Chapter 83

SARAH'S POV:

The heavy front door swung open with a creak before I even had a chance to reach for the handle.

In the doorway, my grandmother stood, her figure framed by the soft light spilling in from outside. Worry lines etched deep into her usually serene face, and her bright eyes were clouded with concern.

Without a word, she enveloped me in a tight, warm embrace, the faint scent of lavender and old books swirling around us, briefly offering a sense of solace amid uncertainty.

"Are you okay?" My grandmother asked as she looked at me with concern, her voice trembling with unspoken fears.

I held onto her tightly, nodding and reassuring her, "I’m fine, Grandma.”

She lingered, her touch gentle yet firm as if she needed to convince herself of my presence before reluctantly releasing me. The familiar creak of the old floorboards echoed through the room as she stepped back, a sound that had always brought me comfort and a sense of belonging. But on this particular evening, the air seem