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The Enigmatic Return (Neera and Jean) novel Chapter 1036

The elderly lady was feeling quite bored at home. Upon hearing some noise, she thought of inviting her daughter-in-law for a chat.

Unexpectedly, when she turned around, she saw Neera walking in. She was instantly overjoyed.

“Baby girl!”

With a delighted surprise, she rushed forward, seizing her hand. “Baby girl, you're finally home. Have you come to see me? Oh, how I've missed you...”

Upon hearing those words, Nadine felt the emotions that she had just managed to suppress were stirred up again. Her nose stung, and she was on the verge of tears once more.

Fearing that Mariah might notice something amiss, she quickly lowered her head, holding back her sobs, and said, “I'll go and prepare some delicious dishes for you.”

After she finished speaking, she lowered her head and entered the kitchen.

Neera's heart also felt a pang of sadness. She gently held the old lady's hand in return and responded softly, “Yes, I've missed you, so I came to see you.”

Mariah was overjoyed, nodding her head and caressing her face, incessantly murmuring, “Baby girl is home. It's good to be home. I love you...”

Neera glanced at Mariah's face, which was full of wrinkles, her smile filled with satisfaction and happiness. It almost broke her heart.

How wonderful it would be if mom were still here...

The few people nearby watched, feeling a wave of sadness in their hearts.

Mariah, oblivious to everything else, excitedly pulled Neera to sit down, chattering non-stop.

One moment, she was showing concern for her daughter's situation; the next, she was sharing her own thoughts and reflections over the years.

Neera suppressed the sadness in her heart and patiently accompanied her...

For lunch, Nadine indeed cooked up a feast of delicious dishes.

Mariah was delighted, her appetite for food even greater than before. She kept enthusiastically serving Neera more food.

“Baby girl, try this. It's really delicious. Also, these honey-glazed chicken wings are Nadine's specialty. Give it a taste. Her cooking skills are top-notch. Look at you. You're so thin. There's no meat on your bones. You must be worn out from work. Come on, eat more, nourish yourself. You need to take care of your health...”

No matter what she said, Neera would agree, obediently eating the food she served her while also serving the elderly woman in return.

“Don't just focus on me. Make sure you eat plenty too.”

The three little ones were quite perceptive, noticing that Elmer was in low spirits. They all took turns serving him food, coaxing him with their sweet, baby voices.

“Great-grandfather, you should eat more vegetables.”

“If you don't eat, you'll get hungry, and being hungry is very uncomfortable!”

“Only when you're well-fed will you have the strength to hold us and play with us.”

Elmer was still feeling upset, but the antics of these three little ones managed to dispel some of his sorrow.

After lunch, as per her daily routine, Mariah would take a nap.

But today, she refused to sleep no matter what was said. She kept holding onto Neera's hand, fearing that if she fell asleep, Neera would leave.

“Baby girl, don't go. Will you stay with me, please?”

Neera couldn't bear to see her pleading, and her heart softened. She gently comforted her, “Don't worry. I'm not leaving. How about this? I'll stay and nap with you. Is that okay?”

With that, she led Mariah into the bedroom, arm in arm.

Mariah lay down with a dubious expression, but she held onto Neera's hand tightly, unwilling to let go for a long time.

Neera was very patient. Her voice was as warm as a spring breeze as she talked to Mariah, lulling her to sleep.

Only then did Mariah gradually relax.

After she finally fell asleep, Nadine gently pushed the door open and walked in.

Looking at Mariah sleeping peacefully, she let out a sigh of relief.

“It has to be you who coaxes her. She's not usually this well-behaved.”

Neera chuckled lightly and tucked Mariah in with a blanket before walking over to the window with Nadine.

“Aunt Nadine, I didn't get a chance to ask before. What exactly is Granny's illness? How long has she been like this?”

Speaking of that, Nadine let out a sigh.

“Over the years, your granny has always missed your mother deeply. As time went on, her longing grew into a sort of sickness. However, her symptoms weren't so severe before. A couple of years ago, she suddenly fell seriously ill with a persistent high fever. When she was unconscious, she kept mumbling your mother's name. Later on, even though her body recovered, her mind hasn't been quite clear...”

Neera nodded. “In that case, it doesn't seem to be a major issue. It can be treated. I'll go back and research how to treat Granny and help her recover as soon as possible.”

Nadine knew of her capabilities and naturally had complete trust in her.

“If she can recover, that would be the best outcome. But don't exhaust yourself over it. We've thought it through. If she can't recover, it's not the end of the world. We won't insist on it. As long as she can live happily each day, that's all that matters.”

Then, she paused, a hint of sadness surfacing in her eyes.

“Sometimes I wonder, if she were to recover and learn that Stacy is no longer in this world, she surely wouldn't be able to bear it. Wouldn't that be even more cruel? Rather than letting her be lucid and heartbroken, I'd prefer her to live out her life in this confused state; at least she could be somewhat happier.”

Neera pursed her lips and said softly, “I understand what you're saying, but if it's an illness, it's not good to let it drag on. If it can be treated, we should treat it.”

She pondered for a moment, and quickly made a decision.

“Here's the plan. Once Granny wakes up later, I'll take her to the research institute for a specific examination.”

Nadine nodded, patting her hand.

“All right. You're the doctor, so I'll listen to you. Even though Stacy is no longer with us, having you around is still a comfort to Mom.”

Neera nodded, remembering there was something she needed to discuss with his uncle and grandfather. So, she left with Nadine.

At that moment, Harvey was playing chess with Elmer in the courtyard.

The little one's chess skills were astonishing, surprisingly matching the elderly man's.

Jeremiah and Edward, standing nearby, watched in awe and astonishment, their eyes filled with admiration and pride.

“This kid is incredibly smart!”

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