Chapter 23
23
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 monry, get out of Narrigh 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 Yolavie 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 Yolavie 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 offhandedly
Teresa gave him a puzzled stare
The owner chuckled. “You two have been marned 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 you?
Jonathan cast a quick look at Teresa, lits voice nonchalant . “We hardly ever stop by. No need to explain to him.”
Teresa’s skepticism was evident as she raised an eyebrow. I’m okay with it, but what about your fiancée ? Isn’t she going to wonder what’s
Jonathan s face tightened and he stayed mum on the subject of his dance
Teresa’s confusion was palpable. Does Yvonne even know you’re out here? I would have thought she’d want you with her, especially
“ Can we just stop talking about her? His discomfort was obvious as he tried to steer the conversation away .
Jonathan s persistent dodging of the subject of Yvonne let t 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
TOWIL
Teresa s grandparents had desired a modest final resting place on the town s ei lge close to their roots She fulfilled their Lat wish by la ving them to rest in Chi rs burg their old hometown
Surrounding her grandparents‘ grave were classic wreaths and a variety of bright flowers, complementing the carefully last out food a tribute to her grandparents