Shattered Illusions: Love, Lies, and Redemption

Jerry watched as Lizetta wished she could just disappear into thin air, a slight smirk playing at the corners of his mouth. "Confidence is a good thing."

Lizetta's face turned a bright shade of red. She had been praying that Jerry hadn't picked up on her subtle rejection, but clearly, he had no issues with emotional intelligence. The one with the problem was her. Feeling utterly embarrassed, Lizetta stammered, "Well, in that case, I won't bother you any longer. Maybe some other time when Mr. Madden is free, I could invite Mr. Madden..."

She turned to leave, but once again, her coat was gently tugged from behind. Recognizing the familiar force and location, Lizetta turned around to see Mrs. Bernice Madden, but this time, tears filled the old lady's eyes, her expression one of confusion and sorrow.

"Elsa, where are you going? Won't you come home with mom?"

Lizetta, seeing Mrs. Madden about to cry, was at a loss. She looked to Jerry for help, and he stepped forward, wrapping his arm around his grandmother, then said in a gentle voice to Lizetta, "My grandma thinks you're her deceased daughter, Elsa Madden. Don't take it to heart."

At this, Mrs. Bernice Madden became upset, slapping Jerry's arm.

"Jerry, don't you start thinking I'm going senile! I am not. This is my Elsa, and Elsa's expecting my granddaughter Andrea. Aren't you going to call her aunt?"

daughter, Elsa, who had passed away early. Jerry was adopted by the Madden family, and he had mentioned that Lizetta reminded

wanting to distress the old lady by correcting her. Before Lizetta could resolve her dilemma, Jerry, in an attempt to cheer his grandmother,

Lizetta, "..."

helpless look on Jerry's

as he slightly

then, a young woman in a red dress hurried

off again! I just went to give directions, and when I turn around,

was still clutching Lizetta's coat, causing Lizetta to stumble

you okay?"

slightly and Jerry turned his gaze to the woman, his expression hardening

Wendy's hand, annoyed, "Don't pull me, I want to stay with Elsa!" She returned to Lizetta's side, gripping her