Gran's expression faltered for a moment, confusion clouding her eyes before she looked down at her feet.“What?No, of course he didn't,” she said."Kenny fixed that.He went to the doctor in time, and…" She let her voice trail off."Oh."
“Let's get you back to your room,” I said to Gran, my voice steadying as I guided her down the hall.
I looked at Christian and forced a smile as I offered my grandmother my arm.“Thank you for finding her.”
Christian gave a curt nod, his eyes unreadable.“Just happened to be in the right place at the right time.”
Gran clung to my arm, her grip surprisingly strong.“But why would Kenny leave like that?”she asked as we walked down the hall.
I swallowed hard, trying to keep my voice steady.“I don’t think he wanted to, Gran,” I replied, blinking back tears.
We reached her room, and I gently helped her settle into her favorite chair by the window.The firelight danced across the room, casting a warm glow that contrasted sharply with the cold reality of our conversation.
“Can I get you anything?”I asked, brushing a strand of hair from her face.
She shook her head slowly, eyes glassy with fresh grief.It was as if she had remembered Papa’s death all over again, each realization a new wound.“No, dear,” she whispered.
“The tree lighting ceremony…”
“I think I’d like to rest,” she said softly, moving from her chair to crawl under the covers with a sigh that seemed to come from the depths of her soul.
I tucked the blankets around her snugly and kissed her forehead.“Goodnight, Gran.I'll be just outside if you need me."
“Goodnight,” she murmured, closing her eyes as if willing sleep to take away the pain.
I stepped out of the room quietly and closed the door behind me.Leaning against it for a moment, I took a deep breath, trying to steady myself.
Christian was still there in the hallway.He didn't say anything; he didn't need to.The look in his eyes spoke volumes—an understanding that needed no words.
"I'm so sorry," I said, forcing another smile."Sometimes, she?—"
"You don't have to explain," Christian interrupted, his tone gentle but firm.
I nodded, grateful for his understanding, and headed behind the desk.My mind was a whirlwind of worry and exhaustion.
Christian cocked his head, watching me closely."You aren't going to the tree lighting ceremony?"
I shook my head, glancing toward Gran's room."Not with her like this.I don't want to leave her in case she needs me."
He nodded in understanding, his eyes reflecting a depth of empathy I hadn't expected.
"But you should still go," I urged him, turning back to face him."It's really… it's magic.And I think we could all use some magic, especially at this time of year."
He looked at me for a moment, his gaze searching mine as if trying to decipher something unspoken.Then he nodded once and turned to head back to his room.
As he walked away, I felt a pang of gratitude mixed with an ache of loneliness.I appreciated the space he gave me; it was only when I was alone that I felt like I could cry.
The lobby's silence enveloped me as I leaned against the desk, tears finally breaking free and rolling down my cheeks.The weight of everything pressed down on me.
I wiped my tears quickly when the front door opened again, but it was just the wind howling outside.Taking a deep breath, I gathered myself and returned to my duties, finding solace in the routine tasks that kept my mind occupied.
For tonight, though, I would focus on taking care of Gran and making sure she felt safe and loved in our little corner of the world.
Chapter9
Christian
Iwalked back to my room, the sight of Claire's fake smile still etched in my mind.
