From Sneers to Cheers: Anthea’s Ascent

Chapter 167

“Shut up!” Janet snapped, her voice harsh with disdain. “That woman doesn’t deserve to be called ‘mom! She’s not fit to be a mother”

“Is it possible… my mom isn’t really dead?” Gerard turned to face Janet, a flicker of hope in his eyes.

“I told you, she’s not your mother” Janet blurted out, perhaps realizing her volume had risen too much. She softened her tone, “Gerry, the really is dead.”

“is my mom really dead?” Gerard suddenly looked up, his gaze piercing as be locked eyes with Janet

That look, it was too intense for an eighteen–year–old.

It was as if he was trying to see night through her.

Feeling guilty, Janet couldn’t hold his stare. “She’s dead,” she insisted.

What was the point of a woman like Carole still being alive?

If at peace!

Better off gone, better off

Never before had Janet wished as fervently for someone like Carole to succumb to some terminal Illness and pass away.

It was clear from the look on Gerard’s face that he was not satisfied.

said, his voice steady. “Do you have a picture

Fletcher has that right. She’s from a good family, a perfect match for your dad. She’s waited for your dad half her life; how can you bear to

How many eighteen–year cycles does

gave the best years of her life to Jonah;

was flat. “Grandma, anyone can become my

“You’ve been raised by Ms. Fletcher since you were a tot! How can you say such things about her!” Her words were accompanied by

such a sensible

couldn’t he see right from wrong when it

as his mother

worse, as if she was trying to expel her very

walked over to pat her

heart. Regardless of everything, this boy still

hand, lamented that she didn’t have long to live. She didn’t want to see her son and grandson left alone

couldn’t this

don’t like her, and I

not?” Janet

“Just because.”

Edna had spent years trying to win over Janet and Gerard with her kindness and care.

been able

as strong as

just want to see my mom, just once. Is that possible?”

before had Gerard longed so much to see his mother.