Her expression weighed heavily on me.I asked with concern, "What's bothering you?"
"My body...It's not holding up.I'm always in pain, so I can't sleep at night."
She looked at me helplessly, her voice barely audible.
"The pain, it's just...here..."
"Where does it hurt?"
My eyes narrowed, pressing for details.
"Right here."
She pointed to her abdomen, gently patting it.
"You haven't told Matthew?"
I pressed on, my composure wavering.
Indeed, Grace seemed much thinner than before.
"He's...busy."
Grace's words sounded feeble.
"How long has this been going on?"
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtHer lips trembled.
"It's not a big deal, just trouble sleeping.I keep thinking about Ava.I can't be there for her,
and it's eating at me.I'm afraid I won't
have much time left to watch over her."
My heart ached.
After a while, I said, "Take a seat and have some water.I'll go upstairs and be right back."
"No need.Since Ava isn't home, I'll go," she said.
I ignored what she was saying and went straight upstairs. Atlas was getting ready for the
day in our bedroom. Seeing me come in, he asked, "Who was that?" "Grace," I said as I
freshened up in the bathroom. "I won't be able to make you breakfast today.I need to take
her to the hospital.She seems to be sick." Atlas glanced at me, and I felt awkward. "She's
Ava's grandmother, after all.She cares for Ava." "I understand.Do you need any help?"
Atlas didn't blame me and was supportive. "Should I find a doctor for you?" "No, it's okay
for now.If there's a need, I'll call you!"
I quickly prepared myself.
As I looked at Atlas, I felt a little guilty.
"I'll be home early today.We'll have dinner once you're back!"
He pulled me into his embrace and kissed me gently.
"Okay! I'll be home on time, too!"
It was incredible how close I felt to him.He called this place "home."
"Phone!"
I pointed to remind him.
He nodded, and I picked up my bag and hurried downstairs.
Grace still stood there, uneasy. Seeing me rush down, she nervously said, "I'll go.I won't
delay you from work." "Let's go together!" I said as I walked toward the door. "I'll take you
to the hospital!" She stammered, "No, no...You don't have to bother.I..."
"If you say one more word, I won't let you see Ava!"
I knew this was the best way to get her to comply.
Sure enough, she stopped resisting and wiped her eyes.
Honestly, I couldn't understand why I was doing this.I had no hatred toward her, but there
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmwas certainly resentment.
She had stood there and watched as her son attack me, even pressuring me with Melanie.
During the baby shower, she seemed smug, as if her new grandson gave her the upper
hand.I would never forget that.
However, she was Ava's grandmother, a pathetic woman who had raised a child for
another.
Ultimately, her scoundrel son turned against her.
He used to put on such a filial facade, but I wondered if that was all an act for my benefit.
Now, his mother was being abused, and he was pretending to be too busy.
With the friends he had made and the Thompson family's lingering interest, he would have
to return eventually.
We arrived at the hospital, and I found Grace a specialist.
After listening to her description, the doctor prescribed a series of tests.
I stayed to see the doctor alone while she waited outside.
The doctor looked at me and asked, "Why didn't you come for a check-up earlier? You're
too uncaring toward the elderly.Prepare
yourself.She has liver cancer, and it's in the advanced stages."