From Sneers to Cheers: Anthea’s Ascent

Chapter 8

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.

“By the way,

o was ond

youngest brother, Nanson

“uncle” Anthea referred to was indeed Nanson.

a delivery guy and didn’t smoke or

the wall

then, footsteps sounded at the door. “Carole! Carole! Come

coming,” Carole called out as she moved toward

carried a roast chicken in his left hand and a

you strike it rich?” Carole asked

the 21st century, meat was a luxury for the

showed his pearly whites. “Got it from a client who runs a rotisserie! He said the delivery folks

Chapter 8

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

introduced her with a smile. “This is Anthea. Anthea, this

Uncle Nanson,” Anthea said

he’d seen a ghost, “You, you! Are you

had changed so much from just a few

Nanson, yeah, I am Anthea,” she said, enunciating each