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?

from outside. “Mom, Uncle Nanson, good

a puzzled look, “Ann, where

to improve my fitness. I only managed a few laps before getting winded, but I’ll take it slow

some burritos,

“Thanks, Uncle Nanson.”

a tender

her eyes in disbelief. “Nanson, you sure you’re okay

wouldn’t I

speechless. She suspected Nanson was putting on an act, but

confusing

fork and turned to Carote, “Mom, you don’t look so well How about I go

smiled and replied, “No need, darling. I’m as fit as a

the clinic and spend money? Carole was the type to tough out

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

to the clinic, let me take

know medical

gesture.

of her body had been trained in various skills typical of

have a look,” Carole consented.