Chapter 27
Aveline was taken aback. “Where are we going?”
Lucas, looking tense, opened the passenger door and pushed her inside, a sense of urgency in his actions.
Once he got in the car, Aveline frowned and asked, “Where exactly are we going?”
Lucas replied, “Grandma had an episode.”
Barbara?
Aveline’s mind flashed to the sweet old lady suffering from dementia, and she felt a mix of emotions.
The entire drive, she stayed quiet until they arrived at the nursing home.
Lucas walked briskly ahead, with Aveline following behind.
They walked down a long corridor and arrived at a charming little building. Inside, several caregivers looked flustered, and from afar, they could hear Barbara’s cries.
“Granddaughter–in–law, I want my granddaughter–in–law.
Waaa, granddaughter–in–law…”
Hearing this, Aveline was stunned.
Patients with dementia often have poor memory. She thought Barbara had long forgotten her, but it seemed she still
remembered after all this time.
They quickly entered the building, where Barbara was sitting on a sofa, not letting anyone come near, and continuously calling for her granddaughter–in–law.
+15 BONUS
“Grandma.” Lucas stepped forward and took her hand. “I’m here.
Barbara stopped crying, but only for a few seconds. She then pushed Lucas‘ hand away.
“Not you. You’re a bad boy. I want my granddaughter–in–law, granddaughter–in–law!”
Lucas’s temple throbbed, and he glanced at Aveline.
Barbara noticed Aveline at that moment, immediately stopped crying, and reached out her hand. “Granddaughter–in–law, you’re here. You finally came to see me. I thought you didn’t want me anymore. Waaa…”
Aveline felt a complex mix of emotions, but she managed to put on a smile. “Madam, I haven’t forgotten you. I’ve just been caught up with things lately.”
Barbara tightly gripped her hand, her wrinkled face still wet with tears. “What happened? Is that bad boy bullying you? Don’t worry, I’ll teach him a lesson!”
She looked over at Lucas. “Come here.”
Lucas complied, bending down. “Grandma, what is it?”
Smack!
Barbara raised her hand and slapped Lucas on the shoulder.
“Don’t be afraid, granddaughter–in–law. Grandma has taught the bad boy a lesson.” Barbara patted Aveline’s hand reassuringly.
Lucas was stunned.
+15 BONUS
Aveline couldn’t help but burst out laughing.
“She’s laughing, she’s laughing My granddaughter–in–law is happy, isn’t she?” Barbara clapped her hands joyfully.
Aveline nodded. “Yes, I’m very happy. Madam, if the bad boy
bullies me again, I’ll come to you, and you can help me deal with him,”
“Good!”
Barbara eagerly agreed, not letting go of Aveline’s hand.” Granddaughter–in–law, let’s go have some fun, shall we?”
“Sure,” Aveline replied, thinking it best to keep Barbara’s spirits up. She agreed to whatever Barbara suggested.
Lucas watched the elderly woman and the younger woman leave the small building and head towards the garden. An unbidden softness appeared in his eyes.
Just then, his phone rang. He looked at the screen; it was a call from Sophia.
“Hello?”
Sophia’s gentle voice came through. “Lucas, I’m here to visit Madam Barbara. I saw your car. Are you here too?”
Hearing this, Lucas instinctively said, “Today isn’t convenient. Maybe you can come another day.”
Sophia’s voice hesitated on the other end. “Is it because you’re with her? I saw her; she’s with Madam Barbara.”