“Joy’s still asleep?”
“Yep.” Hadley laughed.
“She’s been sleeping in lately.”
“Let her be,” said Ernest.
“School starts soon; she won’t be able to sleep in much longer. Anyway, I’m heading out. I’ll see you in the afternoon.”
“Alright.” Hadley followed him to the door.
“Take care, Ernest.”
After seeing him off, she returned inside. She waited for Joy to wake up, helped her get dressed, and together they headed to the main house.
“Let’s go see Great-Grandma.”
That afternoon, Nyla was resting. Her energy didn’t last long these days. Joy refused to nap. Instead, she tugged at Hadley’s hand and dragged her into the garden.
At the same time, Eric arrived at Flynn Mansion. He headed straight to the Crimson House but found it empty. One of the servants told him Hadley and Joy were in the garden.
As he made his way there, he heard laughter drifting through the air.
“Mommy! You’re amazing!”
“Mommy, over there! Over there!”
“Where, baby?”
“To the left!”
“Got it! Wow… they’re so red and big!”
Eric slowed his steps, curiosity pulling at him.
“Mr. Scott,” said the servant with a smile.
“They’re out by the cherry trees. Miss Pearson is picking fruit with Miss Joy.”
I€$? ￠?@t?€я$ Iη gиovε.c?m
Cherry picking?
Eric smiled without meaning to. When he looked up, he saw them.
Under the shade of a tree, Joy sat in her baby chair with Melba beside her. Joy’s head was tilted back, eyes wide with excitement. Above them, Hadley stood on a ladder, reaching into the branches.
“This bunch?” she called out.
“Yes, yes!”
“Alright!”
She grabbed the garden shears, clipped the cluster Joy had pointed to, and held it up.
“Joy, look!”
“Wow!” Joy clapped, thrilled.
“Mommy, you’re amazing!”
“Hold on.” Hadley grinned, her voice light.
“I’ll come down and wash them for you.”
“Thank you, Mommy!” Joy stood from her chair, little fists clenched in excitement.
“I’m coming.” Hadley placed the cherries in her basket and started her way down.
She somehow missed a step. Then her foot slipped.
“Ah—” Hadley cried out, her body pitching forward.
.
.
.