New York's autumn was exceptionally vibrant. The warm-colored fallen leaves did not seem like symbols of life gradually withering away. As they drifted down from the branches, they carried a resolute determination, embracing the pedestrians beneath the trees.
In Manhattan's bustling commercial streets, nature was naturally enclosed by walls of steel and no longer possessed such vitality. Yet in slightly more remote places, after the roses on the fences outside the buildings had withered, bright red berries remained behind, while the patterns on the gate railings carried an American country style.
A pale hand approached the railing but did not touch it at all. Yet the iron gate opened on its own. A pair of boots stepped across the thick fallen leaves in the courtyard, producing soft rustling sounds.
Polaris entered the building, took off her scarf, let out a long breath, wiped the fine beads of sweat from her forehead, and said to the receptionist, "Hello, my name is Lorna Dane. I have an appointment."
"Certainly, please wait a moment." The receptionist smiled and checked the appointment records on her computer. As Polaris waited at the front desk, she sighed softly. Her beautiful face could not hide her exhaustion, and there were dark circles beneath her eyes.
"Hello, this way, please." The receptionist pointed toward the corridor. Polaris followed behind her. They took the elevator upstairs, stepped out, and arrived outside an office. The receptionist knocked, and a gentle voice came from within. "Come in."
The receptionist remained by the door while Polaris pushed it open and entered alone. Schiller adjusted his glasses and said, "Miss Dane, I presume? Please, sit. Your appointment is for treatment from five to nine this afternoon. There are still thirty minutes left, so sit for a while first. I'll finish dealing with these