From Sneers to Cheers: Anthea’s Ascent

"Yes," Sherman nodded slightly.

Even Karen was taken aback by this.

Sherman had been smoking for about ten years.

And now he just decided to quit?

"Why did you quit smoking?" Adah asked.

"Because it's bad for my health," Sherman replied.

Adah and Karen exchanged glances.

They both saw the confusion in each other's eyes.

The harmful effects of smoking were something they had told Sherman countless times before.

But Sherman had never taken it seriously, indulging in the habit for a decade.

Why the sudden change now?

Something unusual was definitely afoot!

There had to be some underlying reason!

"Sherman, why did you suddenly decide to quit smoking? Did something happen?" Adah inquired.

"Nothing happened," Sherman said as he made his way upstairs.

Karen, "Mom, don't you think

do you think it might be because Ann doesn't like

"I doubt it. Sherman doesn't even realize he's taken a liking to Annie yet. He barely listens to us,

his feelings, so why would he heed

thought Sherman was the kind of man who wouldn't change for a young girl's opinions. It

never know, it might really be Ann's influence. Ann is so remarkable, after all. If

an optimist; she always preferred to see the positive side of

replied, "I hope

that possibility is slim!

also possible Sherman just

his own

Sto

for him."

for a while and finally decided to

was the girl he had been looking

of roses, intending to declare his feelings to Violet over dinner

Nanson arrived at the restaurant

eight o'clock, Violet arrived as

ordered just a

Violet, "Violet, there's something I

ahead," Violet said, gracefully dabbing her lips with

Nanson gathered his courage,

know what I'm

a bit

I mean it