Find me in your labyrinth (Stella and Jonathan) novel Chapter 2558

The three of them sipped rose tea in the garden, chatting away. Maybe it was the gentle warmth of the breeze or the way the new leaves on the trees looked so soft and green, but the whole courtyard seemed wrapped in a peaceful, comforting glow.

Most of the conversation came from Eugene. Whenever Grandma Winters asked a question, he’d respond at length, never leaving a silence unfilled.

Grandma Winters spoke slowly, but there was something soothing about her voice, a calm that settled over everyone. Sylvia joined in every so often, though the afternoon sun beating down on her back made her feel drowsy and relaxed, as if the sunlight itself was slowly unwinding every last knot of tension.

Gradually, the shadows of the trees crept across the neat stone path, scattering flecks of shade over their feet. The breeze shifted, growing cooler. Eugene stood up, fetched a blanket, and gently draped it over Grandma Winters’ knees, then tucked another across Sylvia’s legs.

Sylvia tried to protest, but Grandma Winters just chuckled. "Let him fuss over you, dear. That’s what he’s supposed to do. Don’t move."

Sylvia could never bring herself to refuse the old woman’s kindness, so she sat back and let the warmth settle over her.

Then Grandma Winters turned to Eugene. "VIVI and Coco will be here soon. Go feed them, will you?"

Eugene explained to Sylvia, "VIVI and Coco are stray cats Grandma takes care of. They come by around this time every day for their meal. I’ll just be a minute."

"Go ahead," Sylvia smiled. "Don’t worry about us."

Eugene left to feed the cats, leaving Sylvia and Grandma Winters alone in the garden.

Though Grandma Winters’ eyes were clouded with age, they held a peacefulness Sylvia rarely saw. "Sylvia, I hope you know—Eugene cares for you very much."

Sylvia hesitated, unsure how to reply. She managed a smile. "Mr. Winters is a good man. He looks out for everyone around him."

A shadow crossed Grandma Winters’ face. "I don’t have much time left. What worries me most is Eugene. His parents care more about their business and money than they do about him. Who knows what kind of wife they’ll try to find for him one day? I’m afraid he won’t be happy."

Sylvia blinked in surprise. "What do you mean?"

Grandma Winters smiled gently. "I’m ill, Sylvia. It’s serious, and there’s no cure. Eugene tries to keep it from me, but I know."

Grandma Winters shook her head. "No, you two will be just fine. As the days pass, you’ll see—being with someone who truly cares for you is what lasts."

Sylvia fell silent.

"What are you two whispering about? So cozy over here!"

Eugene returned, saving Sylvia from her thoughts.

Grandma Winters let go of Sylvia’s hand, smiling fondly. "I was just telling Ms. Jarvis how lovely her hands are. They remind me of my own when I was her age—so clever and graceful."

Eugene grinned and shot Sylvia a look. "I don’t know about clever, but her handwriting’s beautiful."

"See? I could tell right away!" Grandma Winters said, pride in her voice.