- 9.
Grandma Caldwell called me home for dinner
on the day I was discharged.
I wanted to decline, fearing she’d worry, but
Grant dragged me into his car.
“Grandma misses you.”
He mumbled as he fastened my seatbelt, as if
I owed him something.
I watched him silently.
I knew he had more to say.
Sure enough, after fastening the seatbelt, he
looked at me, his lips pursed. “At Grandma’s
house, don’t say anything you shouldn’t. She’s
old and can’t handle shocks.”
I scoffed, “What shouldn’t I say? Are you
referring to Star…”
He interrupted sharply, “That’s enough!
Grandma has been good to you, don’t be
ungrateful.”
I didn’t respond.
“If you don’t provoke me, I won’t make
trouble.”
I stopped mid sentence
L
I stopped mid–sentence.
Grant knew I hadn’t finished, and he angrily
punched the steering wheel.
I rolled my eyes, put on my headphones, and
lost myself in my music.
On the way, Grant’s phone rang. I vaguely
heard Star’s voice.
I muted my music and listened to their
conversation.
Star was crying, complaining that Grant didn’t
have time for her.
Grant coaxed her gently, saying he’d take her
stargazing tonight.
I reclined the passenger seat and closed my
eyes.
Grant glanced at me, his voice softer.
I didn’t know if he did it on purpose, to
provoke me.
But I truly didn’t care anymore.
I found his petty mind amusing.
I couldn’t help but laugh, and the car fell
silent.
I opened one eye; Grant’s face was dark and
stormy.
Grant drove to Grandma Caldwell’s house in a
<
I followed slowly.
After dinner and a chat with Grandma
Caldwell, I left.
Grant was leaning against the car, smoking.
Seeing me approach, he threw away the
cigarette and extinguished it with his foot.
“Where to? I’ll take you.”
I knew he had a date, so I said, “Daxing
District, thanks.”
I got in the car and shut the door quickly.
Grant looked at me, gritting his teeth, “Susan
Miller, you’re doing this on purpose.”
L
Grandma Caldwell’s house and Daxing District
are on opposite sides of the city.
It takes two hours each way.
I smiled, “Yes, on purpose.”
I didn’t know he was still talking to Star.
Grant’s refusal led to more crying from Star.
“I knew I was extra. Just let me be. Don’t
bother with me.”
Grant’s face changed. He massaged his
temples and urged me out of the car.
“I’ll have the driver take you. I have an
emergency.”
く
Watching him speed off, I felt calm and
walked toward the nearest law firm.
