Jonathan shot Niamh a cool, sidelong glance.
“You can just pretend I’m craving your cooking again.”
It wasn’t until he mentioned it that Niamh realized–it had been ages since
Jonathan last tasted any of her food.
“You ate my cooking every day for three years. Aren’t you sick of it? Sometimes it’s good to give your stomach a break and try something different.”
Jonathan caught the edge in her words, but didn’t respond right away. After a moment’s pause, he said quietly,
“Taking your medicine on time is better for your stomach than switching up the
menu.”
Niamh shrugged, not caring whether Jonathan picked up on her real meaning.
She’d planned to head over to the finance office and arrange to take over all her mother’s hospital payments herself, but with Jonathan hovering nearby, it didn’t feel like the right time. She decided she’d take care of it another day.
They stood together at the entrance of Harmony Senior Residence, each getting ready to go their separate ways.
“You’re headed to see your grandpa, aren’t you!”
Jonathan couldn’t help but smile when Niamh’s eyes widened in surprise, as if to say, “How did you know?” He looked amused, as if her thoughts were always easy
to read.
“Do you… want to come with me?”
It wasn’t until the words were out of her mouth that Niamh realized how much it sounded like an invitation, which wasn’t her intention at all.
“No, it’s fine.” Jonathan shook his head. “You go ahead. I’ve got to get back to the
office.”
“Alright.”
Niamh breathed out, relieved.
Truthfully, she didn’t want Jonathan tagging along. She wasn’t just visiting Clifford for the autumn festival–she needed to ask about that ten percent share, and having Jonathan there would only make things awkward.
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She turned to look for her car, but suddenly Jonathan caught her by the wrist.
Niamh started, her whole body tense.
He lifted her left hand, his grip gentle but firm, making her look at him in confusion. “I meant to ask earlier, inside…” Jonathan’s gaze lingered on her hand. “This is the first time I’ve seen you wear a ring…” He hesitated, then clarified, “Well, except for the wedding day.”
Only then did Niamh realize he’d noticed the small ring on her left middle
finger–not the engagement ring Jonathan had once given her, but something much subtler. She hadn’t expected him to notice.
She fell silent, unsure what she was supposed to say, or what Jonathan expected from her.
He held her wrist for a long moment, studying her.
“Did you buy it yourself?”
“A friend gave it to me.”
“Guy or girl?”
“Does it really matter to you?”
She had to tug a little to free herself from his grip.
Jonathan’s brow furrowed for a split second, but he quickly smoothed it away, forcing a faint smile before turning and walking off.
Niamh drove to her grandfather’s old house, stopping to buy him a present on the
way.
Clifford, a military man in his day, was still in great shape–he kept fit, and his legs were strong for his age.
Since it was the autumn festival, Niamh took him to the park to admire the chrysanthemums.
After walking a while, she worried Clifford might get tired, so they found a bench to
rest.
“Clear skies and crisp air–this weather is just perfect,” Clifford said with a deep breath.
“It really is,” Niamh replied, smiling. “Your legs are still strong, Grandpa. Now that
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it’s not too hot or cold, you should get outside more often. it’s good for health.”
“That’s true. But without you around, walking the park with anyone else just isn’t the
same.”
Niamh laughed, not thinking too much of it. “Then I come with you more often, Grandpa.”
Clifford turned to look at her, his eyes full of regret. He let out a heavy sigh.
“I’m glad to hear you say that, Nia. But… you and Jonathan you’ve already signed the divorce papers, haven’t you?”
