Chapter 319

Chapter 319:

“I didn’t just come to thank you,” the woman began, “but also to apologize. What happened earlier today was my grandson’s doing, and I was wrong in how I responded to the situation.”

Her tone carried a heartfelt sincerity, a striking departure from the haughty attitude she had exhibited earlier.

Fernanda offered a small, understanding smile. “As long as the boy is safe, that’s what matters. He’s still young, but he needs to learn the difference between right and wrong. Otherwise, the consequences may be far worse in the future, and regret won’t undo it then.”

The woman nodded earnestly. “You’re right.”

“You’ve been through enough tonight,” Fernanda said kindly. “Take care of your grandson—he must be terrified after all this. Don’t worry about me; I’m fine here.”

The woman acknowledged that Fernanda truly needed some rest. Then, she quietly left the tent.

Inside, a heavy silence settled.

The earlier tension and simmering anger had dissipated, replaced by a quiet reflection on the woman’s story.

The boy’s unruly behavior seemed, in some ways, to be a shield against the cruelty of other children. It wasn’t hard to imagine that if he had shown weakness, the bullying might have worsened.

Fernanda understood this better than most. She had seen such situations firsthand during her time with Hiram.

As a child, she too had been a target for bullies, but Hiram had always been there to shield her.

Despite his gentle nature, he would confront anyone who hurt her, demanding they apologize.

The memory of Hiram rose vividly in her mind as she thought of the woman earlier. Though the woman’s actions during the day had been inappropriate, her fierce protectiveness reminded Fernanda of the familial warmth she had lost long ago. Because of that, she chose not to hold any grudges.

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Fernanda lowered her head abruptly, pressing her face into the blanket. She missed Hiram terribly.

The others, thinking she was only tired, advised her to rest before quietly leaving the tent.

Outside, Sloane and Bonita shifted their tents closer to Fernanda’s, ensuring they’d be within earshot if she needed anything during the night.

As the hushed murmurs of their departure faded, Fernanda slowly raised her head. She started upon seeing Jeff still standing there. His face, illuminated by the dim yellow glow, appeared uncharacteristically soft, his dark eyes exuding an almost uncanny depth.

“I stayed to check if you needed anything—food, water, or maybe another blanket,” Jeff said, his tone careful, steering away from anything that might touch a raw nerve. “If you feel sick, let me know. The doctors are close by, and I can fetch them.”

“No, thank you,” Fernanda replied, her voice low but steady. “I’m just tired. I’ll rest for a bit.”

Jeff nodded. He adjusted the mat and blanket beneath her, his actions deliberate and tender. “Rest well,” he murmured before stepping out and zipping the tent shut behind him.

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