Chapter 23
But with Jonathanโs insistence on accompanying her, Teresa had to shelve her plan. She remained firmโMichael would stay hidden from view. With a sense of resignation, Teresa planned to take Michael to pay his respects to his great-grandparents at the right time. Her strategy was simple: make some fast money, get out of Narrigh with Michael, and start fresh.
As the details for the visit fell into place and the location was confirmed, Jonathan arrived to pick Teresa up.
โThink weโve got everything?โ Jonathan said, opening the trunk and taking the memorial wreaths from Teresa. โYou made a bunch of these, right? Did them all yourself?โ
Teresa sidestepped the question. โI had this weird dream about Grandpa last night,โ she said, shifting the focus. โHe was going on about how much he misses the roast beef from that place on Yolavie South Road.โ
Jonathan glanced at Teresa and said, โHow about we get his favorite roast beef first, then we can head over to the cemetery?โ
Teresa nodded, her eyes reflecting a quiet sadness.
As they cruised along Yolavie South Road, Teresaโs mind drifted back to the past. Reflecting on the start of her marriage with Jonathan, she recalled their trip to visit her grandparents on New Yearโs Day. Her grandparents had been overjoyed, urging her to embrace life in all its fullness. But the following year, a fire ravaged their neighborhood, claiming the lives of the grandparents who had raised her with love. The day of their loss was etched deeply in Teresaโs memory; their sudden absence left an indelible mark on her heart.
The โRoasted Primeโ sign caught their eye on Yolavie South Road, a blast from the past. The owner, still sporting his trademark buzz cut and a bit of a paunch, with a towel slung around his neck, greeted them warmly, โHey there, itโs been ages. What brings you back?โ
Before Teresa could answer, Jonathan butted in, holding up the roast beef. โJust gearing up for a new family member,โ he mentioned offhandedly.
Teresa gave him a puzzled stare.
The owner chuckled. โYou two have been married for a while now. Figured itโs time to start a family, right?โ
With a simple nod, Jonathan picked up six pieces of roast beef and loaded them into the car.
โAll set,โ he said, offering Teresa his hand. His touch was warm against the cool fall breeze.
Teresa pulled away and got into the car, her voice filled with confusion. โWhat on earth were you talking about? Whoโs having a baby with you?โ
Jonathan cast a quick look at Teresa, his voice nonchalant. โWe hardly ever stop by. No need to explain to him.โ
Teresaโs skepticism was evident as she raised an eyebrow. โIโm okay with it, but what about your fiancรฉe? Isnโt she going to wonder whatโsโฆโ
Jonathanโs face tightened, and he stayed mum on the subject of his fiancรฉe.
Teresaโs confusion was palpable. โDoes Yvonne even know youโre out here? I would have thought sheโd want you with her, especiallyโฆโ
โCan we just stop talking about her?โ His discomfort was obvious as he tried to steer the conversation away.
Jonathanโs persistent dodging of the subject of Yvonne left Teresa feeling utterly exasperated. Teresa had noticed a fleeting, weighted look in Jonathanโs eyes when Yvonneโs name came upโa flash of regret and heartache. It was a puzzle she couldnโt solve. She opted to steer clear of further discussions about Yvonne.
Shortly after, they reached the cemetery, a tranquil spot on the outskirts of TOWIL. Teresaโs grandparents had desired a modest final resting place on the townโs edge, close to their roots. She fulfilled their last wish by laying them to rest in Chirsburg, their old hometown. Surrounding her grandparentsโ grave were classic wreaths and a variety of bright flowers, complementing the carefully laid-out food tribute to her grandparents.