Time flew by fast. It had been six months since Lyle left us. I also turned from rags to riches. Life works in mysterious ways.
My heart was heavy upon thinking about Lyle. It felt like a weight on my chest. Every breath I took felt like a burden.
Some people would only be remembered after their deaths. I was disgusted by the mere thought of him when he was alive, but I couldn’t get him off my mind after his death.
Lyle died for my sake. My heart ached for him whenever I recalled how he slowly slipped away in my arms on that fateful day.
I didn’t even have the chance to tell him that I no longer hated him. I wanted to tell him that we would be the best of friends from now on because he was my savior.
“Why don’t you visit Sharon today? I’m sure she wouldn’t want to spend this day alone as well.”
“Okay!” I hesitated for a bit before replying. Honestly, it had been so long since I last paid Sharon a visit. It was about time I did. However, I was also a little apprehensive about meeting her.
I felt like I could never repay the Smiths for everything they had done for me. It was a favor I could never return, nor could I do anything to compensate for their loss.
Even though the Smith family business improved with Christopher’s help, I knew Sharon would rather sacrifice everything than lose Lyle.
The car rolled to a stop in front of Sharon’s mansion. I stood outside the gates, hesitant to step foot inside the property. I peered through the iron gate and noticed that her favorite flowers were already wilting and the place was full of weeds. It looked abandoned. Only one small patch remained tended: the spot where Lyle’s favorite flowers were planted. It was obvious that the owner no longer had the time and energy to take care of anything else.
Christopher held my hand and gave me a reassuring look. With that, I finally stepped foot into the courtyard. Sharon was trimming the branches of the flowery plant as we walked toward her. She had aged overnight. This time, she was sitting in a wheelchair. I frowned when I noticed that she wasn’t even wearing shoes.
Sharon could only move around in the wheelchair because she couldn’t even walk now. She was well into her eighties and had always been weak. Lyle’s death was a huge blow on her; she crumbled as if she had lost her emotional support.
“Grandma!” My eyes brimmed with tears as I walked over and helped her carry a flower pot.
Sharon turned around as if she finally realized my presence. She scrutinized me for a long while before she broke into a smile. “Oh, it’s you, Eve. I was wondering when you and Lyle are coming back. I was about to get mad if you guys didn’t come to visit me soon. Today is his birthday. I will head over to his office and beat him up if he’s using work as an excuse to not come to see me.”
I stared at Sharon in surprise. She kept mentioning Lyle’s name as if she had gone senile. She held my hand, turned to Christopher, and scolded, “What are you doing standing over there? Come here. I want to take a good look at you. I’ll think that I have a granddaughter instead of a grandson if you don’t come back soon.”
I quickly gave Christopher a glance. He then walked toward Sharon and greeted her like how I did.
“That’s more like it. I’ll get Molly to prepare your favorite dishes. You have to eat more today—don’t leave the table halfway because of a call. I will break your leg if you do so. Lyle, remember to switch off your phone during dinner later, and don’t bully Eve! Where will you find someone else as good as she?” Sharon held my hand and Christopher’s hand in hers and smiled dotingly.
“We’re not going anywhere, Grandma. We’re here to stay today.” I choked up and almost cried.
