Beyond the Divorce

I was about to argue with him again when Grandma Rose stopped us. "Let's eat."

My mom quickly agreed. "Yeah. Let's talk after breakfast."

Jim promptly started serving the food, easing the tension in the air.

My dad tried to change the topic and said, "I've planted those seeds in a sunny spot, just like the instructions said."

"Were the instructions clear?" I understood that my dad was trying to lighten the mood by bringing this up.

"They're very detailed. It looks like it's a precious plant. I'm looking forward to seeing it grow." He seemed to be in a much better mood now.

Ava immediately joined the conversation. "What did you plant, Grandpa?"

"I don't know yet, but it needs a lot of care to grow well, just like you," My dad teased. "Do you want to wait for it to grow with me?"

"Yeah. I'll watch it grow with you, Grandpa." Ava said eloquently. She could sense that Arnold was different today, and she kept looking at him when she said that.

learning the local language, but she still needed help handling questions that were too complicated. The atmosphere had also

easier, and Grandma Rose asked many questions about Rory. Everyone was fully focused on Anya's explanations, which dragged breakfast out for a longer

all listened to Anya attentively until my phone

an unfamiliar number. I hesitated for a moment, then

"Chlo."

furious. I immediately asked, "Have you arrived? Why didn't you tell me

here. The situation

you to take risks. Wait for news from me Atlas's tone was low, with a hint of apology. "I'll be back soon.

just want to bring him back myself. I want him to see me because my mom's dead!" I was getting emotional. "Why did

was the first time I had gotten

quickly seized the opportunity to say, "I'm going, no matter

set off, get a new phone and message this

and smiled. "Great. I'll set off in the

let

Arnold took it and said,