Lena’s face was a mask of bewilderment as she stared at Josefina. Her eyes were wide with shock and panic that she couldn’t hide. How on earth did Josefina end up here?
Confused, Lena asked, “Josie, what are you doing here?”
“Now’s not the time for your questions,” Josefina replied. Her tone was frosty and firm.
Lena stammered, “I... I was just checking on Grandma. I didn’t go in to see her today, and I was worried. I thought everyone was asleep, so I sneaked over to have a look.”
Lena’s voice began to choke with emotion. “Grandma watched me grow up. Ever since you came back, everyone’s been focused on you. Josie, I miss Grandma too.”
Lena’s pitiful look was enough to tug at anyone’s heartstrings.
Josefina stood inside the house while Lena remained outside, not daring to step in. Tears welled in Lena’s eyes as they reddened. “Josie, do you not want me to see Grandma? I’m her granddaughter too.”
Suddenly, Lena burst into tears, causing Grandpa Robert to come running, utterly bewildered by the commotion. Wearing his pajamas, Grandpa Robert hurried over. “Josie, Lena, what’s going on here? Why are you both out here?”
Grandpa Robert glanced at Emily inside the house, who was still soundly asleep.
Lena, getting ahead of Josefina, quickly explained, “Grandpa, I was just so worried about Grandma. I wanted to check on her while everyone else was asleep. I had no idea Sis would be here too.”
Josefina dropped a bombshell, “Grandma’s been poisoned. I wanted to see who would come to poison her again tonight.”
“What!” Grandpa Robert exclaimed in horror. “Someone’s been poisoning her?”
The very thought that their home was no longer safe sent shivers down his spine. His concern immediately turned to Emily. He looked at Lena, startling her with his intense gaze.
“Grandpa, I was just worried about Grandma. She loves me so much, and seeing her like this... it’s just too much for me to bear,” Lena said. Her eyes were brimming with tears, portraying herself as the biggest victim.
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