Chapter 17

Zinnia lugged her stuff into the room, set it down, and pulled out her suitcase. Inside was a big, wide wooden case with a little mortar and some cut-to-size papers. She took everything out onto the balcony.

The balcony had a cute round table and a hanging chair. Jackson had really decked this place out.

The wooden case was a special gift from Zinnia’s master. When she opened it, the smell of herbs hit her. A bunch of the 64 compartments were empty, and the rest were almost gone.

Zinnia sat down, opened an herbal pack, and started sorting the herbs into the boxes. When she got into her work, she was a different person.

After neatly arranging all the herbs, Zinnia picked out a few specific ones. She found some cotton gauze in her suitcase, wrapped the herbs up, and tied the bundle. Then she grabbed different herbs, wrapped them in paper, folded them up, and set them aside.

By the time she finished, it was past 1 PM. She yawned, packed up, and went to her room for a nap.

When Zinnia woke up, it was dark. She rubbed her temples, still half-asleep. She hadn’t slept well at the Shaw residence, but at the Lynn residence, she’d already had two good naps.

Downstairs, Sofia was gone, but Henry was on the couch, watching financial news.

“Zinnia, you’re up. Your grandma’s out shopping with her friends, and Jackson’s at the office. It’s just us two,” Henry said, chuckling at Zinnia.

“Mm,” Zinnia replied softly.

Henry had been watching TV too long and had a headache.

“Grandpa, you okay?” Zinnia asked, looking worried.

“Nah, it’s nothing. Old bones ache sometimes. My eyes just need a break,” Henry said, putting on his reading glasses from the coffee table.

“Grandpa, I know some massage stuff. Wanna give it a try?” Zinnia offered.

“Sure,” Henry said, smiling. When Zinnia first came to live with them, they found out she’d stayed with village healers who knew medical skills.

Henry didn’t expect much, but he wanted to humor his granddaughter. His headaches came and went—it was annoying, but not a big deal.

Zinnia stood behind Henry’s armchair. He put down the glasses he’d just picked up. “Ready, Grandpa,” she said softly.

“Go for it, Zinnia.” Henry leaned back and nodded.

Zinnia put her hands on Henry’s head, massaging his pressure points with her fingertips. “How’s the pressure, Grandpa?” she asked, adjusting her touch.

“Perfect! Your hands are magic, Zinnia—better than the therapist Benedict hired,” Henry exclaimed. “My eyes already feel better.” Whether it was the massage or just wishful thinking, the fog in his head was gone.

“If you like it, I’ll do it more often,” Zinnia offered.

“But your hands are for jewelry, not chores.” Henry chuckled. “You’re our little princess now that you’re home.”

“Then I’ll teach Benedict’s therapist. You’ll get massages even when I’m busy, Grandpa.”

Zinnia thought about leaving the Lynn residence someday. Henry’s health wasn’t too bad yet—regular massages should do the trick, and there was no need for medicine.

“Great idea. You’re amazing, Zinnia,” Henry smiled and patted her head. His mind felt clearer already. Then he ordered the butler, “Benedict, go get Raymond. That old man studied medicine for decades but can’t outshine my girl.”

“Right away, sir.” Benedict stood behind them, grinning, watching the warm scene.

The Lynn residence was a lot livelier since Zinnia arrived. Henry and Sofia smiled more often. Even Jackson and Charlie visited more. As Benedict dialed Raymond, he smiled—Zinnia was truly their lucky star.

Not long after Benedict finished dialing, booming laughter echoed through the foyer. “Henry! Where’s that amazing granddaughter of yours?” Raymond’s voice boomed before he did, like thunder.

Zinnia looked up to see a Santa Claus look-alike striding in—complete with a neatly trimmed white beard shaped like a triangle.

“Raymond! Over here.” Henry waved at his buddy and pointed to the mahogany-smelling leather couch. He then said, “Benedict, bring out that fancy coffee.”

“On it, sir,” Benedict replied.

“That girl behind you must be the granddaughter you’ve been bragging about,” Raymond walked in, spotting Zinnia massaging Henry’s shoulders. He laughed like a happy bear.

“Zinnia, meet Mr. Spence.” Henry introduced.

“Nice to meet you, Mr. Spence,” Zinnia said, smiling sweetly. She’d learned to be polite around elders—fold her hands, soften her voice.

“There we go!” Raymond’s gruff voice softened. He noticed Zinnia’s sweet smile. Some grandpa instincts woke up in him.

“You didn’t have to bring anything,” Henry said, eyeing the insulated container in Raymond’s hand.

“Fresh crabs from Yannis. Since I was coming, I figured I’d bring some,” Raymond said. The Lynn and Spence houses were just a ten-minute walk apart. He handed the package to the housekeeper and sat down.

“Yannis took off again?” Henry asked.

“That lazy kid. He’s got nothing going on, but always claims he’s ‘too busy!’ Who knows what he’s even doing? Barely sat down before he split,” Raymond sighed, talking about his good-for-nothing grandson.

“Kids these days have their own stuff. Yannis included. Don’t let his lazy act fool you—I think he’s doing okay. You really want to relive ten years ago?” Henry tried to cheer Raymond up.

“Yannis is better off this way.” Raymond’s heart sank at the memory. “What? Trying to teach me a lesson? Let’s see it.” He sat, sipped coffee, and looked at Henry.

“Zinnia knows some massage stuff. It’s great. I thought you should learn—give me a rub later.” Henry changed the subject, sensing Raymond’s discomfort.

“Zinnia does massages? Let’s see it.” Raymond grinned, looking up at Zinnia.

Zinnia didn’t hesitate. Her hands went back to work on Henry’s shoulders. Raymond watched her smooth, practiced moves—real skill—before moving behind her to check out her technique.