From Sneers to Cheers: Anthea’s Ascent

Chapter 14

By the time they got home, it was well past three.

“Sweetie, get a good night’s sleep.” Nanson sald warmly.

“You too, Uncle Nanson,” Anthea replied with a soft smile.

Carole woke up early in the morning, her mind racing with the day’s tasks. She decided to make some oatmeal for breakfast. She fried some eggs as well.

A little while later, Nanson strolled in from outside, his voice booming through the house. “Carole, you up yet? I got some donuts and breakfast burritos. Come on out, and let’s have breakfast!”

Carole cleaned her hands on her apron and stepped out of the kitchen, complaining, “Why’d you go wasting money? I’ve already made oatmeal!”

Nanson chuckled. “I got a bonus this month! Besides, my dear niece is growing up. She needs to eat something nutritious.”

Then he added. “Oh right, has my dear niece come out yet? I’ll wake her up for breakfast!”

My dear niece?

Carole was stunned. Who was Nanson referring to as his dear niece? Could it be Anthea?

But the night before. Nanson kept calling her a little troublemaker, so why the sudden change to a dear niece?

Was she dreaming?

walked in from outside. “Mom, Uncle Nanson, good

Anthea with a puzzled look, “Ann,

for a run.” Anthea replied. “I need to improve my fitness. I only managed a few laps

got you some burritos, donuts, and milk! You need it for growing strong bones!”

“Thanks, Uncle Nanson.”

a tender

in disbelief. “Nanson,

you’re overreacting! Why wouldn’t I

She suspected Nanson was putting on an act, but she had

confusing

“Mom, you don’t look so well

need, darling.

to the clinic and spend money? Carole was

already hard–pressed financially, She couldn’t be a

clinic, let me take a look. I know a bit

you know medical

made a modest gesture. “Just a tiny bit.”

her body had been trained in various skills typical of elite

a look,” Carole