Not wanting the islanders to link her with this man and stir up gossip that might upset her grandfather, Marlowe chose not to follow Mitchel and headed straight home instead.
As soon as Marlowe got home, she noticed her grandfather and Brock searching the yard for her.
She quickly entered the yard and called out to them, âUncle Brock, Grandpa.
â
Her grandfather visibly relaxed at the sight of her and gently scolded, âWhere have you been? Always in a rush.
â
Marlowe, feeling a bit guilty, explained, âI realized I left my basket on the beach, so I went back to find it, But I didnât find it yet.
â
Granger sighed and said, âYour uncle already brought it back for you.
â
Brock set the basket down and grinned.
âHere you go.
I have to head back now.
My little ones are waiting for me.
â
Marlowe nodded and waved goodbye to Brock with her grandfather.
Once Brock was gone, her grandfather couldnât resist voicing his concern.
âYouâre so careless, always misplacing things.
You need to be more careful, or youâll lose more than just items.
â
Marlowe smiled, took her grandfatherâs arm, and tried to lighten the mood.
âAs long as I have you at home, Grandpa, I know everything will be alright.
â
She then led him inside, attempting to cheer him up.
âI made breakfast this morning.
Letâs eat together.
â
Granger gave her a resigned smile and agreed, âOkay then.
â
After they had breakfast, Granger went for a walk, while Marlowe stayed behind to tidy the kitchen.
Then, she went upstairs to her room.
Opening her door, she saw the medical kit and Mitchelâs blood-stained clothes.
The room felt incredibly empty, and a wave of sadness washed over her.
Marlowe ran her hand over the neatly made bed, shook off the creeping negativity, and jumped onto the bed with a grin.
After spending the last two nights on the couch, she was thrilled to be back in her own bed.
Just then, her phone buzzed with urgency.
It was her best friend from the capital, Milly, bombarding her with messages.
âReply to me!â
âSay something!â
Realizing Millyâs concern, Marlowe quickly replied, âRelax, Iâm still alive.
Whatâs up?â
Milly wasted no time responding, âMr.
Spears is holding auditions again.
Itâs for a major project.
You should come back and try it out.
I bet youâll get picked.
â
Once, such news would have sent Marlowe rushing back.
But after her time in Eleymond, her enthusiasm had diminished.
Staring at her phone, Marlowe let out a heavy sigh and texted back, âWhat? Am I auditioning for another corpse role?â
There was a brief pause before Milly reassured her, âItâs a small part, but it matters.
This time your character has five Lines before dying.
Itâs still a chance to shine on screen.
â