“Granny’s dead. She passed away this morning,” Emilia’s mother informed her over the phone the following morning.

“Oh, dear. I’m so sorry, Mom.”

“Thanks, darling,” her mother replied brokenly and blew her nose.

“I’m coming home with Travis today. We’ll be on our way soon.”

“That would be nice. We’re heading to the countryside later today. Daddy’s not going with us, though. He’ll join us tomorrow after he’s sorted out things in the restaurants.”

“Ok. We’ll see you soon.”

After she hung up, Emilia curled up in her bed again and cried. Granny was gone. She’d never feel her grandmother’s warm embrace anymore or hear her calm singsong voice.

She...