My Four Miraculous Treasures novel Chapter 62

She’d aged quickly, these past several years.

“Oh, I’m fine… just caught a little cold, that’s all.” Seeing their return, Helen’s face lit up with a smile.

“Grand-aunt, we’re back!” Like an energetic little bunny, Hailey bounded over to her bedside, smiling sweetly.

“Ah, so I see! Here, let me have a look at you… ooh, what a pretty girl you are!” Helen’s eyes shone with love, and she chuckled gently as she held Hailey’s soft, round face in both hands.

“Hello, grand-aunt,” Julian said, coming up to her as well.

“Grand-aunt,” Tristan echoed.

“We’re here, grand-aunt!” Lilith chimed, squeezing her way to the front.

Helen was grinning from ear-to-ear, now. “Oh, everyone’s here! Good, good… I’ve got a whole bunch of candy for you kids. I’ll just go get it now…”

She pulled aside her blanket and got out of bed, then headed over to the old wooden cabinet to retrieve a handful of small red candies, which she distributed amongst the four children.

It was common for the villagers to exchange these candies whenever times were good. Helen had saved them all up to give to the children, whenever they came back.

The children gobbled up the candy happily, their smiles sweeter than honey.

“Thank you, Aunt Helen!” they all said together, like a choir of angels.

Helen suddenly appeared many years younger. “Why, it’s nothing! You’re all very welcome.”

Then the four children ran outside to play.

Helen watched them go, beaming with delight, until tears welled up in her eyes, drowning her heart in bottomless grief.

Her own daughter had been about their age, when Helen lost her…

If not for what had happened, she would be… how old, now?

Willow plucked a tissue and hurried over to dab at her tears. “Aunt Helen, it’s all in the past. I believe Yvette is in a better place now, somewhere out there, her soul at peace.”

Helen swallowed hard, and nodded. “Yes… it’s been so many years, already. Life is hardest for those who remain alive.”

Willow felt her own heart falter, her own eyes stung by bitter tears.