Chapter 115

Colton was overthinking; Allison hadn't given him or Melany a second thought. After leaving the Lloyd estate, she drove directly to the mountaintop nursing home where Kinslee resided. Their route followed a secluded, winding road. The center, nestled in a picturesque setting, was known for its pristine air. Its heavily guarded entrance made Allison uncertain of access, but she decided to explore the area first.

Her eyes fixed on the silver mask on the passenger seat; her fingers tightened around the steering wheel, a knot of nerves tightening in her chest. Before reaching the top, a figure blocked her path on the narrow road. She slammed on the brakes, her heart leaping into her throat as the car screeched to a halt, narrowly avoiding the shadowy figure. Through the windshield, she recognized Kinslee. Allison had studied the Lloyd family, memorizing their faces, making Kinslee's features unmistakable. Yet, something felt amiss.

Kinslee was dazed and confused, her speech slurred, her expression vacant. She appeared to have wandered off unattended; no caretakers or staff were in sight. She crouched by the path, trowel in one hand, wicker basket in the other, carefully picking wildflowers. When Allison called her name, Kinslee slowly stood, blinking in confusion. "Where am I?" she asked.

"You're halfway up the mountain," Allison said, exiting the car to support her. Night approached; the mountain, with its wildlife and terrain, was unsafe, especially for Kinslee. "Kinslee, let me take you back. It's dangerous here."

"Back to where?" Kinslee asked, her voice tinged with childlike bewilderment. "And who are you? I don't know you, right? Why do you know my name?" She clutched Allison's hand, her eyebrows furrowed in confusion. Suddenly, Kinslee stopped, staring at Allison with wide eyes, as if a memory surfaced. Without warning, she plucked a flower from her basket and placed it behind Allison's ear.

"Oh, I know you!" Kinslee declared, clapping her hands. "Lily, you look so pretty with a flower in your hair!" Allison froze, her heart skipping a beat at the name. "Lily" was her mother's nickname, shared only with loved ones. The shock made her shudder, but she quickly adjusted her mask, maintaining composure as she guided Kinslee across the uneven ground.

"You must be wrong," Allison said, her voice light, but her eyes sharp with curiosity. "So, where is Lily now? Maybe I can help you find her."

Kinslee furrowed her brow, confusion evident. "I don't know," she muttered hesitantly, then snapped her fingers. Pointing at Allison, she giggled excitedly: "You're lying! You're Lily, right? I've even made leis for you before!"

A wave of emotion washed over Allison, but she held Kinslee's hand firmly. "Yes," she whispered, nodding. "That's me…" Kinslee's words confirmed Allison's suspicion: this woman knew her mother, likely intimately. But she couldn't push too hard, not with Kinslee's fragile state.

Carefully, she guided Kinslee to the car, securing her in the seat. "When was the last time you saw me?" Allison asked softly, attempting to coax the truth from Kinslee's clouded memory. Kinslee shook her head, increasingly confused. "I don't remember." The answer wasn't surprising, but the dull ache in Allison's chest remained. She sighed. Alzheimer's had taken its toll. Yet, a ray of hope shone through: Kinslee had known her mother, and their bond had been strong. Allison knew what she must do: help Kinslee return to reality.

Looking at the winding mountain road, Allison put on her mask. "I'm going to take you back now," Kinslee said softly, her tone more formal.