After three days cooped up in the hospital, Brittany was itching to get out, and she finally insisted on being discharged.
She had been worried sick that news of her pregnancy would leak, but as it turned out, Mabel was completely in the dark about it.
It was as if the whole incident never happened. Brittany breathed a sigh of relief.
Mabel had vanished without a trace, almost as if she never existed.
Brittany learned her lesson and stayed clear of the chess club.
Grayson had called to check up on her, relieved to hear she was out of the hospital. "Kid, glad to hear you're alright. From now on, if I'm itching for a game of chess, you're coming over to my place. It's safer." "Thank you," Brittany said, remembering it was Grayson who had helped her cover up the bloodstains.
Grayson chuckled. "No need to thank me. You've given me the gift of defeat."
Knowing the favors Grayson had done for her, Brittany made sure the Lynette family threw a few business deals the Wright family's way as a token of gratitude.
Eltham had asked her out a few times, and Brittany agreed.
During one of their dinners, they ran into Orson: "Ms. Lynette, we're heading back to Welandia soon. I'd like to pay my respects to Ms. Russell. Would you accompany me?" Brittany readily agreed.
Eltham, seeing this, decided to join as well.
Julie was laid to rest in the Lynette Family Cemetery, with Yuri planning to be buried beside her one day.
The cemetery was a solemn and respectful place, with a faint smell of gunpowder in the air, probably from someone recently setting off fireworks in remembrance.
Orson brought a bouquet of flowers and some fruits, Julie's favorites when she was alive.
Standing before her grave, Orson sighed deeply. "Ms. Russell, it's been years. Are you at peace?"
Of course, Julie couldn't respond.
Brittany, standing to the side, seldom visited the graveyard. Julie's departure still felt unreal to her, and each visit to the cemetery brought discomfort.
Orson bowed deeply before the grave, then knelt. "Ms. Russell, you left behind a wonderful daughter. She's inherited your best qualities. Rest easy now." Brittany remained silent by his side.
Leaving the cemetery, Orson floated an invitation to Brittany: "Ms. Lynette, you have a real knack for chess. Have you ever considered going pro?"
If Brittany wasn't keen on committing to Craneville, Welandia was always an option.
Brittany shook her head. "Orson, I enjoy chess, but not enough to pursue it professionally. There are many out there more talented than I am who deserve your attention." Orson, a bit disappointed, left her his card: "If you ever change your mind, give me a call."
Brittany accepted the card, though she knew she would never use it.
Before he left, Orson had a private word with Brittany.
"Ms. Russell spent some time in Welandia. She's the reason I found my path in chess. I'm grateful to her."
"I'll make this pilgrimage yearly. Please, honor my request."
Brittany couldn't refuse: "Orson, thank you for keeping my mother in your thoughts. If she knew, she'd be at peace." Orson's eyes slightly welled up. How wonderful it would have been if Ms. Russell could see her daughter now. "Ms. Lynette, goodbye."
After Orson left, Brittany spent an hour at the cemetery, catching Julie up on recent events.
As the evening breeze swept through, she finally stood up to leave, surprisingly replaceing Eltham waiting outside.
He draped his jacket over her shoulders. "All done?"
Brittany felt awkward, almost wanting to shrug off his jacket but decided against it.
"I thought you'd have left by now."
"I couldn't leave, not knowing if you were alright."
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