4 Her Missing Son!
Evelyn’s voice shook as she added, “I don’t want you to live here alone. Aunty, you and I, we are more than family. We are best friends and
family. And as best friends and family, we must stick together!” 1
Martha remained silent for a long moment, her thumb gently rubbing the back of Evelyn’s hand. She didn’t know how to respond to her
right away.
Her heart swelled at Evelyn’s invitation; being seen as true family touched her deeply, but her decision was already made.
Finally, she gave a serene smile, the kind that carried both peace and sorrow, and patted her hand gently.
“Sorry, Evelyn,” Martha said softly, her voice warm yet slightly shaking. “I can’t move. I have to stay here.”
Evelyn’s chest tightened, but she wasn’t ready to give up on trying to convince her.
“Aunty, please. I’m worried about you staying here alone.” Her tone wavered, betraying her concern. “And Oliver… he’ll be devastated if
you don’te with us. He told me he’s afraid you’ll be lonely.”
At that, Martha’s eyes widened, a sharp breath slipping out.
Martha hadn’t realized the little boy carried such a heavy worry in his tender heart. The thought of Oliver lying awake at night thinking
of her made her chest ache.
Her lips trembled into a smile, touched and moved, but in the end, she still shook her head. “Little Oliver, such a sweet little guy… he is
always thinking of others. Just like his mother.“”
Evelyn leaned forward and smiled back at Aunty Martha before saying, “Thene with us. If not for me, then for him. He needs you. I
need you.”
Martha’s eyes softened, filled with warmth. But behind that, her choice was clear.
“Oh dear, Eve, you’ve already given me more than I could have hoped for. You treat me like family, and Oliver… he’s the bright spot in my days. But this town… this ce… is my home. If I left, I’d feel lost.”
Her words were enough to silence Evelyn, torn between respecting her wishes and her own fear of leaving her behind.
Still, she pressed carefully, her voice soft but earnest. “Then tell me, Aunty… why? Why can’t youe with us?” She could feel there was
a reason why she couldn’t move from her house.
Martha’s eyes filled with tears, her voice dropping to a whisper, almost breaking.
“Because if I leave, he… He will never find me. This is the only ce he knows…”
Evelyn was stunned by Martha’s words. She had expected hesitation, maybe excuses about the cafe or the garden, but not this. Her chest
tightened with confusion.
Martha’s husband had been gone for years. She had no family left, at least none Evelyn had ever seen.
She had lived in this town for four years, close enough to know that no one ever came to visit Martha. Not a cousin, not an old friend,
<
54 Hei Missing Son!
not even someone distant.
So who could possibly hold her here?
“Aunty, Evelyn began carefully, her voice soft but edged with worry. “I’m sorry… but could you tell me who you mean?”
Martha’s lips trembled. She lowered her gaze, and for a long second, Evelyn thought she might refuse. But finally, in a voice almost
fragile, she whispered, “Do you remember when I told you about my son?”
Evelyn blinked, taken aback. The memory surfaced immediately. She nodded. “Yes. Of course I remember, Aunty. Your missing son…”
How could she forget?
The very first time she met Martha in the hospital, Martha had spoken of him. A son who had disappeared right after graduating from
high school. She’d filed missing–person reports, gone from station to station, but the trail had gone cold. No leads, no word. Just silence
that stretched on for years. Eventually, the world assumed him dead.
But now, sitting here, Evelyn realized Martha had never truly let go.
Martha’s hands tightened around hers, her eyes ssy. “Well… maybe one day he’lle back, Eve. Maybe he’lle back to me. I know
he’s not dead yet. He can’t die. Not when I can still sense his presence in this world!” Her voice was shaking.
Evelyn feels her heart tighten, her eyes burning with her own tears. She can only gently pat Martha’s hand, fighting to hold back her
tears.
Her heart ached to realize how cruel hope can be, both a promise and a chain.
“Aunty Martha…” Evelyn whispered, her voice shaking despite her best effort to appear calm. “Noah will return… He must be returned to
you someday…”
Martha’s tears kept flowing, “Thank you, Eve… Thank you. And promise me you and Oliver will visit me…”
“Sure, Aunty, we will. Besides, we won’t be moving anytime soon…” Before Evelyn could add more, a small, concerned voice echoed from
behind.
“Oh, Mommy, Granny… Why are you both crying?”
They both jolted and turned their heads. Oliver stood in the doorway, his dinosaur toy in his hand, his round eyes widening in worry.
In unison, Martha and Evelyn straightened, swiping hastily at their cheeks.
“We’re not crying” Evelyn said far too quickly. “We’re just… seasoning the air.
“Seasoning?” Oliver frowned, suspicious. “Wi–With tears?” His cute little eyes narrowed, almost making Evelynugh, but she held it
back.
Martha chuckled through her sniffles. “Yes, sweetheart. Mommy and I are just… adding some extra vor for lunch.”
Oliverughed so hard at their words that he knew they were just trying to make himugh. He joined them and sat down.
But hisughter gradually faded when he saw a delicious meal on the table. He turned to look at Martha and Evelyn before asking,
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54 Her Missing Son!
“Mommy, Granny, can we eat lunch now?”
“Sure, dear…” Martha replied, gathering thest of the dishes. “Lunch is ready, and I worked hard cooking these finger–licking, delicious
meals for you, so you two had better eat everyst bite.”
“Yes, Chef Granny….” Oliver nods with his spoon in his hand before he starts eating what Evelyn ces on his te.
Martha shook her head, smiling warmly. “Eat slowly, my dear… no one will steal your grilled meat<b>.” </b>
Evelyn chuckled as she added, “Yes, darling, no one will eat your strawberry muffin… No need to rush to eat dessert.”
The three of them happily enjoy their lunch. Oliver eats silently while Evelyn and Martha talk about the café and the two new staff
members.
But when lunch was about to end, suddenly Oliver dropped another grenade for Evelyn.
“Mommy, I hear Daddy will return tonight.”
Instantly, Evelyn’s heartbeat raced again.
66
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55 Are You Sure?
Sara Lili
<strong>Sara Lili</strong> is a daring romance writer who turns icyndscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of d’s breathtaking cold.