From Sneers to Cheers: Anthea’s Ascent (Anthea )

Anthea hadn’t eaten much all day, and by then, she was starving. But even as she wolfed down her meal, there was a grace to her that made it somehow pleasant to watch.

She polished off her spaghetti in no time.

“There’s more in the kitchen. I’ll get you another helping,” Carol offered.

Anthea gave a content smile. “No, Mom, I’m full. Thank you.”

“Well then, let me take you to your room so you can rest,” Carole suggested.

“Sure,” Anthea nodded in agreement.

The bedroom was a cramped space carved out of another room, with Carole living just next door. The furnishings were sparse, including a bed, a desk for writing, and a wardrobe for clothes. There were no unnecessary items.

It had been Rebecca’s room before. When Rebecca left, she took all her belongings with her. There wasn’t even a blanket on the bed at this time.

Carole mentioned, slightly embarrassed. “Let me go and grab a comforter to make the bed for you.”

“That’s fine, Mom,” Anthea said with a smile.

Then, as an afterthought, she added, “By the way, where’s my uncle?”

o was ond

of five siblings, and her youngest brother, Nanson Yeager, lived with her.

The “uncle” Anthea referred to was indeed Nanson.

Nanson had only finished middle school. He hadn’t had a steady job all these years due to his limited education. He worked as a delivery guy and didn’t smoke or drink, but his one vice was the casino. Almost every paycheck he earned ended up on the gambling tables.

Carole glanced at the clock on the wall and said, “He should be back soon.”

Just then, footsteps sounded at the door. “Carole! Carole! Come out and see what I’ve got you!”

“I’m coming,” Carole called out as she moved toward the living room.

It was none other than Nanson. He carried a roast chicken in his left hand and a large watermelon in his right.

“Nanson, did you strike it rich?” Carole asked in surprise.

Even though it was the 21st century, meat was a luxury for the Yeager family, usually reserved for festive occasions.

Grinning from ear to ear, Nanson showed his pearly whites. “Got it from a client who runs a rotisserie! He said the delivery folks deserve a break for working so hard in this heat!”

As he finished speaking, he noticed Anthea emerging from the back and looked puzzled, “Carole, who’s this?”

Carole introduced her with a smile. “This is Anthea. Anthea, this is your Uncle Nanson.”

“Nice to meet you, Uncle Nanson,” Anthea said with a polite nod.

Nanson stared at her as if he’d seen a ghost, “You, you! Are you Anthea?”

She had changed so much from just a few days ago!

“Uncle Nanson, yeah, I am Anthea,” she said, enunciating each word.

“Aren’t you up to your old tricks again?” Nanson pulled Carole behind him, wary, “Carole, don’t let her fool you again!”

His words brought back a flood of unpleasant memories for Anthea.

In her past life, she had done many hurtful things to sever ties with Carole.

Looking at Nanson sincerely, she said, “Uncle Nanson, I did something wrong before. I did many things that upset Mom, and I’m sorry. Please forgive me!”

Nanson looked at her, perplexed, his eyes full of suspicion.

How could Anthea have changed so suddenly?

It was like the sun rising in the west.

After a moment, he warned, “Little bitch, if you dare to play any tricks on my sister, I, Nanson Yeager, won’t let you off!”

Carole intervened with a chuckle. “Nanson, Anthea is my daughter. Why would she hurt me?”

Nanson snorted, “You can’t be too sure. What if she turns out to be like Rebecca, that heartless

ingrate!”