In a whisper, she urged, âPlease, set me down now.
â
Lyndonâs response was tender as he lowered her gently to the floor.
âYour mother needs to recover, so rest is crucial for her.
â
âI get it, Daddy, no need to spell it out for me,â Sheldon replied, dismissing the need for further explanation with a wave of his hand, his demeanor surprisingly mature.
Tilda understood why Sheldon was behaving this way; perhaps the influence of a playful Elma was at work.
She tucked a stray lock of hair behind her ear, her inner turmoil masked by a facade of indifference, her lips sealed.
âTilda, Mr.
Fernandez, you must be famished by now, right? Iâve kept the food warm in the kitchen.
Iâll fetch it for you,â Elma chimed in.
âIâll take care of it, Elma.
Why donât you put Sheldon down for his nap?â Lyndon offered.
Elma glanced at him, her eyes reflecting her gratitude for his willingness to tend to Tilda.
âCertainly.
â
âAnd please, pack our bags.
Weâll leave for Betton as soon as Sheldon wakes,â Lyndon added, his voice steady with resolve.
Upon hearing the mention of Betton, Elmaâs features tightened with a mix of anticipation and concern.
âUnderstood.
â
AngelasLibrary
As they ascended the stairs, Sheldon, clutching Elmaâs hand tightly, looked up at her with curious eyes.
âElma, are we going to visit Daddyâs parents later today?â
âYes, Sheldon, thatâs the plan,â she confirmed, squeezing his hand gently.
Sheldonâs pace slowed, his small brow furrowing.
Elma noticed his hesitation.
âWhatâs the matter? Arenât you excited?â
âIâm excited.
After all, Iâm lovable, so they will surely like me,â
Sheldon replied.
âOf course, they will.
Youâre absolutely lovable,â Elma reassured him with a warm smile.
From below, Tilda observed their ascent, noting the concern in Sheldonâs voice.
His fears likely stemmed from the worry that Lyndonâs parents might not accept him fully, knowing he wasnât their biological grandson.
Tilda lingered in the hall as Lyndon made his way to the kitchen.
She followed him silently to the dining room, her thoughts swirling.
Lyndon returned with a tray of food, setting it down before he noticed Tildaâs contemplative look.