Chapter 162: Am I Not Attractive Anymore?
"Grandma, this place is just breathtaking." she whispered. Grandma Grace smiled warmly, her eyes twinkling with delight. "Come.." she said, gently beckoning Thea to follow her, as they stepped into their new surroundings.
As Thea stepped through the garden gate, Grandma Grace led the way into a breathtakingly beautiful place. The garden was a vibrant tapestry of colors, with velvety red roses, pink petunias blooming in every direction. Tall, stately lilies and hydrangeas added a touch of elegance A winding stone path, overgrown with lush greenery, invited exploration, while the soft chirping of birds and gentle rustling of leaves created a soothing melody. A small pond, adorned with lily pads and a sprinkling of flowers, added a serene touch to the garden’s beauty.
The one-story house, nestled among the blooms, was a charming haven.The exterior walls were made of warm, red bricks, which seemed to glow softly in the sunlight. Deep brown roof with asphalt shingles complemented the brick facade, while white shutters adorned the windows. A delicate latticework of vines and flowers wrapped around the porch, creating a cozy, embracing atmosphere that beckoned visitors to enter.
Grandma Grace moved forward to press the doorbell. The door groaned open, disclosing an older gentleman with a gentle expression.
"Madam, you’ve come," he remarked, his tone friendly and inviting.
"Good morning, Mr. Norris," Grandma Grace responded.
"Is this your granddaughter? " He inquired, pointing toward Thea.
"Yes, she is my granddaughter," Grandma Grace stated, her eyes sparkling as she beamed at Thea.
"Thea, this is Mr. Norris," Grandma Grace introduced.
"Hello, Sir.." Thea said, "I’m Alethea. Pleasure to meet you. "
"Pleasure to meet you, Miss Alethea.." Mr. Norris replied, and Thea smiled as she greeted him enthusiastically.
"May I carry the luggage to your room, madam? " Mr. Norris inquired.
"Show me where to place it. . " Thea responded.
Mr. Norris pointed down the corridor. "The room is right down there, the second door on the right. "
Thea nodded and proceeded to the room, pulling her luggage along. Here is the rewritten sentence:
"Leave the luggage there, Mr. Norris," Thea said, stopping him as he reached for her suitcase.
"Miss, are you not going to stay? " Mr. Norris questioned, a hint of astonishment in his tone.
"No, I will come back later. . " Thea answered.
"Madam, Miss, you ought to rest a bit," Mr. Norris suggested before bowing slightly and leaving.
Thea stepped into the room, observing her environment. The room was warm and tastefully decorated, featuring cream-colored walls embellished with vintage floral designs. A luxurious, four-poster bed stood proudly in the middle, draped in fine lace curtains. A beautifully designed wooden dresser and nightstand complemented the bed, while a cozy armchair was invitingly positioned by the window, illuminated by warm, golden light.
Thea was settled comfortably in the armchair, anticipating Grandma Grace to get ready. After a few moments, Grandma came out of her room, dressed in a soft, stylish dress.
"Thea, when do you plan on leaving? " Grandma Grace inquired.
Thea looked at her watch. "The subway timetable indicates 12 o’clock," she answered. "I will take that train. "
Thea and Grandma Grace exited the room, "Thea, let’s go meet my older brother.." Grandma Grace said, a touch of enthusiasm in her tone. "You’ll be meeting him for the first time. "
Thea nodded with excitement and followed her grandmother along the hallway. They halted before a door, and Grandma Grace knocked softly.
"Knock, knock.."
"Come in..." a resonant, aged voice responded.
Grandma Grace opened the door and stepped into the room. "Elder Brother, it’s me.." she declared.
Her elder brother, Silas, glanced up from the bed, where he was positioned with his back resting against the headboard. "Yes, Grace. . . Norris informed me you’d arrived and were taking a break.." he said, his eyes warm with hospitality.
"Where is your granddaughter? " Silas inquired, his gaze sweeping the doorway.
"Thea. . . " Grandma Grace called, motioning for her granddaughter to come in.
Thea entered the room, absorbing the warm atmosphere. The walls were a soft cream color, decorated with family photographs, and the inviting golden lighting fostered a feeling of coziness.
A sizable wooden bed occupied the center of the room, with Silas leaning back against the headboard. A nightstand held an assortment of items, such as medications, a glass of water, and a glass jug. A small silver alarm clock was positioned next to the medications.
When Thea looked at Silas, she noticed a pair of glasses resting on the tip of his nose, the lenses shimmering in the gentle light. He was holding a book, his eyes exploring the pages with enthusiasm.
Silas was an elderly gentleman with a warm expression. His thinning hair was white and airy, neatly styled to one side.
A navy blue robe was draped gracefully over his shoulders, lending a degree of warmth and elegance to his light blue pajamas.
"Hello, Great Uncle Silas.." Thea stated, her tone courteous and reverent. "I am Alethea Klein. "
"Thea, a pleasure to meet you.." he answered, his tone soft and kind. "I had been looking forward to meeting you.. It’s a joy to finally meet you all.. "
Thea beamed with warmth, but Silas’s demeanor shifted to serious.
"You aren’t planning to stay here? " Silas inquired, his tone laced with a touch of disappointment.
Thea shook her head. "No, Grandfather Silas. I must go to attend a ceremony. "
Silas’s gaze became distant, and he addressed her in a quiet, rough tone. "Come here, Thea. "
Thea looked at her grandma, who offered a supportive nod. Thea approached the bed, her steps soft against the floor.
As she drew closer, Silas extended a frail hand and grasped Thea’s. His eyes, heavy with regret and sadness, held her gaze. "Thea, please forgive this grandpa," he said, his voice breaking with feeling. "I recognize I have no claim to your forgiveness, yet I sincerely regret my actions. "
Grandma Grace’s eyes filled with tears as she observed the moment. Her voice was barely audible when she said, "Elder Brother, the past is behind us. Let us not focus on it. " Tears sparkled in her eyes, and her voice quivered with emotion.
"No, Grace.." Silas said, his voice filled with remorse. "I have hurt you before, my sister. I am truly sorry. At least I have a chance to ask for forgiveness...as I have little time left."
Silas’s eyes, clouded with regret, looked at his younger sister, Grandma Grace. His gaze then shifted to Thea, and he smiled weakly.
"Great Uncle, you will live for a long time.." Thea said, her voice filled with conviction and affection. She reached out and gently placed her hand on Silas’s frail arm, offering what comfort she could.
"I was unable to meet your mother," Silas stated, his voice laced with sadness. "However, I have met her daughter instead. "
Grandma Grace’s eyes filled with tears as she looked at Thea with affection. "Elder Brother, she looks just like her mother. . . my daughter.." she murmured, her voice breaking with emotion.
With shaking hands, Grandma Grace softly wiped away the tears that flowed down her cheeks, her face reflecting a blend of sorrow and nostalgia.
Thea’s gaze drifted to a vintage photo frame hanging on the wall, framed in an elegant, gold-leaf border.The black-and-white image within depicted a family gathered closely, standing proudly in front of a lovely, old-fashioned house.
Grandma Grace’s parents, Thea’s great grandparents, were positioned in the center, encircled by their children. Young Grandma Grace, as a small child, was next to her parents, her hair styled in adorable pigtails and a radiant smile lighting her face. Her elder sibling was around her, all wearing their Sunday best.
Thea’s inquisitiveness took over. "Are this my great grandparents? " she inquired, her voice filled with amazement.
Beside her stood Grandma Grace, a gentle smile gracing her face. "Yes, dear, they are indeed your great grandparents. "
Thea’s eyes remained on the photograph. "Grandma, you look so beautiful.." she declared, her voice brimming with admiration.
"Why? Am I not attractive anymore? " Grandma Grace inquired, a trace of playful teasing in her tone. "Did you believe I was unattractive in the past? You should know that your grandpa definitely saw my beauty as well."
Grandma Grace’s eyes gleamed with mischief, and Thea couldn’t resist giggling.
"Are you bragging now? " Thea murmured, a cheeky smile blooming on her face.
"Grandma, it’s getting late.." Thea said, glancing at her watch. "I should take my leave now."
