Chapter 35

Under a sky already heavy with dark clouds, a flash of lightning illuminated the horizon, followed by a thunderclap so loud the ground seemed to shake. The deafening roar jolted me with fear; I instinctively crouched, hands covering my ears. For a moment, I feared my heart would leap from my chest. When I dared to look up, the altar candles lay shattered at Chase's feet, snapped in half, scattering ashes.

The sudden commotion startled Grandma, who was already struggling to stand with her cane. She nearly collapsed but quickly caught herself. "Easy there, Ma'am," she murmured reassuringly.

Chase, usually dismissive of superstitions, was clearly shaken. Grandma's face was ashen. Trembling, she whispered, "What wrong have you done to bring this upon us?"

"Grandma, I swear, it's just a coincidence," Chase replied, attempting to sound calm.

Knowing Grandma's belief in omens, Marian quickly summoned the servants to tidy the altar. "Don't worry, Madam, it's just bad timing. Let's get you to bed for a bit."

"Marian," Grandma said, her voice laced with worry, "My heart's been racing lately, and I keep dreaming of Amanda. It's been over ten days, and she never goes this long without calling me."

Chase blanched. He knew how frequently I visited Grandma. Even when overwhelmed, I always called her. Ignoring him was one thing, but not contacting Grandma was unheard of.

"Grandma," Chase asked, sounding panicked, "Amanda really hasn't called at all?"

She shot him a sharp glance. "Why would I lie about something like this?"

Chase's face was pale, and he seemed unsteady. I wondered if he was finally connecting this to the blood-stained wedding dress at the police station.

Just then, a servant announced from the doorway, "Ma'am, a package from Ms. Amanda has arrived."

At the mention of my name, Chase hurried to retrieve the package. It bore my name and phone number. Relieved, he quickly tore it open.

Inside the wooden box, he found an amulet and a card I'd left for Grandma. I'd prayed over the amulet at a sacred place, hoping it would keep her safe and healthy. Planning to leave after the wedding, I'd arranged its delivery for her birthday.

Grandma's eyes welled as she read the card, clutching the amulet tightly. Marian gently reassured her, "This isn't just any amulet. It's a blessed token from the church. To obtain one, you need true devotion and must climb to the mountaintop for the priest's blessing. Amanda's devotion is extraordinary."

Finally, Grandma's anxiety eased. "If she's sent this, she must be on her way. Have someone meet her at the gate."

"Of course, right away."

Chase, unable to take his eyes off the amulet, turned to Marian. "You're saying this takes total devotion?"

"Yes," Marian replied, "from base to peak, it's nearly forty thousand steps. People often faint halfway if they're not in good health."

I knew Chase was remembering the time before he left for the earthquake disaster zone. I'd given him an amulet at the airport, smiling as I handed it to him. He'd never believed in such things, but he kept it because it was from me. Seeing the scar on my forehead, he asked with genuine concern, "What happened to you?"