AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Those first days on arriving home, you said you were going to look for Brenda to find Gran’s diary. Did you find her?”
“I hit some dead ends. And life became busy, so I stopped.” I bow my head, realizing the promises I made to myself have slipped by.
“I might be able to help. Her husband’s brother came into the esplanade café this morning where I meet Kate. Even though I haven’t seen him for around ten years, I recognized him immediately. I asked about Brenda’s health, and he said she’s in a new care facility as her dementia has progressed. It’s only ten minutes away. If you want to visit, I’ll give you the name of the facility. If you’d rather let it go, then that’s okay.”
I need to act now in case something happens to Brenda.
“I want to see her,” I say enthusiastically. After everything I read in Gran’s diary, I now feel closer to Brenda.
Mum smiles as though I responded correctly. “Good. I can come with you for support.”
Scooping Rose onto my shoulder, I hug Mum with my other arm. Rose coos with the delight of being in a group hug with her mother and grandmother. “This is for your great grandmother,” I tell her. But I have a feeling their spirits have already met.
* * *
After arriving home from a dinner date with my mother, we hang our coats on the wall hooks before heading into the lounge to stand by the fire. Dad is sitting by the fire, his legs raised on a footstool with an empty red wine glass beside him.
“Is Rose asleep?”
“She fell asleep only half an hour ago. We had a fun night. Did you know she can now say, Pa?’”
“No way,” I tease as I unwrap the woolen scarf from my neck.
Dad chuckles. “I knew she’d say it before Nan.”
Mum rolls her eyes, and I can’t help but giggle. “It’s not a competition.”
“Ah, but it is,” he jokes.
“I’m going to join her because I’m beat. Night.”
“Night, sweetheart. We’re in for a storm, so I hope the thunder doesn’t upset her.”
“Me too. More the reason to get some sleep now.”
After closing the bedroom door, I place my phone on the side table and then settle into bed. Minutes later, the screen lights up with a notification. A message from Asoo.
Hello Miss Eden. Thank you for photo of Rose. Very beautiful. We not hear from Samuel. I sorry. We hear nothing. There is now a mine in Ulara. They knock down huts. Burn trees. So sad. We stay away. I know nothing more. I sorry I no help. I hope to see you one day. Not this day. This day not good. I hope you hear from Samuel soon. Your friend, Asoo.
Holding my phone to my chest, I’m lost for what to think. Is no news good news? Not in my mind when I need hope to keep going.
I send a message to Amy and Yasmine, although I expect Amy to be asleep since she has an early start teaching tomorrow morning.
The phone vibrates with an incoming call from Yasmine.
“I’ve been speaking to Michael. I asked him by chance if he has heard anything from Samuel. He hasn’t.”
I let out a sigh. “Thank you for asking. I know you care.”
“I do. And wish I could help more.”
“It’s okay. I’ll be fine,” I murmur. “I just hate not knowing.”
“I know, babe. But I need to tell you something. Tonight, I decided I’m going to meet Michael in Peru to do the ceremony like I’ve always wanted.”
Now upright in bed, I blurt out, “What?”
“I’m wiser and smarter, and he knows he’s on his last chance. We’ve been talking regularly, and in my mind, I need to do it.”
