Chapter 313
The vehicle pulled up to a yard with a garden. Outside stood a plain, middle-aged woman in a floral apron.
“Dear, is dinner ready yet?” Chandler asked with a beaming smile as he parked the vehicle.
“Yes, it’s been done for a while now,” Wendy called out warmly. She walked over and gently wiped the sweat from Chandler’s forehead with her sleeve.
Chandler chuckled, “Not hot at all. Here, this is for you.” He reached into his pocket and fished out a flower, grinning warmly.
Wendy’s wrinkled face beamed with a smile, her eager gaze fixed on the back seat. The curtain was lifted, revealing Nathan first. Zinnia lay sleeping soundly against his shoulder.
“Hey, Nathan,” Wendy called out, her voice brimming with affection.
Nathan called out warmly, “Long time no see, Wendy.”
With one hand cradling Zinnia’s head, Nathan thought to get out first and then carry her down. But the moment he moved, the girl leaning on his shoulder stirred awake.
“Are we there yet?” Zinnia murmured drowsily, her eyelids fluttering open.
Seeing she was awake, Nathan replied softly, “We’re here.”
“Zinnia, did I wake you up with my talking?” Wendy hadn’t realized Zinnia was asleep. Now, hearing her soft, drowsy voice, she immediately softened her tone.
“Hi, Wendy.” Zinnia blinked at the gentle voice, slow to process. Straightening up, she greeted Wendy in a soft, sleepy tone.
“Hey there, my dear, come down quick. I made some favorites just for you.” Wendy shuffled over with a warm smile and held out her arms to Zinnia.
It had been so long since Wendy last saw Zinnia. Wendy had really missed her.
Zinnia leaned out of the vehicle, and Wendy immediately embraced her. Wendy twirled her around in her arms with joyful affection.
“Zinnia, haven’t you been eating properly? You feel lighter than before,” Wendy remarked, holding Zinnia slightly in her arms as her brows knitted with concern.
“No, Wendy,” Zinnia murmured, nuzzling her cheek against Wendy’s as she breathed in her comforting scent.
“You’ve gotten so thin, and Nathan has too. You two never seem to take care of yourselves when you’re away. Come on, come inside and eat.” Wendy hugged Zinnia, then glanced at Nathan, who had just stepped out of the car.
At first glance, her heart ached for them. They both looked painfully thin, one even more so than the other.
Wendy let go of Zinnia and gently took her hand, leading her into the yard. “Come on, Nathan, hurry up. You’ve gotten so thin, and you look exhausted. Are you worn out? Let’s get you inside to rest.”
Chandler gathered the things he had bought and waved Nathan over. “Come along now.”
Chapter 313
At the dinner table, Wendy looked at Zinnia with heartache in her eyes, piling her plate high with food. “Zinnia, you two need to eat more."
“You’ve lost that baby fat in your cheeks. Were you wronged out there? Are your family members treating you well? If not, just come back. I may not have much, but there’ll always be food on the table for you here.”
Just half a year ago, when Zinnia left, she still had those chubby cheeks. Now she was back with a pointy chin.
“Wendy, I’m just getting taller, not skinnier,” Zinnia said with a playful grin.
“Nathan, my friend specially brought these over when he heard you were back,” Chandler said as he served Nathan some pearl meatballs. “Make sure you eat plenty.”
Chandler looked at Nathan’s gaunt frame, his eyes brimming with concern.
“Got it,” Nathan replied, picking up a meatball and popping it into his mouth.
“Zinnia, is the food not to your liking?” Wendy asked gently. She watched as Zinnia picked at her food, taking small, listless bites, a stark contrast to her usual appetite.
In the past, whenever there was something tasty, Zinnia would stuff her cheeks full. Even her favorite dishes held no appeal for her today.
Wendy’s brows furrowed with growing concern.
Zinnia shook her head, forcing a faint smile. “No, Wendy. I’m just a little tired.”
“If you’re tired, dear, finish eating, and then you can go home and get some good rest. We’ve kept your house clean for you all this time. It’s ready for you when you get back.” Wendy’s voice was thick with tender concern.
Wendy couldn’t help but wonder what had happened to Zinnia over the past six months. She just didn’t seem happy anymore.
“Okay,” Zinnia replied sweetly.
“Nathan, you’ve gotten so thin. You really need to eat more,” Wendy said, turning her concerned gaze toward him.
Wendy didn’t know Nathan’s true identity. All she noticed was that both kids had come back thinner after their trip. She cared for them like they were her children.
Nathan gave a faint smile. “I’ve been rather worn out lately, but I’ll focus on recuperating from now on.”
Wendy said gently, “When you’re tired, take a break. Work will always be there, but our health comes first.”
“Alright,” Nathan replied.
Listening to the gentle, heartfelt concern from the two elders, Zinnia and Nathan felt a sense of comfort and relaxation they hadn't experienced in a long time.
“Wendy, we’ll head back now. Once we’ve settled in, we’ll come visit you again,” Zinnia said.
After the meal, Chandler and Wendy saw Zinnia and Nathan off.
Chapter 313
Since they hadn’t been back in a long time, Zinnia and Nathan wanted to take a walk on their own, so they politely declined Chandler’s offer to accompany them.
“Alright,” Wendy said gently. “No rush at all. You’ve just come back. Get some proper rest first.”
Wendy smiled warmly, “Zinnia, take these cupcakes with you. The rose jam inside is homemade and so delicious, your childhood favorite. You barely ate at lunch, so have some later to tide you over.”
She gently placed a neatly wrapped kraft paper package into Zinnia’s hands, filled with the fresh cupcakes she had made that very day.
Zinnia said, “Thank you, Wendy.”
Zinnia and Nathan stepped out of the yard, their feet meeting the weathered bluestone path as they strolled at a leisurely pace.
The weather was lovely today. The sun’s warmth embraced everything as a gentle breeze wafted by.
It was afternoon. The sunlight cast Zinnia’s shadow on the ground, and she playfully stepped on it as she walked.
The small town was quiet now. Most folks had gone to work in the herb fields. Most of the workers in those large-scale herb fields were from the village and the nearby town.
“Nathan?” Zinnia called out softly.
Zinnia used to dream of the day Nathan would come back for her, so they could return to their small town and live a carefree life together.
But now that they were finally home, the spark of anticipation she once had was gone.
“I’m here,” Nathan murmured, his steady presence right beside her.
“Let’s go home,” Zinnia gently took Nathan’s hand.
“Yeah, let’s go home,” Nathan replied, his voice warm and reassuring. The two made their way home side by side.
Their house stood at the far end of the town. From afar, a quaint two-story cottage nestled amid a riot of dazzling flowers came into view–its timeless elegance truly picturesque.
The small town enjoyed a spring-like climate all year round; even in winter, it was still adorned with an abundance of vibrant flowers.
The wooden gate was draped in vibrant blossoms, forming a natural floral archway. Zinnia gently pushed it open.
Even while they were away, Chandler and his wife had been tending to the yard for them.
Now, it stood lush and thriving. Brilliant rose vines cascaded over the courtyard wall. In the courtyard stood a swing, its seat strewn with a few fallen rose petals.
A gust of wind swept by, and Nathan pressed a hand to his lips, stifling a cough he couldn’t hold back.
“Nathan, let’s get inside and rest. You can’t afford to catch a chill in your condition,” Zinnia urged, her voice full of concern. She reached out to steady him, worry clear in her eyes.
“Don’t worry too much. It’s just a little tickle in my throat.” Nathan gave a gentle, reassuring smile.
Chapter 313
“Your words aren’t trustworthy right now. You need to listen to me,” Zinnia said firmly. She no longer believed his reassurances. In Zinnia’s eyes, Nathan had completely lost all credibility.
“Alright.” Nathan wore a helpless chuckle.