Chapter 270
“Hey, I see you. My car’s right behind you.” Benny’s voice rang out, loud and playful. A car horn blared, catching Edward and the tipsy Miriam’s attention. Benny pulled up in a flashy red sedan, parked, turned on his hazard lights, and stepped out with a grin.
“Well, well, if it isn’t Donald,” Benny teased, his gaze landing on the boy helping Miriam with her bag. “What are you doing here? And how did Miriam end up this smashed?” Edward was about to explain, for what felt like the millionth time, that he wasn’t Donald, when Miriam suddenly threw her arms around his neck. She patted his shoulder protectively, her drunken bravado on full display.
“His name’s Edward. The one and only. If you mess it up again, I’ll knock you into next week,” she slurred, her words fierce but hilariously wobbly. Her eyes fluttered shut, and she went limp. Edward instinctively tightened his hold on her waist to keep her steady. For a moment, he found himself staring at her peaceful face, a strange warmth spreading through his chest, leaving him momentarily stunned. Benny shook his head with a helpless smile. “You two are such a pair of lovebirds. Alright, I’m out. I’m heading to Lonisburg solo. Dude, take care of her.”
Edward nodded, his grip on Miriam’s waist firm. “Got it.”
Michael had been feeling under the weather ever since arriving in Everport. After days of dealing with an upset stomach, Teresa decided to take him to a nearby hospital. The doctor gave him a kid-friendly shot and prescribed a mix of medications. The doctor explained that Michael’s frequent moves had made it hard for him to adjust to new environments. On top of that, his recent diet was too much for his young digestive system to handle. He advised Teresa to stick to light, simple meals for Michael.
“I understand,” Teresa said, guilt weighing on her. Michael had been following her from place to place, and she’d indulged him by letting him eat whatever he wanted. No wonder his stomach was upset.
Taking Michael’s hand, she gently said, “No more fried chicken or soda for now, okay? We need to take care of your tummy.”
“Mom, does that mean I can’t eat any meat at all?” Michael asked, his voice tinged with disappointment.
“I bought some pork chop. I’ll cut off a small piece for you,” Teresa reassured him.
“Alright,” Michael muttered, nibbling on his gruel and the tiny piece of pork chop Teresa had given him. She didn’t let him have much, though, and instead cooked some carrots for him.
“Be good, okay? If you eat properly for the next few days, I’ll take you on a trip next week,” Teresa promised, hoping to cheer him up.
“Really?” Michael’s eyes lit up with excitement, though he still seemed a little skeptical. “Will you really take me to see Candy Castle this time?”
Teresa chuckled. Michael had been fixated on visiting Candy Castle ever since their last trip to Jarisburg, where they hadn’t managed to see it. “Yes, I’ve already planned the route. First, we’ll go to Silvar, and then we’ll head to Jarisburg.”
“Yay!” Michael’s little hands clapped together in excitement, his face lighting up with joy. Then, after a moment’s pause, he asked, “Mom, after the trip, are we going back to Nareigh?”
“Do you want to go back?” Teresa asked, watching him closely.
Michael hesitated before replying, “I’m scared Jennifer will yell at you again, but I really miss Mr. Lime.” His voice dropped to a whisper, tinged with sadness.
Teresa missed the part about Mr. Lime but caught his worry about Jennifer. Without Jennifer around, life had become peaceful and warm—no more walking on eggshells, no more fear of being scolded for every little mistake. Even Michael seemed more relaxed now, no longer tiptoeing around or holding his tongue out of fear. Teresa stroked his cheek gently and said, “We’re not going back, sweetie. You don’t have to worry.”