As the weather turned colder, sometimes she would wake up at night with cold feet.
Then Brantley would quietly slip into her bed and use his body heat to warm her feet⦠Over time, Elissa felt incredibly Lucky to have someone like Brantley with her.
One weekend, she took Brantley to the cemetery.
After all, the rivalry between the older generation had ended with their passing.
What was the point of holding onto that hate?
In the early winter, the air was a bit chilly.
Brantley took Elissaâs hand as he gazed at his motherâs tomb.
It felt Like his mother had been gone for ages.
The person beside him seemed to have taken his motherâs place and become his family.
Together, they stood side by side.
Elissa placed a bunch of daisies in front of the tomb and gently brushed the dust off with her gaze fixed on the womanâs portrait.
She remained silent, feeling thankful that her own mother hadnât Lost her mind and dragged Brantley into this.
After all, the kid was innocent.
Whether out of loneliness or for some other reason, Elissa and Brantley had now lived together and supported each other like a family!
When they left the cemetery, they boarded a bus back home.
Seeing that all the seats were taken, Brantley pleaded with a passenger to give up his seat for Elissa, explaining that she was in the Late stages of her pregnancy⦠The passengers around all praised Brantley for being so thoughtful and kind, saying Elissa was fortunate to have a son like him.
Elissa smiled but remained silent.
In truth, given the boyâs young age, she indeed looked more like Brantleyâs mother rather than his sister.
Meanwhile, Brantley blushed at the praise from the other passengers.
He shyly held Elissaâs hand and stood by her side⦠Immediately they got off the bus, they spotted Raphaelâs car ahead.
Elissa blinked and muttered, âRaphael is back?â
Looking up at Elissa, Brantley said excitedly, âLetâs go home and find out.â
Together, they hurried back home to check.
In the living room, Raphaelâs suitcase sat in the middle of the floor, indicating his return.
In the kitchen, Raphael was busy preparing a meal.
He sliced the meat and vegetables meticulously, and the oil sizzled in the panâ¦
Even from the back, it was evident he had lost some significant weight.
Elissa composed herself and asked softly, âWhy have you returned so suddenly? Why didnât you call?â
After she blurted out the question, Elissa still couldnât believe it was happening.