Chapter 16 Chapter 16 Lane Talia some relief . After that conversation . Trevor stopped showing up at Isabella's preschool , which gave But then he moved into the neighborhood and started coming by her house five or six times a day , Talla never once let him inside . The most she'd allow was for him to stand outside her door like some pathetic stalker . There were many times that she and Isabella would be having a perfectly normal evening at home - playing games , watching movies , just enjoying themselves - and then Talia would glance up to see Trevor standing outside like a lost puppy . He rarely spoke . Never tried to force his way in . Just ... stood there . For hours sometimes . It was clearly some kind of psychological warfare - trying to wear her down through sheer persistence . But he was dead wrong . She wasn't the same pushover she'd been five years ago Even when it was pouring rain and lightning , even when Trevor was standing there soaked to the bone , Talia wouldn't give him so much as a second glance . The only time he got any closer was on Isabella's birthday . He crouched down by the door , slid a wrapped box inside , and said softly , " Happy birthday , Isabella . " Isabella looked at the gift , then up at her mom . Only after Talia nodded did she run over to get it Thank you , " Isabella said quietly . Thank you , " Isabella whispered politely . Then it was back to the birthday routine wishes , candles , cake . When they were cutting slices , Isabella whispered in Talla's ear . " Mommy , my teacher says birthday cake is supposed to be shared with everyone . Should I give some to that sad man outside ? He looks really lonely . " Talia was quiet for a moment , then nodded . " If you want to . " So Isabella climbed down from the couch , carefully cut a piece of cake , and carried it over to Trevor . This is for you . It's really yummy . " Trevor looked genuinely shocked . He took the plate and looked up at Talia with something like hope in his eyes . Talin , I " Isabella likes sharing with people , " Talia cut him off coldly . " She'd do the same for anyone . " Trevor got the message and shut his mouth He ate the cake in complete silence , then smiled at Isabella . " You're right , it's really sweet . Thank you , sweetheart . " As he stood to leave , he suddenly pressed a hand to his stomach , his face twisting in pain . But he recovered quickly , forcing his expression back to normal . "I should head home now . Good night , Talla . Good night , Isabella He disappeared into the darkness . 23:09 About an hour later , Talla's phone rang . An unknown US number . After hesitating , she answered . " Is this Talia ? " A woman's voice , unfamiliar , " Yeah " " Mom's in the hospital . She's ... she's really sick . The doctors don't think she has much time left . She keeps asking for you . Could you ... could you conse see her ? just once ? " This " mom " wasn't Talia's real mother - it was the woman who'd fostered her for a few years . She hadn't exactly been Mother Teresa . More yelling than hugging , more criticism than comfort . But she'd kept a roof over Talia's head and food on the table . Over the years , Talia had sent them millions of dollars . She figured that more than covered whatever she owed them .. She really didn't want to see any of them again . But something about a deathbed request made her pause . " TI think about it , " she said finally , and hung up . Maybe just time to close that chapter for good .