From Sneers to Cheers: Anthea’s Ascent

Chapter 8

Anthea hadn’t eaten much all day, and by then, she was starving. But even as she wolfed down her meal, there was a grace to her that made it somehow pleasant to watch.

She polished off her spaghetti in no time.

“There’s more in the kitchen. I’ll get you another helping,” Carol offered.

Anthea gave a content smile. “No, Mom, I’m full. Thank you.”

“Well then, let me take you to your room so you can rest,” Carole suggested.

“Sure,” Anthea nodded in agreement.

The bedroom was a cramped space carved out of another room, with Carole living just next door. The furnishings were sparse, including a bed, a desk for writing, and a wardrobe for clothes. There were no unnecessary items.

It had been Rebecca’s room before. When Rebecca left, she took all her belongings with her. There wasn’t even a blanket on the bed at this time.

Carole mentioned, slightly embarrassed. “Let me go and grab a comforter to make the bed for you.”

“That’s fine, Mom,” Anthea said with a smile.

she added, “By the way, where’s my

o was ond

brother, Nanson Yeager,

Anthea referred to was

steady job all these years due to his limited education. He worked as a delivery guy and didn’t smoke or drink, but his one

on the wall and said, “He should

sounded at the door. “Carole! Carole! Come out and see what I’ve got

as she moved toward the

chicken in his left hand and a

rich?” Carole asked in

meat was a luxury for the Yeager family, usually reserved for festive occasions.

Nanson showed his pearly whites. “Got it from a client who runs a rotisserie! He said the delivery folks

Chapter 8

finished speaking, he noticed Anthea emerging from the back and looked

her with a smile. “This is Anthea. Anthea, this is

to meet you, Uncle Nanson,” Anthea said with a

at her as if he’d seen a ghost, “You, you! Are you Anthea?”

had changed so much from

yeah, I am Anthea,” she said, enunciating each