He was never like this with Sandra, but with her, it was always the same.


    He had to be aware of it, but it was a habit ingrained over more than a decade together. It was a part of him now, impossible to change.


    The elders, who had been lingering nearby, noticed the escting tension and quickly brought out the dishes.


    "The food''s ready! Let''s eat first and talkter. Grandma has been nting lots of flowers and has some new fish. We can all go take a look after dinner."


    Grandma Rosenberg skillfully changed the subject.


    Hannah nodded. “Okay! I used to have fish, but they all died, so I gave up. I was afraid I''d just kill more. Now if I want to see fish, I can juste to your house.”


    "Of course! You shoulde visit more often. I can teach you how to care for them. If there''s anything else you want to raise, just tell me, and I''ll raise it for you."


    Throughout the meal, Grandma Rosenberg kept the conversation focused on Hannah''s work and her trip to Nyston, carefully avoiding any mention of the divorce or Lionel.


    Lionel, to his credit, understood the cue and remained silent. He knew that if he spoke now, he would only shatter the fragile peace.


    He couldn''t remember thest time he and Hannah had sat together for a meal so calmly. He used to dreading home to eat with her.


    Now, it felt like an unattainable luxury, something he couldn''t even pray for.


    After dinner, Hannah followed Grandma to the yard to see her new flowers and fish.


    Looking at the fat, vibrant koi swimming in the pond, Hannah couldn''t resist reaching out to touch one.


    "The water is so cold! You''ll freeze your hands."


    Grandma Rosenberg took her hand, gently drying it with a clean towel.


    “Honestly, you just don''t know how to take care of yourself. What if you catch a cold?"


    Hannah paused for a moment, then chuckled. "I just touched a fish, Grandma I didnt jump in to catch one How could I possibly get sick from that?"


    f.n


    Hearing her cheerful, dismissive tone, her grandmother''s voice grew stern. "Of course you could! You''ve always had a weak constitution, getting sick all the time. I''ve found so many doctors and prepared so many temedies to help you, Hothing seems to stick. You have to take good care of your body and stop doing reckless things like this."


    Hannah stuck out her tongue yfully at her grandmother''s scolding, promising she wouldn''t de it again. Only then did Grandma Rosenberg rx and release her hand.


    it


    She turned and shot a sharp re at Lionel. That good-for-nothing boy had never taken proper care of Hannah.


    Every time Hannah was sick, he was nowhere to be found. He never knew how to cherish his wife.


    “Grandma, you have so many guests today, it''s quite lively. Why didn''t you let me know? I would havee over too."


    A familiar voice came from behind them. Hannah turned, her face lighting up.


    "Quennel!"