Chapter 220
A couple of days ago, when Stuart had to send Phineas and Yara packing, he made a promise not to stop Norbert’s grandchildren from visiting him
Tuming to Norbert, Stuart asked, “Norbert, what do you say?”
Norbert hadn’t been feeling his best lately, a shadow of his former commanding presence, looking somewhat weary.
After all, he had a hand in raising her for a couple of years, and with a sigh, he said, “Let her stay.”
That was enough for Stuart. He knew better than to argue
Understanding that Norbert, at his ripe old age, might not have much time left, Stuart chose to respect his wishes.
Thus, Rose settled into the old family home.
Sho
is the first in a line.
The next day, Lily Hetfield, Yara’s second daughter, also moved back in.
By the fifth day, Yara’s two youngest, Ruby Hetfield and Pearl Hetfield, had also returned.
Two weeks later, Phineas‘ young son, Ryan Hetfield, was also brought back, albeit a little confused.
The family’s young
younger generation was now all under one roof.
The old house was filled with youthful energy, dispelling its once somber atmosphere.
Yet, Morwenna couldn’t shake a feeling of unease.
Recovering from an injury, her left hand still not fully healed, she was sidelined from her usual tasks, only tutoring for two hours a day. Most of her time was spent in leisure.
Apart from a small portion of her day devoted to Stuart, she mostly kept company with Norbert.
It seemed to her that Norbert’s health was declining by the day.
She made sure he took his medicine on time every day, puzzled over his worsening condition.
What used to be walks after dinner with just Morwenna and Norbert, sometimes accompanied by Orson, The young ones were all trying to curry favor with their grandfather
now attracted a crowd.
“Grandpa, are those shoes comfortable? I had them custom–made abroad, especially for seniors,” one would say.
“Grandpa, can we visit your study today as well? I adore the annotations in your books, chimed the girls.
Even the sole boy, Ryan, joined in, “Grandpa, alcohol and coffee are bad for you. You should really avoid them from now on.” Morwenna, finding herself on the outskirts of these exchanges, gave the boy a look. She wasn’t fond of Phineas family, but this son of Phineas seemed genuinely concerned.
Just as Norbert was about to respond, his expression subtly changed. He stopped in his tracks, then turned to Morwenna, “Wenna, go on ahead. They can keep me company today. I’ll be back shortly.”
Unable to push through the crowd anyway, Morwenna nodded, “Alright, I’ll head back. But remember, Norbert, you have to take your medicine on time. No more than twenty minutes.”
“Sure, don’t worry.”
Yara’s daughters couldn’t hide their smugness, looking at Morwenna as if they’d won a prize, thinking that Norbert’s affection for them could easily surpass that for Morwenna.
To them, Morwenna was just an outsider, now fallen from grace.
A country bumpkin who thought too highly of herself as part of the Hetfield family.
Unperturbed by their stares, Morwenna noticed Norbert’s untied shoelaces. She bent down, tied them for him, and then made her way back
As soon as Morwenne left, Lily eagerly pulled out a small bottle, “Grandpa, fancy a drink? I’ve got some top–notch whiskey here. I’ll pour you a glass. Don’t worry, Stuart won’t know”
Ryan, still in middle school, immediately protested. “Lily, what are you doing? Grandpa can’t drink anymore. It’s not about whether we get caught!
The next moment Norben coughed up blood.
Chapter 221