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 this

do you think it might be because Ann

Annie yet. He barely listens to us, so why

yet acknowledged his feelings, so why would he

Sherman was the kind of man who wouldn't change for

never know, it might really be Ann's influence. Ann is so remarkable, after all. If that stubborn boy doesn't make

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

replied, "I hope you're

think that possibility is slim!

also possible Sherman just

his own that

Sto

for him."

had been pondering for a while and finally decided

believed Violet was the girl

bought a bouquet of roses, intending to declare his feelings to Violet over dinner

Nanson arrived at the restaurant 20 minutes early to set everything

Violet arrived as

ordered just a salad, maintaining her

Violet, "Violet, there's something

said, gracefully dabbing her lips with

Nanson gathered his courage,

know what I'm about

bit

I mean