When fate plays its hand
Posted on July 27, 2025 ยท 0 mins read
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When Minnie disappeared, she was already 22 years old. Even if she had been unable to control her situation back then, after more than 20 years, she would surely have found a way to contact her parents if she were still alive. But there had been nothingโ€”not a single call, not even a message. Yet the old couple wouldnโ€™t listen, refusing to give up. At an age when they should have been enjoying a peaceful retirement, they were instead wandering from place to place in a foreign land.

Sam felt a tug at his heart but said lightly, โ€œCome on, letโ€™s check out the backyard.โ€

โ€œYes, letโ€™s go! Minnie always loved the swing set and the wisteria in the backyard,โ€ Fiona said eagerly.

Sam held his grandmotherโ€™s arm, helping her as they walked. Halfway there, his phone rang. He glanced at the screen, noting the callerโ€™s name. He then subtly turned his phone so his grandmother couldnโ€™t see it.

โ€œGrandma, Iโ€™ll just step outside to take this call,โ€ he said.

โ€œAlright,โ€ Fiona nodded.

Once he was outside the main building, Sam finally answered the call.

โ€œMom, what is it?โ€ he asked.

โ€œWhy did you take so long to pick up?โ€ Nelly Garrisonโ€™s tone sounded irritated, clearly showing her impatience. โ€œWhere are you?โ€

Ignoring her agitation, Sam replied calmly, โ€œI was busy; Iโ€™m outside.โ€

โ€œBusy with what? Who are you with?โ€ she demanded.

Sam frowned, โ€œMom, Iโ€™m not a criminal. Thereโ€™s no need to interrogate me.โ€

โ€œA criminal? Ha!โ€ Nellyโ€™s voice sharpened suddenly. โ€œYouโ€™ve got it backward, donโ€™t you? Iโ€™m the one treated like a criminal! All of you are on your guard against me as if Iโ€™m some kind of threat!โ€

โ€œMom, why would you say that?โ€ Sam asked, trying to stay composed.

โ€œI have to askโ€”why didnโ€™t you tell me that your grandparents were back in the country?โ€ Nelly accused. Sam was at a loss for words.

โ€œI knew it! You did it on purpose!โ€ she snapped.

โ€œMom,โ€ he sighed, feeling a wave of helplessness.

โ€œYouโ€™re with them right now, arenโ€™t you? I already went to the Garrison estate, and the butler told me you picked them up. Are you still going to lie to me?โ€

Samโ€™s expression hardened slightly. โ€œMom, please calm down. Grandma isnโ€™t in the best emotional state right now. Itโ€™s better if you visit another day.โ€

Nelly shot back, โ€œWhat do you mean by that? Just because sheโ€™s upset, I canโ€™t come? Are you saying that seeing me would only make her feel worse? Iโ€™m her daughter! I donโ€™t understand why youโ€™re all treating me like the enemy!โ€

Over the years, her parents preferred to communicate with Sam instead of talking to her. Even when she tried to reach out, they always found some excuse to cut the conversation short.

Sam replied, โ€œYou know the reason, Mom. Do I really need to spell it out?โ€

โ€œYes, say it! I dare you to say it! I want to hear whatโ€™s really on your mind!โ€ Nelly challenged.

Sam clenched his jaw, his face tensing. โ€œMom, I donโ€™t want to argue with you,โ€ he said, making a final attempt to keep the peace.

But she wouldnโ€™t relent, โ€œNo, today weโ€™re getting everything out in the open. Iโ€™m your mother, not your enemy!โ€

โ€œFine,โ€ Sam said, taking a deep breath, speaking each word deliberately. โ€œBecause of what happened all those years ago, Grandma still holds a grudge against you. If you show up now, itโ€™ll only agitate her and make things worse.

โ€œThe doctors have made it clearโ€”Grandma cannot handle any more stress. Why do you think Grandpa insisted on bringing her back to this country? Do you think it was because they missed you or me?โ€

Nelly opened her mouth, ready to argue. Even so, she found herself at a loss for words, unable to utter a sound.

Sam quietly ended the call and returned inside.

โ€œSam, who was on the phone?โ€ Fiona asked.

โ€œIt was just a business matter. Itโ€™s all sorted out now,โ€ he replied.

โ€œThatโ€™s good.โ€


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