Reborn From Oblivion

Lizzy was completely baffled. "Sis, that guy's got his nose so high in the air, he refused our gifts twice already. Why are you bothering again? He's not going to appreciate it."

Nathalie just smiled gently. "Those gifts before were half-hearted." She explained, "He's as picky as they come. Even if a gift costs a fortune, if it's not sincere, he won't even glance at it."

Lizzy eyed the clay Nathalie had picked, doubtful. Could someone so choosy really appreciate a handmade ceramic mug?

Back at home, Nathalie threw herself into her work, burning the midnight oil.

She knitted him a cozy winter sweater.noveldrama

She crafted some intricate figurines.

She even made a bouquet of sunflowers from yarn.

And she learned how to whip up some hearty soups.

Once everything was ready, she packed the gifts carefully and headed to the prison.

Officer Ashburn was stunned by Nathalie's bundle of gifts.

She gently advised, "Ashley, really, No. 13 is a simple guy. The clothes and bedding he gets here are plenty. You don't need to go through all this trouble."

When Nathalie saw Officer Ashburn again, the officer's usual standoffish vibe seemed to have softened. Maybe because Nathalie's loved one needed Officer Ashburn's help, she found herself pleading. "Officer Ashburn, he's not well, and the winter chill is still biting. I made some warm clothes for him. Please, I really need you to get them to him."

Officer Ashburn frowned at the two hefty bags. "Ashley, you're putting me in a bit of a spot."

"What's happening here?" A deep, booming voice suddenly chimed in.

Officer Ashburn turned to the newcomer, looking troubled. "Officer Baldwin, Ashley

is trying to give No. 13 gifts outside of the usual policy."

Officer Baldwin glanced at the bags on the floor, then looked at Nathalie. "And how are you related to him?"

Nathalie said, "I'm not entirely sure. But if he takes my gifts, I'll know he's my brother."

"Your brother?" Both Officer Ashburn and Officer Baldwin were visibly taken aback.

Officer Baldwin noted, "He's been here for quite some time, and aside from Ashley, no family has visited. Honestly, he seems aloof and tough to connect with."

A wave of sadness washed over Nathalie. She couldn't fathom what he'd been

through to change so much.

She said,

and actually really gentle going once you get t t belongs to

him. Just takes a bit to warm up..."

Officer Baldwin nodded. "I think you might be right."

No. 13 had recently saved Officer Baldwin's daughter, earning his immense gratitude. Seeing

Nathalie's genuine concern for No. 13, Officer Baldwin was more willing to bend the rules.

"Officer Ashburn, No. 13 has done us a great service. Let's make an exception and get Ashley's gifts to him."

Officer Ashburn smiled. "If Officer Baldwin is on board, then I won't object."

Officer Ashburn pushed the bags toward Officer Baldwin. "All yours, Officer Baldwin."

Officer Baldwin merrily picked up the bags and walked away.

Nathalie watched him leave, hesitant to go herself.

Officer Ashburn asked, "If you want to see him, I can set it up."

Nathalie shook her head. "No need. He won't want to see me."

Someone so proud, who had fallen so far, wouldn't want to face her now.

In the prison.

When Officer Baldwin stood in front of No. 13 with two big boxes of gifts, No. 13 was completely taken aback.