DISTANCE: Curses and Blessings by Nele Betra

Author:Nele Betra [Betra, Nele]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2023-06-30T16:00:00+00:00

11

- CARLO -

During breakfast we talk about God and the world but circumnavigate the topic of Brennan. It costs me every bit of restraint not to jump up and shout: “Good Lord, can we please finish with the small talk and switch to the actual subject?” Not that I don’t find Sophia lovely, but it’s all taking too long for me.

“Well, you’re certainly not here to chat about old times,” Sophia seems to relent to my profound relief. She sets a bold gaze on me, as if she had heard my thoughts.

“That’s true, Mrs. Hardin.”

“Hadn’t we made that clear earlier? You’re supposed to call me Sophia.”

Like a scolded boy, I wince. “Excuse me, ma’am.”

A hearty laugh. “It’s a mystery to me why my grandson is fleeing from you. You’re such a lovely young man.”

Somewhat embarrassed, I thank her kindly for the compliment.

Sophia rises from her chair and begins to clear the table. “So, what have you done to my little one that makes him want to travel far and wide?”

Amber snorts behind her hand and has trouble hiding a gloating grin. I shoot a grumpy look her way that does the opposite of what I intended. Now she’s snorting with laughter.

I return my focus to Sophia, who’s now standing at the dishwasher and looking over at us like an elementary school teacher. The only thing missing is for her to send us to the principal’s office, I surmise, before I take a deep breath and tell her everything. I was completely serious when I told Amber I wouldn’t stop at anything.

I’m finally able to confide in her about the last few months with Brennan, while leaving out the intimate details, of course. After all, my intentions aren’t to give her a heart attack. As Sophia leisurely cleans up the kitchen she only comments every now and then with an uncomprehending shake of the head followed by “hmm …” and “I see.”

When I come to the end, I sit back and realize again, as after the conversation with Meddy, how good it is to talk to someone about the situation. No derogatory remarks or lectures. She listens patiently and makes me feel like no matter what I do or say, she wouldn’t judge me – maybe whack me on the head, but never judge. And that’s amazing.

Of course, Peter and William are there for me and never once left me hanging, let alone judged me for whatever. Yet I never told them about my past. I think William came up with his own speculation after asking me about my scars when we were younger, and I still owe him an answer to this day. Has Peter figured out why I have them? No idea.

But this particular individual ... It feels to me as if I’m Sophia’s grandson, who’s confessing his crimes to her, simply because he knows she understands and loves him. I even feel the need to talk about myself. Which feels strange. On top of that, it’s amazing to find it doesn’t bother me for Amber to be listening in on everything.

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