Sixteen Years Waiting, Still Below the Dog Chapter 05

Sixteen Years Waiting, Still Below the Dog Chapter 05

My mother’s face dropped instantly.

This child is completely out of control. We barely said two words to her and she just runs off. When I find

her, she’ll learn what discipline really means.

My father didn’t answer. He turned and walked back inside.

The county carriage rattled along for over two hours before finally reaching Brackenfield.

I staggered off, my legs weak.

The night before, I’d curled up on a bench at the carriage stop–cold, hungry, and every wound burning like

fire.

When I pushed open the gate, Gran was sitting in the yard resting.

She heard the noise, looked up, and dropped her cup.

Sunny…

I’d held it together the whole way. But the tears came then.

Gran’s eyes were cloudy, but she still saw the cuts on my arms and face.

They hit you

Her voice trembled. I couldn’t hold it in anymore. I ran to her and threw my arms around her.

Gran, don’t send me away.

Let me stay with you, please I’m never going back to Everden.

Gran held me tight, her bony arms wrapping around me fiercely.

I was wrong. I should never have made you go. I thought you’d have a better life with them….

Never again. As long as I’m breathing, I’ll protect you.

She pulled me inside and brought out herbs to treat the silver poisoning.

The medicine stung like crazy as it dripped into the wounds. I bit my lip and didn’t make a sound.

Then Gran’s communication crystal glowed.

She picked it up. My mother’s anxious voice came through.

Mom, did Sunny run back there

This kid has no manners. She stole coin, refused to admit it, and then ran away on top of that.

Let her on the line. I’m going to make sure she understands what she did wrong.

Gran’s face went dark. She cut her off coldly.

Stole coin What coin

I’m missing a thousand gold marks. We found them in her bag. It had to be her.

Gran’s expression grew even colder.

That thousand marks were from me.

The line went quiet for a few seconds.

My mother stammered, Mom, you can’t just cover for her by lying…

Gran’s voice shot up.

Lying That was my coin. I saved it for months, afraid she’d be mistreated with you. I slipped it to her in

secret!

And you–without even asking–you beat her half to death!

You still call yourselves her parents

My mother’s voice shrank.

Why didn’t she just say so…

Gran gritted her teeth.

She did say so. Did you believe her

You left her in Brackenfield for sixteen years. The moment you finally brought her in, this is how you treat her

What is she to you

The line went completely silent.

Gran took a breath, each word sharp and final.

You don’t want her I do.

She stays with me from now on. Don’t come back here. Even if you do, I won’t open the door.

She ended the call. The room fell quiet.

Gran turned and waved me over.

Sunny, come here. I’ll make you some poached eggs.

I sniffled and walked over.

Gran bent over the stove, cracking the last few eggs into the pot one by one.

Steam blurred her face.

I watched her through the haze, and my heart finally settled.