The Kiss that Sparked it All

Ellinor modestly shook her head, “It’s what I should do. You and Grandpa Dean are giving me too much credit.”

Alyssa was quite taken by this young girl’s manners and humility Smiling kindly, she asked, “Ellinor, how old are you this year?”

Ellinor replied in a soft voice. “I’m twenty”

Alyssa pondered for a moment, her fingers moving as if she were calculating something, then asked again, “When’s your birthday?”

Ellinor paused briefly, a hint of wariness seeping into her heart. Why was Alyssa suddenly interested in her birthday? Had she noticed something?

After a moment of thought, she responded calmly and naturally. After my mother passed away, no one celebrated my birthday, so even I’m not sure when exactly it is.”

The confusion in Alyssa’s eyes deepened, “Darling, did your mother pass away when you were young, or did she leave and never come back?”

Ellinor’s face darkened, and she remained silent..

stung. Why was she motherless since

mother and her being kicked out, leading to her mother having to leave her and leaving her clueless about whether her mother was

heartstrings. He nudged Alyssa lightly, “Why did you ask that? You’ve reminded

just reminded me of a child I knew long ago, so I asked a few too many questions. If I’ve reminded you of unhappy times, that’s

“It’s fine, Grandma Alyssa. You just mistook me

to her, “Here, Ellinor. Have some fruit first. We’ll have a simple lunch at home later. Dean has already ordered lots of fresh ingredients that are

already here, Ellinor didn’t refuse, “Alright, thank you for your

Ellinor. I heard from Dean that you’ve married into the

nodded, “Yes, I

caused Alyssa to frown, “You’re such a good girl; why marry into their family? What a shame! Ellinor, if you were still single, Dean and I could introduce you to many excellent young

were a