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 nothingโnot a single call, not even a message. Yet the old couple wouldnโt 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, โCome on, letโs check out the backyard.โ
โYes, letโs go! Minnie always loved the swing set and the wisteria in the backyard,โ Fiona said eagerly.
Sam held his grandmotherโs arm, helping her as they walked. Halfway there, his phone rang. He glanced at the screen, noting the callerโs name. He then subtly turned his phone so his grandmother couldnโt see it.
โGrandma, Iโll just step outside to take this call,โ he said.
โAlright,โ Fiona nodded.
Once he was outside the main building, Sam finally answered the call.
โMom, what is it?โ he asked.
โWhy did you take so long to pick up?โ Nelly Garrisonโs tone sounded irritated, clearly showing her impatience. โWhere are you?โ
Ignoring her agitation, Sam replied calmly, โI was busy; Iโm outside.โ
โBusy with what? Who are you with?โ she demanded.
Sam frowned, โMom, Iโm not a criminal. Thereโs no need to interrogate me.โ
โA criminal? Ha!โ Nellyโs voice sharpened suddenly. โYouโve got it backward, donโt you? Iโm the one treated like a criminal! All of you are on your guard against me as if Iโm some kind of threat!โ
โMom, why would you say that?โ Sam asked, trying to stay composed.
โI have to askโwhy didnโt you tell me that your grandparents were back in the country?โ Nelly accused. Sam was at a loss for words.
โI knew it! You did it on purpose!โ she snapped.
โMom,โ he sighed, feeling a wave of helplessness.
โYouโre with them right now, arenโt 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
Samโs expression hardened slightly. โMom, please calm down. Grandma isnโt in the best emotional state right now. Itโs better if you visit another day.โ
Nelly shot back, โWhat do you mean by that? Just because sheโs upset, I canโt come? Are you saying that seeing me would only make her feel worse? Iโm her daughter! I donโt understand why youโre 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, โYou know the reason, Mom. Do I really need to spell it out?โ
โYes, say it! I dare you to say it! I want to hear whatโs really on your mind!โ Nelly challenged.
Sam clenched his jaw, his face tensing. โMom, I donโt want to argue with you,โ he said, making a final attempt to keep the peace.
But she wouldnโt relent, โNo, today weโre getting everything out in the open. Iโm your mother, not your enemy!โ
โFine,โ Sam said, taking a deep breath, speaking each word deliberately. โBecause of what happened all those years ago, Grandma still holds a grudge against you. If you show up now, itโll only agitate her and make things worse.
โThe doctors have made it clearโGrandma 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.
โSam, who was on the phone?โ Fiona asked.
โIt was just a business matter. Itโs all sorted out now,โ he replied.
โThatโs good.โ