Gregory didn’t close his eyes again. Instead, he kept them open and helped Anathea watch the road.
The car finally came to a stop outside the Sinclair residence.
Anathea quickly stepped out and rushed toward the house. It was dark, and the path was hard to see. She stumbled slightly.
A strong hand caught her elbow.
The crisp scent of cedar surrounded her.
Anathea pursed her lips and gently pushed him away. “Thank you, but I can walk on my own.”
“But I can’t,” Gregory replied, his voice slightly unsteady and weary from the alcohol.
Left with no choice, Anathea allowed him to lean on her as they supported each other into the house.
“Mr. and Mrs. Sinclair, you’re here,” Dalia greeted.
Anathea let go of Gregory and anxiously asked, “How is Grandma?
Dalia hesitated. “Well…”
But as she reached the room, she caught a sharp, excited voice calling out, “Pair of twos! I win!”
Anathea paused. Through the narrow gap in the door, she saw Brisa playing cards with Isabel and Adrian. “Grandma, your luck is insane! We don’t stand a chance!” Isabel whined.
Her face was already marked with several strokes of ink.
“You all just need more practice!” Brisa laughed, unable to contain her joy as she grabbed a brush. “Come on, me paint your face!”
Adrian sighed but indulged her. “Mrs. Sinclair Senior, it’s late. Why don’t you get some rest?”
“No way, I just got warmed up! I’m not done yet!” Brisa insisted,
“We’re just worried about your health,” he reasoned.
“Don’t worry, I’m perfectly-”
Before she could finish, Dalia let out a pointed, deliberate cough from outside the room.
Startled, Brisa turned around and caught Anathea’s half–smile through the door.
“Nat?”
hold still and let
A flicker of surprise flashed in Brisa’s eyes. When she realized she had been caught, she quickly pressed the back of her hand to her forehead, putting on a weak and fragile expression. “Oh dear, why am I suddenly feeling so dizzy?”
“Are you okay, Grandma?” Isabel asked, rushing to her side.
However, Adrian saw through the act immediately. He shook his head, feeling helplessly amused. “Mrs. Sinclair Senior, don’t you think it’s a little late to start pretending now?”
Only then did Brisa open her eyes and sheepishly smile at Anathea “I just missed you so much. I wanted you to
and see me.
“1
Hearing that she wasn’t actually sick, Anathea finally relaxed. She walked up to her gently. “Grandma, if you wanted to see me, you could’ve just called. You didn’t need to go through all this and give me a scare.”
Still, seeing her healthy was a relief.
1/2
+25 BONUS
Brisa then asked Isabel and Adrian to leave the room. Once they were gone, she reached out and gently took Anathea’s hand. Her aged, clouded eyes were filled with warmth and affection.
“Does it still hurt?” she asked softly.
When she first heard that Anathea had fallen from the attic and lost the baby, her heart had nearly stopped. She had wanted to rush over right away, but the panic had caused her blood pressure to spike, and she ended up falling ill herself.
Anathea glanced at the rows of medicine bottles on the table and felt a wave of guilt and heartache. Dalia had already mentioned Brisa’s condition earlier.
“Don’t worry, Grandma. It doesn’t hurt anymore,” Anathea replied with a faint smile.
“Good,” Brisa said, touching Anathea’s cheek lovingly. “I made your favorite creamy white fish chowder. Want to try some?”
Anathea nodded.
Dalia quickly brought out the chowder and ladled a bowl for her.
Anathea took a spoonful and brought it to her lips.
“How is it?” Brisa asked eagerly.
“It’s delicious,” Anathea replied with a smile.
It tasted just like she remembered.
After Anathea finished, Brisa said, “It’s late now. It’s not safe to drive back. You and Gregory should stay the night and leave in the morning.”
+25 BONUS
Chapter 508
