Time glided forward with a light, easy step.
My surgical skills grew ever more refined, and my medical research projects began to yield promising results.
The hospital promoted me to deputy head of the department, and my salary doubled.
At last, I had planted my feet firmly in this city, standing on my own strength.
The magnolias bloomed over two seasons. The old tree put out new shoots.
The tiny single room I rented was replaced with a two-bedroom apartment.
I even kept two plants on my windowsill, and they were growing lush and vibrant.
Occasionally, news of old acquaintances drifted to me through friends.
I heard that Clara, long accustomed to a life of extravagance, refused to go out and work and kept pressing Jason to marry her.
But he had laughed in her face and said he woul
