Lisa wanted to pick up some gifts for Yanny, Micah, and Jackie, so she made Gale accompany her shopping after the meal. Besides, walking after eating could aid in digestion.

Lisa told Gale about Caden while walking around the mall. "When that kid took off his shirt, I couldn't believe how many bruises that kid had on his body. I'm so mad at Caden's family. I know Caden is adopted and not their own, but how could they beat him like this?! I won't ever treat my child like this. I'll probably shower them in love, not pain."

"You're going to be a good mother," Gale mused.

"I don't know if I'll ever become a mom," Lisa said, shrugging. A woman's fertility would naturally decline as she get older, and Lisa was already in her thirties. Some women would still bear children over forty, but they were the minority.

Maybe Lisa would get over Terry in a few years, but she would miss her childbearing age by then.

Lisa had always loved children. She even once imagined how her child would loo