The Kiss that Sparked it All novel Chapter 2379

Ivy was about to answer the door for Alyssa, but she forgot she had left her crutches by the entryway.

As she stood up abruptly, she lost her balance and tumbled to the floor, the thud echoing noisily in the silent night, causing Alyssa's heart to leap into her throat.

"Goodness gracious, what's happened? Are you hurt? Take your time, dear, I’m right outside waiting. No rush at all."

Ivy's knee had taken a hard knock on the floor. After kneeling in a daze for a few seconds, she gathered herself and pushed up to stand.

"Granny, I'm alright, just a little bump. I'll be there to open the door for you in a jiffy."

Ivy struggled to her feet, using the wall for support as she opened the door.

Alyssa saw her disheveled hair and her limping stance and felt a lump form in her throat.

"Bless your heart, my dear Ivy, why must life wear you down so?"

Alyssa tenderly stroked Ivy's cheek, concern etched on her face.

"You've lost so much weight in just a few days. It's all my fault for being late. If I hadn't caught that nasty cold, I'd have been here sooner. Have you been suffering, sweetheart?"

Ivy hugged Alyssa with a yearning embrace, nuzzling into her neck as she said, "Granny, you're not late at all. Just seeing you makes me feel blessed, no matter when."

It was rare for Ivy to act so affectionately, and Alyssa patted her back soothingly.

"Ivy, let's head inside, dear. Standing at the front door like this just isn't right."

With practiced ease, Ivy leaned on her crutches, guiding Alyssa into her modest apartment.