”
“Very well, very well, Shirley’s father acquiesced, his delight evident. With a wave of her hand, Veronica bid her farewell. “Mr. Wilson, we shall take our leave now.” Matthew and Skyler echoed the gesture, expressing their own farewells to Shirley’s father.
The trio then climbed back into the car and drove away, leaving Shirley’s father standing at the entrance of the yard. As they retreated, Skyler couldn’t help but feel a pang of guilt, an urge to compensate Shirley’s father with a bank card. However, Veronica had cautioned against. it, advising him, “If you give it to Shirley’s father, it may raise suspicions.”
In order to shield the elderly man from unnecessary worry or speculation, Skyler reluctantly chose not to present the bank card.
“If Shirley isn’t at home, where could she be?” Skyler mused, leaning back in his seat, his voice tinged with despondency, ‘Despite our investigations, this woman has become elusive, evading all forms of surveillance. We can’t. seem to locate her.”
“Skyler, fret not. Shirley won’t be in any danger. She merely seeks solace and tranquility. Don’t dwell on it too much,” Veronica comforted him, her voice brimming with reassurance. Meanwhile, Matthew focused on maneuvering the car along the challenging muddy and bumpy road.
After a brief pause, he interjected, “Perhaps our primary concern should be not finding Shirley. but rather, addressing your own situation.”
Skyler, puzzled, sought clarification. “What do you mean?” Matthew expounded, his words filled with insight. “Even if we locate Shirley, it would be futile if your family doesn’t accept her. Convincing your parents to embrace Shirley during this time should be our priority.”
His words struck a chord within Skyler’s heart. Indeed, finding Shirley would be futile if she continued to face opposition from his family.
“Yes, Skyler, Matthew is right,” Veronica chimed in, wholeheartedly endorsing Matthew’s perspective. “Shirley won’t be in any danger, and she possesses financial stability. You needn’t worry excessively.”
