It wasn't just about insoles; it was about the fact that Darleen had crafted them with her own hands. Such a gesture was priceless!
In this age of automation, which youngster would willingly stitch a pair of insoles for the elders at home?
That granddaughter! She had every reason to be fond of her.
The more Janet thought about it, the happier she became.
With a smile, Darleen said, “Grandma, I am your granddaughter, isn’t it natural for me to look after you? Wait until I start making money, and I’ll take you on a world tour! We’ll travel in different cultures and landscapes.”
Girls are always more considerate. Unlike Gerard, who had never spoken such endearing words to her. Did the Lindsay family lack the funds for a world tour? No, what they lacked was a loving and dutiful child.
“That’s my girl,” Janet said, patting Darleen’s hand. “Grandma can’t wait for that world tour with you.”
“Oh, by the way, Grandma, where are Gerry and Keeley?” Darleen asked.
“They went out early to visit folks for the holidays and haven’t returned yet,” Janet replied.
Edna chimed in, “Janet, how come I haven’t seen your other sons and their wives and kids come by yet?”
Jonah was the youngest child in the family, with four elder brothers.
“They called earlier to say there was a snowstorm last night, which has made the roads treacherous. They probably won't arrive until the afternoon,” Janet explained.
She couldn’t wait to see all her children and grandchildren, whom she hadn’t seen in a year.
Sadly, the weather had other plans.
“It’s alright, Grandma. Even if the uncles can’t make it back in time to be with you, I’ll keep you company,” Darleen said, clinging to Janet’s arm.
“Bless your heart!” Janet said, her face beaming with a smile.
However, a flash of disgust passed through Darleen’s eyes.
She had always been particularly sensitive to the smell that clung to the elderly.
But for now, Edna wasn’t yet a fully-fledged member of the Lindsay family, and her position was precarious. She had to endure it.
Someday, all this swallowing of pride would pay off.
Just then, Janet seemed to remember something. “Oh, Edna, someone sent over some gifts a few days ago. Take some back for your mother, will you? Tell her it’s a token of my appreciation for her lovely honey.”
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