Page 9 of Inventing Vivian

“No need to apologize, my lord.”

The woman did have a penchant for interrupting. But in this case, Benedict was glad she did.

“I will repair your fountain.” She turned without another word and started away.

Zhang Wei stepped up beside Benedict and watched with him as their two visitors left through the gate. “The woman does not like you,Jinsè.”

Benedict could hear the smile in his friend’s voice as he used the nickname the village children had called him. The word meantgolden hair. “Indeed, she does not,” he answered. “I was very rude to her when we were young.”

Zhang Wei nodded. His smile remained, but his eyes were thoughtful. He was not being flippant or teasing. It was simply his way. It had taken Benedict time to become used to his friend’s mannerisms. “And now your path has led you back to... make it right?”

“I don’t know if that is possible.”

“Water can wear down mountains and earth, just as kindness can soften the hurt given to an old friend. It takes time.”

Friend.The word made Benedict ashamed. He should have been Miss Kirby’s friend instead of...

He glanced at the pipe protruding from the pond. Over the past years, he had learned about destiny and karma and his ability to shape his own path. Perhaps a broken fountain was not merely bad luck after all but a chance to right an old wrong.

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