Animal Whisperer: Take Back My Life and Love Chapter 471: A Long Awaited Reunion

This man was far too thorough. He was so meticulous that he left absolutely no room for anyone to find fault with him.

Just then, Barry’s gaze shifted naturally toward Simon. His lips curved into a non-threatening, almost friendly smile.

"Simon, could you give me a hand and pass me that light strip?"

Barry pointed to the pile by the ladder, his tone sounding quite helpless. "Star cannot exactly climb ladders, so for the rest of these, I am going to need a human assistant."

Nancy immediately gave Simon a gentle nudge with her elbow, her voice bright with the festive urgency of the holiday. "Simon! Go help him!"

She tilted her head up, flashing a brilliant smile at Simon to melt the icy expression on his face.

"It is New Year's Eve! Do not stand there with such a stiff face. Try to be happy!"

Simon looked at Nancy’s face, which was practically screaming for him to agree, and then at Barry’s innocent, helpful expression. Finally, he looked down at Star, who was sitting by his feet with his tongue out, looking like the most blameless creature on earth.

Simon remained silent for two full seconds before finally giving in. A short, clipped sound escaped his throat. "...Fine."

He stepped forward and walked toward the pile of light strips.

The curve of Barry’s smile did not falter for a second. His voice was clear and natural. "Thanks, bro."

At the word bro, the hand Simon reached toward the light strips stiffened almost imperceptibly. His fingertips tightened, making a faint rustling sound against the plastic. He closed his eyes for a moment, a vein near his temple pulsing slightly, but in the end, he said nothing. He simply picked up the light strip in silence.

Just then, the sound of soft, steady footsteps approached.

Tammy, arriving at the Loren Zoo for the first time, stood at the end of the path and took in the scene.

Two tall, handsome men were working together. One reached out from a ladder to hang decorations while the other stood steadily below, passing up parts in silence. Her precious daughter was holding a fluffy Snowball, surrounded by Master Crow, squirrels, and cats.

Nancy was looking up, her eyes shining as she watched the strings of lights slowly form along the eaves. Her cheeks were flushed red from the warmth of the glowing bulbs.

Snowflakes fell quietly, the light strips swayed gently, and the entire zoo was filled with the peaceful, vibrant warmth of New Year's Eve. A soft, almost dazed sense of warmth flickered through Tammy’s usually cold eyes.

As if sensing something, Nancy suddenly turned around.

The moment their eyes met, Nancy’s face lit up. A massive, unrestrained smile broke across her face. She opened her arms and flew toward her mother like a happy bird.

"Mom!"

Her voice was clear and bright, shattering the last of the morning’s cold silence.

Tammy caught her steadily, her arms tightening as she pulled her daughter into a hug. She lowered her head, her chin resting gently on the soft hair at the top of Nancy’s head. Her voice was quiet, yet warmer than all the lights in the zoo.

"Yes."

"Nancy, I am home."

Simon finished hanging the last light strip and climbed down from the ladder. He turned around to see Tammy gently cradling Nancy, her palm softly patting the girl's back. The red glow from the new lights fell over them, softening their silhouettes and illuminating Simon’s own face.

In that glow, the image of them embracing was so beautiful it made him feel a momentary sense of disbelief. This New Year's Eve, both his mother and his sister were by his side.

The realization felt like warm water flowing over his heart, making it swell with emotion, yet it also pulled at a familiar, sharp pain.

If only Dad were here too.

He closed his eyes, pressing back the lump in his throat. Tammy being back was already the best thing that could happen. If his father knew that she was not only safe but had reached the pinnacle of her scientific field, he would be happier than anyone.

But... what exactly happened the year his father sacrificed himself? Did his mother know any details they had never been told?

He suppressed the heavy questions for now. Tammy being here was already a miracle.

By then, Tammy had lightly released Nancy and looked over. Seeing her son standing in the shadows with a dazed expression, her gaze softened, and she gave him a gentle wave.

Simon took a deep breath of the cold winter air, which was now mixed with the scent of melting snow. He stepped forward toward the center of that warm red light.

"Mom!"

Simon called out softly. He quickened his pace, eventually breaking into a small run until he reached her. For a moment, the usually steady and composed Simon looked like he had reverted to his four year old self, running toward his mother after she returned home from work.

When Simon stopped, his eyes were instantly red. It had been over a decade since his mother disappeared and his father died. He had not celebrated a New Year with a parent since then.

Tammy reached out, her hand resting gently on Simon’s shoulder. He was much taller than her now. Her voice was filled with clear heartbreak and regret. "Nancy, Simon... I am sorry you both had to struggle so much while I was away."