The next morning, Roseanne was jolted awake by the ringing of her phone.
The early dawn light was barely peeking through her curtains as she rubbed her eyes and squinted at the clock. It wasn’t even 7 a.m. yet. She yawned, her brain still foggy from sleep.
She picked up the phone, her voice carrying the husky remnants of sleep. “Dad, why are you calling so early?”
Norris paused for a moment, his voice tinged with an unusual mix of apprehension and uncertainty. “Anne… your grandparents have come to visit.”
Roseanne blinked, still caught in the web of sleep. “Grandparents? What grandparents?”
“Your mom’s biological parents, your real grandparents.”
Roseanne sat there, stunned for a few seconds before the words finally sunk in. She bolted upright, momentarily speechless.
After what seemed like an eternity, she jumped out of bed. “I’m booking a ticket home right now.”
By noon, her flight touched down.
Roseanne exited the airport and flagged down a taxi.
As she approached her family home, she noticed two cars parked outside the house.
One was a Bentley, the other a sleek black limousine with a special license plate—certainly not something your average Joe could afford.
Neighbors walked by, casting curious glances and whispering amongst themselves.
After all, Bentleys are seen around, but that limousine… that bespoke model, and with a special plate? That’s not just wealth; that’s influence or legacy.
Roseanne felt a knot tighten in her stomach.
Once inside, she immediately saw Norris in the front garden, aimlessly digging into the dirt.
He looked more like a lost child than a man tending to his garden, turning the soil over and over with a trowel, surrounded by empty pots.
It was clear he wasn’t gardening for the pleasure of it—just keeping his hands busy to stop his mind from spiraling.
Roseanne glanced toward the house, the open door letting faint voices drift out. Her grandparents must be inside.
She didn’t rush in but instead walked over to Norris and crouched down beside him.
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