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“That's good.”
“I've made some tea. Would you like some?”
“Oh, Grandma! I told you not to touch the stove; you could burn yourself. Hot water is always dangerous.”
“It's not because I've gotten old that I can't even make a cup of tea.”
I twisted my lips, keeping my expression tight, and she continued to stare at me as if I hadn't done anything.
“Promise me you'll be careful?” I crossed my arms.
“I'm always careful.”
“I hope so. I'll take the tea, but first, I'm going to take a hot bath; my back is killing me.”
“Those small chairs aren't proportionate for someone your size.”
“But they are perfect for my students, and they are the priority.”
“How are you going to teach them if you're not well?”
“I'm fine, Grandma.” I went up to her and left a kiss on her cheek before heading down the corridor to my room.
I thought that after a shower and a good dose of rest, I'd be feeling brand new.
Chapter seven
I got my daughters out of the car and held hands with each of them, guiding the two bouncy girls to the entrance of my parents' mansion. After their retirement, they moved into a large house with a huge garden, far away from the hustle and bustle of Manhattan.
I loved civilization- the lights and the rhythm of the cars- I couldn't stay away from it all for so long. But I didn't know how I would feel when the years passed, and I reached their age.
Daphne liked the big house, the yard, and especially the space for the girls to run around and have fun. But with my corporate life and all the firm's commitments, she had to surrender to the penthouse amid the chaos.
“Ah, my loves!” My mother cracked a huge smile as soon as she saw her granddaughters.
“Grandma!” They ran towards her before I could stop them, afraid they might hurt themselves on the small staircase that led to the front door.
“Anne, Mary!” My mother kissed each of them on the forehead before hugging them even tighter.
“Thank you for staying with them tonight. The nanny had a sore throat, and I was afraid it might be contagious.”
“It's always such a pleasure to be with my granddaughters.” My mother stroked their heads, and the girls looked at me with sparkling eyes and an excited look.
“No stuffing yourselves with cake and going to bed late.”
“Oh, Daddy...” they started to whine.
“Did you hear that?” This time, my expression turned to my mother.
“What's the point of grandma's house if it's not fun?”
“They need limits.”
“You do that very well, my son. As serious and determined as your own father, but there's more to life than that.”
“I'm just trying to do my best for them.”
“I know you have, even though it's a heavy burden to carry alone.”