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.

an afterthought, she added, “By the

o was ond

youngest brother,

referred to was

only finished middle school. He hadn’t had a steady job all these years due to his limited education. He worked as a delivery guy and didn’t smoke

the clock on the wall and said, “He should be back

door. “Carole! Carole! Come

as she moved toward the living room.

in his left hand and a large watermelon in his

you strike it rich?” Carole asked in

21st century, meat was a luxury for the Yeager family, usually reserved for festive occasions.

who runs a rotisserie! He said the delivery folks deserve a break for working so hard in

Chapter 8

finished speaking, he noticed Anthea emerging from the

a smile. “This is Anthea. Anthea,

to meet you, Uncle Nanson,” Anthea said with a polite nod.

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

had changed so much from just a few days ago!

am Anthea,” she said, enunciating each