Cough cough – The elderly woman in the back seat coughed violently upon hearing Serenity’s latest comment. Serenity turned her head and asked with concern, “What’s wrong, Nana? Is the AC too cold?”
“Yes, it’s too dry, which makes it easy to cough,” Grandma May replied, not daring to admit she was startled by the new information.
Zachary drove calmly and casually turned off the air conditioner. When he first learned that his mother-in-law, whom he had never met, might actually be Audrey’s sister, he had been frightened. Now, seeing his nana spooked, he felt somewhat better himself.
Liberty remained silent. “I’ll talk to you about this when I get back. How’s Sonny?” she asked.
“He woke up once, and I gave him some milk, but he only drank half. He fell back asleep while I held him,” Serenity explained.
“Did he get another fever?” Liberty inquired.
“Not right now,” Serenity replied, feeling relieved.
“Seren, you were up all night too. Sonny is fine now, so you should go back and get some sleep,” Liberty urged. Her heart ached not only for her son but also for her sister, and her head throbbed from the lack of rest.
“Okay. Call Mrs. Lane if you need any help. I’ll come over in the evening,” she said.
The sisters were not in a hurry to confirm whether their mother was indeed Audrey’s sister; that decision rested with Audrey. Serenity, feeling reassured, fell asleep before they reached Brynfield.
As Zachary parked the car upon arrival, Grandma May said, “You carry Serenity upstairs. I’ll go for a stroll.” She wanted to give her grandson and Serenity some time alone.
Zachary hummed in response as he carried Serenity, who was still asleep, out of the car. His grandmother was someone who simply couldn’t remain still; as long as she had legs, she could go wherever she wished.
“Hurry up, Zack,” she called out meaningfully to her grandson.
Zachary’s face tensed, but he stayed silent and continued to carry Serenity inside. As he entered, the old woman muttered, “I’d like to see how you clean up your mess. Hah, even you won’t solve this easily. It’s your fault for being so proud and lying to your wife!”
Zachary was left speechless.
‘Is she really my grandmother?’