Lost Me Gained Regret

"I get it." Before I could finish, Ramona cut in, "My dear Lily's all grown up now, trying to be the rock for me, right?"

I pursed my lips, "But I still haven't been able to do anything for you. Not even the antidote, we have no clue when we can get it."

"What's there to fear?"

Ramona seemed far more accepting than I was, sighing, "Ah, I've been longing to join your Grandpa for a while now. If it weren't for the Myers family, I'd have wished to be with him sooner."

"It's just tough on you, having to struggle to keep the Myers family legacy from crumbling. Ramona didn't want you involved, but there was just... no other way."

"I know, I know..."

Hearing Ramona talk as if she was planning for what comes after her departure made tears stream down my face as I hugged her, choking on my sobs, "I always envied other kids for having loving grandparents, and now that I finally have you, I don't want to lose you. I don't."

But in that moment, I realized the heavy burden that Gregory bore on his shoulders.

-The honor and downfall of an entire family.

"Oh, dear..."

Ramona cried too, but still managed to comfort me with a smile, "Silly child, I'm still here, aren't I? No more tears, or Greg will tease you for being a crybaby just like when you were little."

I blinked hard, holding back my tears, "He wouldn't dare!"

"What wouldn't I dare?"

at the doorway. He explained to Ramona, "I didn't mean to interrupt

"You're just in time!"

"Your wife, you take her

help but feel

a word, and wiped away my tears before lifting me in his arms, "Then we're off to our room,

whispered lowly, "What are you talking about? Who's going to the same room

before marriage shouldn't be so blatantly

I'm not some old-fashioned fogey. Besides, Greg's been under my watch since he was

My ears burnt up.

Gregory laughed. "Thanks, Ramona!"

the brown paper bag, feeling a heavy

me down and wrapped his arms around my waist, looking down,

shook the brown paper bag. "Guess what this

"A prenup?"

"How did you know?"

must've known

Gregory ruffled my

Gregory ruffled my b "At dinner, she