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.

that were too complicated. The atmosphere had

about Rory. Everyone was fully focused on Anya's explanations, which dragged breakfast

Rose's intention. We all listened to Anya

was an unfamiliar number. I hesitated

"Chlo."

immediately asked, "Have you

here. The situation

tone was low, with a hint of apology. "I'll be back soon. Don't be

back myself. I want him to see me because my mom's dead!" I was

first time I had gotten

no matter how dangerous it is. I don't want to

get a

felt relieved and smiled. "Great. I'll set off in

"Wait, let me talk

Arnold took it and said, "Are you