hapter 16
But with jonathan’s insistence on accompanying her. Teresa had to shelve her plan. She remained firm–Michael would stay hidden from view.
With a sense of resignation, Teresa planned to take Michael to pay his respects to his great–grandparents at the right time. Her strategy was simple: make some fast money, get out of Narcigh with Michael, and start fresh.
As the details for the visit fell into place and the location was confirmed, Jonathan arrived to pick Teresa up.
Think we’ve got everything, Jonathan said, opening the trunk and taking the memorial wreaths from Teresa. “You made a bunch of these, right Did them all yourself?”
Teresa sidestepped the question. I had this weird dream about Grandpa last night, she said, shifting the focus. “He was going on about how much he misses the roast beef from that place on Yolavic South Road”
Jonathan glanced at Teresa and said, “How about we get his favorite roast beef first, then we can head over to the cemetery?”
Teresa nodded, her eyes reflecting a quiet sadness.
As they cruised along Yolavie South Road, Teresa’s mind drifted back to the past.
Reflecting on the start of her marriage with Jonathan, she recalled their trip to visit her grandparents on New Year’s Day.
Her grandparents had been overjoyed, urging her to embrace life in all its fullness. But the following year, a fire ravaged their neighborhood, claiming the lives of the grandparents who had raised her with love,
The day of their loss was etched deeply in Teresa’s memory; their sudden absence left an indelible mark on her heart.
The Roasted Prime” sign caught their eye on Yolavic South Road, a blast from the past.
The owner, still sporting his trademark buzz cut and a bit of a paunch, with a towel slung around his neck, greeted them warmly. “Hey there, it’s been ages. What brings you back”
Before Teresa could answer, Jonathan butted in holding up the roast beef. Just gearing up for a new family member,” he mentioned offundedly.
Teresa gave him a puzzled stare.
The owner chuckled. “You two have been married for a while now. Figured it’s time to start a family, right?”
With a simple nod, Jonathan picked up six pieces of roast beef and loaded them into the car.
“All set,” he said, offering Teresa his hand. His touch was warm against the cool fall breeze.
Teresa pulled away and got into the car, her voice filled with confusion. “What on earth were you talking about Who’s having a baby with your
Jonathan cast a quick look at Teresa, his voice nonchalant. “We hardly ever stop by. No need to explain to him.”
Teresa’s skepticism was evident as she raised an eyebrow. Tim okay with it, but what about your fancée? Isn’t she going to wonder what’s going on?”
Jonathan’s face tightened, and he stayed mum on the subject of his fiancér.
Teresa’s confusion was palpable. “Does Yvonne even know you’re out here? I would have thought she’d want you with her, especially now!
“Can we just stop talking about her?” His discomfort was obvious as he tried to steer the conversation away.
Jonathan’s persistem dodging of the subject of Yvonne lefi Teresa feeling utterly exasperated.
Teresa had noticed a fleeting, weighted look in jonathan’s eyes when Yvonne’s name came up—a flash of regret and heartache. It was a puzzle she
couldn’t solve..
She opted to steer clear of further discussions about Yvonne. Shortly after, they reached the cemetery, a tranquil spot on the outskirts of town.
Teresa’s grandparents had desired a modest final resting place on the town’s edge, close to their roots. She fulfilled their last wish by laying them to rest in Chesburg, their old hometown.
Surrounding her grandparents‘ grave were classic wreaths and a variety of bright flowers, complementing the carefully laid out food in tribute to her grandparents
Teresa struck a match and hit a candle, casting a warm light over the wreaths and the beef. The candle served as a symbol of honoring loved ones, its
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Chapter 16
smoke rising gently and dispersing into the atmosphere.
With the last of the smoke clearing. Teresa thought to herself, What does life amount to? Ultimately, we all turn to dust.
A sudden gust of wind carried a wave of smoke cowards Teresa, making her cough and her head jerk up.
Jonathan was there in an instant, stepping in front of her and pulling her back. “Stay back” he commanded, his arms outstretched to protect her from the smoke. Tll handle this.
Teresa glanced at Jonathan’s hand on her am, then slipped away, the warmth of his tough remaining.
The candles were now just a few melted stubs, Jonathan grabbed a water bottle, dousing the grave to extinguish the last of the embers,
Beside the grave marker, Jonathan’s tone was somber and laden with sentiment. “Bradley, Natalie, work kept me away last year, he murmured. “Now I’m on solid ground and will take care of Tere. You can both be at peace, knowing she’s well taken care of
Teresa’s eyes glistened with unshed tears, her hands balled into fists at her sides, as she struggled to keep her composure. The memories assaulted her–vivid and painful.
“I’ll make a fortune and give Teresa the life she deserves,” Jonathan had vowed to her grandparents in the early days of their marriage, his hand on her shoulder, his voice full of conviction
The next year, he’d said. Tve made some money this year, but it’s still not enough. I’ll earn more, don’t worry
But as time went on, the money came, but at what cost? Their marriage had fallen apart, and her grandparents were now gone.
The memorial service had ended, leaving only two smiling photos on the tombstone as a reminder of what had been lost.
Jonathan looked at Teresa, his voice gentle. “Aren’t you going to call your dad! Isn’t he coming?”
Teresa’s eyes turned cold, a bitter smile playing on her lips as she replied. “On a day like this, do I really need to remind him! All he cares about is money. My grandparents They’re just a blur to him
Jonathan’s face turned solemn, and with a decisive nod, he declared. “Forget about him. Let’s go.”
Teresa spoke softly to the tombstone, her voice filled with affection. Grandpa, Grandma, we’re sening of now. I’m doing well, so don’t fret about me,” she comforted them giving a respectful bow as the breeze carried away the carnation petals at her feet.
With the car door closed. Teresa sensed the cold receding. Her hands, numb from the chill, started to regain feeling as the heater that Jonathan had tumed on began to fill the car with comforting warmth
The drive from Chesburg to Narcigh was a peaceful hour or the highway, punctuated only by the tires hum. Teresa leaned back with her eyes. closed, her exhaustion evident in the shadows under her eyes.
Jonathan, observing her fatigue, showed his worry with a creased brow.
Upon arriving at Rosary Estates, Jonathan tenderly stroked Teresa’s cheek, and it was this soft touch that stirred her from her sleep.
She yawned, rubbing her eyes, and mumbled, “Are we there!”
i
With a smile, Jonathan replied, “We’re home,” as he withdrew his hand.
Their eyes met, and for a heartbeat, it was like they were back together. But reality quickly intruded, and Teresa shook off the feeling.
I should go.” “Teresa said firmly. “Thanks for what you said at the gravesite. I know it was to comfort then. Now they can rest in peace without
worries.
After a pause, she added. “There’s no reason for us to keep meeting Take care, and drive safe.
But before she could open the door, Jonathan caught her hand, holding her in place.
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