From Sneers to Cheers: Anthea’s Ascent

Gerry shook his head.

“You’ve never seen your mom since you were a kid?” the cab driver asked in a hushed tone.

Gerry nodded.

“Man, that was rough. Such a young kid. The driver sighed inwardly.

“So how come you’re here all by yourself? Where’s your dod?”

He’s come down with something fierce.”

The expression on the driver’s face grew even more somber

No leads, it was like finding a needle in a haystack.

As Gerry was about to get out of the cab, the driver cautioned him, “Kid, Cloudcrest is a nice place, but it’s crawling with con artists. Your gotta watch your back, don’t let anyone take you for a ride. I hope you find your mom soon and have that family reunion”

“Thank you sir” Gemy handed the fare to the driver and gave a slight bow

“This kid’s got manners,” the driver thought to himself.

Capital City

Edna had whipped up some homemade pastries, intending for Darleen to take them over to Gerry.

Even though she wasn’t looking to curry favor with Gerry anymore.

But she still had to keep up appearances.

“Gerard’s not home.” Darleen reported.

“Not home?” Edna continued, “Where did he go?”

“He’s probably off to Saltwater Metropolis for a vacation,” Darleen said nonchalantly

Vacation in Saltwater Metropolis?

School’s about to start, why would Gerry go there for a vacation?

Gerry was always a reserved and quiet child, much like Jonah

It was not like him to go out and have fun.

Edna instinctively felt something was amiss. She put down the pastries and headed upstairs, dialing a number as she went. “Hello, track down Gerry’s recent whereabouts for me.”

“Will do.”

Waiting was torture.

The longer she went without an answer, the more anxious Edna became.

‘Mom.

Just then, a knock sounded at the door

“What is it?” Edna frowned slightly.

“Mom, the wellness soup downstairs is ready. You can take it to Janet now,” Darleen said,

Only then did Edna remember about the wellness soup.

Even though Gerry’s situation was important, the soup was a priority.

“Coming” Edna hurried downstairs, carrying the wellness soup over to the Lindsay family

Janet was, as usual, waiting for Edna at the door.

“Janet,” Edna greeted.

“Hi, Edna.” Janet’s face would brighten up every time she saw Edna

“It’s chilly” Edna said, holding the wellness soup in one hand and tucking Janet’s down coat with the other, “you shouldn’t wait outside for me, especially with your frail health. If something were to happen to you because of me, I’d never forgive myself.”

“Standing for a moment won’t hurt, Janet said with a smile, “I only rest easy when I see you’ve arrived.”

Delia chimed in from the side, “If strangers saw this, they’d think you and Miss Edna were mother and daughter. There’s more warmth here than in some actual mother daughter relationships.”

09:41

Delin always knew which way the wind was blowing.

She knew exactly what to say to please Janet.

“Who’s to say we’m not? In my eyes, Edna is just like my own daughter”

After helping Janet inside and settling her with the soup. Edna casually asked, “I haven’t seen Gerry around today, where is he?”

“He’s off to Saltwater Metropolis on a trip, Janet answered

Edna glanced at Janet and continued, “I remember Gerry not being too keen on traveling.”

“Let him be” Janet waved off the concem.

He had grown up now. She couldn’t keep tabs on him anymore

Edna didn’t press further, a glint of curiosity flickered in her eyes.

After spending a night in the hotel, Gerry set out the next day on his journey to find his mother.

Clueless, with no leads, standing amidst the bustling streets, he felt a moment of despair.

His eyes landed on a mother and son,

The boy was probably around seventeen or eighteen, about his age.

“Mom, what’s for dinner when we get back home?”