The next day, the storm had worn itself out to a bright and sunny day. The fleet had already arrived back at the South.
Back on land, Nathan discreetly led Colin and the Elite Eight out of the naval headquarters and headed back to Channing.
Nathan was finally home!
But to his surprise, there was no one there.
He called his mother-in-law, Leah, and learned from her that Penny and Kylie were at work. Meanwhile, Benson had accompanied Queenie to school.
As for Leah herself, she was at the park for her usual walk. It was a newfound habit since her joints had been acting up in her old age.
“Nathan,” she said excitedly upon learning of his return. “You should have let us know in advance! Wait here. I will do some shopping at the market and come back to cook you your favorite dishes.”
Nathan wanted to tell her to take her time, but Leah suddenly yelled in shock, followed by the sound of her falling. The phone hit the ground with a smack.
“Mom, are you alright?” Nathan shouted.
He heard Leah moaning in pain faintly at the other end of the phone. Right then, a child's voice laughed gleefully. “Haha! Beastly old lady, I pushed you down!”
A brat shoved Leah, and she fell!
Nathan was greatly angered.
He called out again, but Leah did not respond. Instantly, his face turned pale. It must have been a heavy fall if she still hasn't managed to pick up her phone after this long.
“My mother-in-law is in trouble,” Nathan told Colin. “Please get the car ready. I am heading to the nearby park.”
“Yes, sir!” Colin hurriedly complied.
Soon after, they arrived at the park.
A crowd was gathered around a spot, and they were discussing animatedly.
In the middle, Leah sat on the floor and held her left leg. She seemed to be in great pain.
Beside her stood a stout woman, with a boy about eight or nine next to her.
Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: Salute to the General