Chapter 476 What is Your Relationship with Burry?
"Sure, let's go see Great-Grandpa," Nathaniel said, smiling at Aurelia. "It's been a while, and I know he'll be happy to see the kids."
As they drove, the kids chattered excitedly in the backseat, filling the car with their joyful noise. Nathaniel glanced at Aurelia, who seemed lost in thought.
"Everything okay?" he asked, reaching over to squeeze her hand.
She nodded, giving him a small smile. "Yeah, just thinking about everything that happened today. It's been a lot."
Nathaniel sighed. "I know. But we'll get through it. Together."
When they arrived at Great-Grandpa's house, the kids bolted out of the car and ran up to the door, knocking eagerly. The door opened to reveal an elderly man with a warm smile.
"Great-Grandpa!" Dorothy and Jacoba shouted in unison, hugging his legs.
"Well, look who it is!" Great-Grandpa chuckled, bending down to hug them back. "Come on in, everyone."
Inside, the house was cozy and filled with the smell of freshly baked cookies. Great-Grandpa led them to the living room, where they all settled in.
"So, how's everything going?" he asked, looking at Nathaniel and Aurelia.
Nathaniel exchanged a glance with Aurelia before answering. "It's been a rough day, but we're handling it."
Great-Grandpa nodded, his eyes twinkling with wisdom. "Remember, family is the most important thing. As long as you stick together, you can face anything."
Aurelia smiled, feeling a sense of peace wash over her. "Thanks, Great-Grandpa. We needed to hear that."
The rest of the evening was spent in laughter and stories, the troubles of the day melting away in the warmth of family. As they left, Nathaniel felt a renewed sense of determination. No matter what challenges lay ahead, they would face them together.
Back at home, after tucking the kids into bed, Nathaniel and Aurelia sat on the couch, enjoying a moment of quiet.
"You know," Nathaniel said, breaking the silence, "we're going to get through this. I promise."
Aurelia leaned her head on his shoulder. "I know. And I believe you."
They sat there, wrapped in each other's arms, ready to face whatever tomorrow would bring.
"If you both want to go now, then we'll go now. But I gotta tell you, there's a new guy at Great-Grandpa's house. You should call him Grandpa."
Aurelia was a bit surprised. "Uncle Marcus is back?"
"Yeah, he's been doing better. The hospital suggested he recover at home. Staying there wasn't doing him any good, and Grandpa's been really worried about him. If you don't want to see him, we can stay upstairs."
Aurelia shrugged, "It's fine. I won't be alone with him anyway."
Nathaniel started the car and headed to Great-Grandpa's house. Meanwhile, Reed was busy in the kitchen. He usually just threw something together when he was alone, but with Nathaniel and his family coming over, he wanted to show off his new recipes.
When Nathaniel's family of four arrived, the living room was empty.
Jacoba shouted, "Great-Grandpa, we're here to play with you!"
Reed poked his head out of the kitchen, his eyes lighting up with joy at the sight of the family, "Dinner's almost ready. You two go wash your hands, and we'll eat soon."
Aurelia and Nathaniel went to help in the kitchen, finding Marcus calmly prepping vegetables. The kitchen was small, and four adults made it feel cramped.
Nathaniel suggested to Reed, "Let us handle the rest. You and the kids can wait in the living room."
Normally, Reed would refuse, not feeling old enough to be pushed out. But the chance to play with the kids made him happy. He handed his apron to Nathaniel and went to embrace the children, one in each arm.
"Did you two miss me?"
Jacoba looked up, "I've been wanting to visit you for days."
Dorothy sighed, "Jacoba and I started school. We can only visit after school or on weekends. It'd be great if you could live with us."
Reed glanced back at the kitchen, then affectionately said, "Silly kids, if your parents live together, you'll see me every day."
Jacoba's eyes lit up, "That's a great idea! I'll ask Mommy if we can live with Daddy."
"Smart kids, you know how to bring your parents together."
Jacoba and Dorothy nodded, half understanding.
In the kitchen, Nathaniel took over the cooking. With more people, they needed extra dishes, so Aurelia joined in the prep work.
Initially, no one spoke. Marcus broke the silence, "Aurelia, I owe you an apology for what happened before..."
He paused, struggling to continue, feeling remorseful for his past actions, "I mistook you for someone else and scared you."
Aurelia placed the prepped vegetables in the sink and turned on the water. "You did mistake me. I'm not her."
She had told Marcus this many times before. Back then, he was severely ill, stubbornly believing Aurelia was the person in his mind, thinking it was her who had a problem, not him.
After treatment, he had improved significantly, but he still couldn't let go of that person, refusing to accept that Burry was gone.
Marcus looked despondent, his expression vacant, "She's gone."
He forced himself to face the painful reality.
Marcus turned to Aurelia, her familiar face still confusing him. He had thought a lot during this time, "Aurelia, what was your relationship with her? Why do you look so much alike?"
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