From Sneers to Cheers Anthea's Ascent novel Chapter 8

Anthea hadn't eaten much all day, and by then, she was starving. But even as she wolfed down her meal, there was a grace to her that made it somehow pleasant to watch.

She polished off her spaghetti in no time.

"There's more in the kitchen. I'll get you another helping," Carol offered.

Anthea gave a content smile. "No, Mom, I'm full. Thank you."

"Well then, let me take you to your room so you can rest," Carole suggested.

"Sure," Anthea nodded in agreement.

The bedroom was a cramped space carved out of another room, with Carole living just next door. The furnishings were sparse, including a bed, a desk for writing, and a wardrobe for clothes. There were no unnecessary items.

It had been Rebecca's room before. When Rebecca left, she took all her belongings with her. There wasn't even a blanket on the bed at this time.

Carole mentioned, slightly embarrassed. "Let me go and grab a comforter to make the bed for you."

"That's fine, Mom," Anthea said with a smile.

Then, as an afterthought, she added, "By the way, where's my uncle?"

Carole was one of five siblings, and her youngest brother, Nanson Yeager, lived with her.

The "uncle" Anthea referred to was indeed Nanson.

Nanson had only finished middle school. He hadn't had a steady job all these years due to his limited education. He worked as a delivery guy and didn't smoke or drink, but his one vice was the casino. Almost every paycheck he earned ended up on the gambling tables.

Carole glanced at the clock on the wall and said, "He should be back soon."

Just then, footsteps sounded at the door. "Carole! Carole! Come out and see what I've got you!"

"I'm coming," Carole called out as she moved toward the living room.

It was none other than Nanson. He carried a roast chicken in his left hand and a large watermelon in his right.

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