Had Elise expected my return?My heart flutters wildly, sending my hand to my chest. A rhythm like rapid tiny wings tickles my palm, no longer a dull, spiritless thump. It’s never done that. Is it joy from seeing Elise, being home, the sugary Dobos cake, or a culmination of everything since last night? An inkling cautions as I release my breath and my heartbeat steadies.
Manman said Grann’s heart stopped in her sleep, just gave out. I clutch my chest tighter, recalling the painful morning she passed. Like our ancestor, Delphine, her heart failed her without warning. For days, I feared my heart would stop in my sleep and slept in Manman’s bed until the fear subsided. Though Grann is gone, I’ve always felt her presence in the townhouse she loved as though it were her own property.
I close m
