"Lisbeth, how about we grab some afternoon tea?" With her arm wrapped affectionately around Lisbeth's shoulder, they both headed to the parlor.
Harriet and Beverly were already there, sipping on their teas.
"Aunt Harriet, you are not joining Jessica and the aunts for bingo today?" Aurelia greeted with a chuckle.
Harriet just shrugged, "Just not in the mood for bingo."
"Uncle Charles hasn't come back yet?" Aurelia inquired.
Harriet's expression darkened, "Better if he stays out for all I care."
Beverly quickly interjected, "Mom, knock on wood! It's a happy day, and we should be talking about good fortune, not cursing."
Aurelia added, "Right, Aunt Harriet, we need to keep things upbeat for the holidays, any grievances can wait 'til after January 5th."
They took their seats beside the other two.
Beverly noticed the reddened rims of Lisbeth's eyes and asked with concern, "Lisbeth, did you have a tiff with Raines?"
"No, it's not that. He barely even remembers me, hardly speaks to me, how could we fight?"
Lisbeth sniffled, wishing they could argue if it meant some form of acknowledgment.
His indifference towards her was like a cold abyss, devoid of light or hope.
Aurelia felt a tremor in her heart. She wanted to tell Lisbeth that Raines hadn't really lost his memory, but Leopold's warning choked her words, rendering her speechless.
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