Joan did not realize that she was upset and thought that she was tired. So he replied, ‘Okay, I’ll sleep too.’
Amanda heard the phone buzz and eagerly picked up the phone. Before she unlocked the screen, she already saw the message notification and began to laugh. She thought fondly about Joan and wondered if he really did not realize that she was upset or he just was not sensitive to such hints.
She placed her cellphone down and went to sleep.
Joan came early the next morning.
Amanda saw Joan sitting at the living hall having a conversation with Matthew.
“Are you here to freeload?” Amanda walked over to Joan.
Joan hesitated for a moment before laughing, “Yeah, I’m here just for a free meal.”
Amanda rolled her eyes and sat beside Matthew.
“Joan needs to go back.” Matthew said to her and continued, “He wishes that you leave with him. What do you think?”
Amanda was caught off guard and did not know how to respond. She asked Joan, “Was this what you mentioned about last night?”
Joan affirmed and said, “There are some things that require my attention.” He paused for a moment and then said, “I hope that you can go back with me.”
Amanda replied, “I don’t wish to.”
“Your grandmother’s health is frail and your mother wishes to stay here. We won’t be going back anytime soon. It’s not good for the house to be empty for too long. Go back there and help us maintain it.” Matthew said.
“Dad, aren’t you asking me to go back with him?” She meant that he was too obvious.
Just now Joan told Matthew about what had happened in B city and that was why he made this decision. It was better that they avoided Stanford.
“Grandmother’s health is failing. I don’t wish to leave. I want to spend more time with her.” Amanda leaned onto Matthew’s shoulders coyly. No matter how old she was, she was always her father’s little girl.
“Andrew would be around. Your mother and I would also be here. There are enough people here to take care of your grandmother. There is no need for you to be here.” Matthew said.
“But I don’t wish to be doing nothing over there.” Amanda felt that she should be doing something other than just spending time with Joan.
“Remember the job that I told you about the last time? You may start anytime you wish.” Matthew patted Amanda’s shoulders and continued, “I recommended you for the job. Don’t disappoint me.”
“Of course.” Amanda answered confidently and continued, “I am your daughter and will not let you down.”
“So I’ll buy two air tickets?” Joan asked.
Amanda stood up, looked at him, and said, “Come out with me.”
Joan looked puzzled and did not know what was going on.
“Go ahead.” Matthew waved.
Joan went out with Amanda and asked, “What’s up?”
Amanda did not answer and looked at him quietly. Joan became flustered and wondered if he had done something wrong. He carefully asked, “Are you upset?”
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