CH 18 :
673 Words
“ Jammy Grannyy–!”
Averia's voice rang out from outside, announcing her arrival before she even appeared.
She dashed into the courtyard, her steps light and quick.
“ Jammy Granny, we're back. I've missed you so much.”
Jammy Granny burst into laughter at the sight of her. She lifted a hand and waved her over, her face lighting up.
“ My lovely Ave , you're here.” She beckoned her closer, eyes crinkling.“ I haven't seen you in so long…my old bones almost crumbled from missing you.”
“ Oh, come on,Granny. You know you're still young and agile like a young maiden.”
“ None can compare to your beauty, Granny…Who dares to call my granny old? Show yourself!” She added playfully, turning in a circles as if searching for the offender.
Jammy Granny beamed, her smiled stretching wide due to Averia's words.
Tsk…you and that sweet-tongue of yours.” She chuckled, lifting a hand to lightly tap Averia's forehead.
Averia held Jammy Granny's hand and walked forward. She finally had time to look around the courtyard, greeting her aunt and cousins in the process.
“ Hello, Aunt Anna.” She turned, glancing around the yard. “ Where is Uncle Sebastian? I haven't seen him since i stepped in.”
“ Hello, Ave…that, he went hunting in the mountain ahead.”
“ Ahh –i missed it. If only i had come earlier.” Ave said sadly.
She looked at Lily and Martin beside her.
“ Hey, Mart, you've grown fatter again.” She pinched his chubby little face, pulling out a comical cute expression from Martin.
“ I have not,” Martin protested, though his voice was weak, as if he half-believed it himself.
“ Hello, Sister Ave…” Lily greeted softly, her voice small and shy.
“ Hello, Lily dear,” Averia replied.
Jammy Granny's rough fingers turned Averia's hand over slowly, then back again, her thumb tracing her fingers as if measuring the years in skin.
“ You've really grown,” She murmured.
Averia's lips curved, eyes bright.“ That's what happened when one eat well. Your cooking set the standard, Granny. I missed it.”
Jammy Granny gave a short huff through her nose, but the corner of her eyes twinkled deeper.“ Still that honey tongue of yours.”
From the side, Lily pressed two fingers to her smiling mouth.
Martin, not one to be outdone, tugged the hem of Granny's sleeve.
“ Granny ” he said, dead serious with chin lifted, “ You forgot to check mine.”
Jammy Granny let out a burst of laughter and pinched his chubby cheeks playfully.
“ You? All you've grown is fats, boy.”
“ Hey!” Martin's cheeks ballooned out as he crossed his arms, shoulder squaring.“ That's pure strength!”
Lily's shoulder shook, a soft giggle escaped between her lips.
Jammy Granny's gaze drifted past Averia's shoulder towards the gate, her smile fading with disappointment.
“ Where's your elder sis?”
Averia blinked once, “ Sister Lynette?”
She half-turned, eyes searching the entrance.
Right then, unhurried footsteps sounded outside the yard.
The day passed quickly.
By evening, the family gathered around the dinning table for their meal, with Jammy Granny seated at the head as the family leader since her husband, Grandpa Sullivan Moretti, had passed away eighteen years ago.
To her right sat her sons-in-law and daughters. To her left sat her grandchildren, lined from Lynette to Martin.
Jammy Granny looked at the table filled with her family, the sight her late husband had once longed for.
Her fingers curled slightly.
Husband…I'm glad i fulfilled your wish.
I hope you can see this from there.
Give me some time. I'll join you soon…you won't be lonely for long.
A single tear slipped down her cheeks. She turned her head, trying to hide it.
Everyone at the table saw it, but no one said a word, except Martin, who was still stuffing his little mouth with food, chewing with vigor.
- Writer
