Chapter 0539
+25 BONUS
After leaving Celeste’s house, Peter drove to the lookout where he’d been with her before. He’d had to leave Mary’s house quickly, knowing that if he stayed any longer, his feelings would overwhelm his reason–and that wouldn’t lead to anything good.
“I had it easier when I didn’t remember anything,” he muttered. “Now I feel like a wretched bastard for feeling what I feel, for thinking what I think. Mary, I wish we could just run away and start over, far away from everything keeping us apart.”
Peter stayed there for a long time, waiting for his grandson to get out of school. When the time came, he drove to the school and composed himself before Ethan came out. Taking a deep breath, he put on his usual expression, got out of the car, and waited by the gate..
“Grandpa! You came! You came! Are we going to the movies? Are you taking me?” Ethan asked, skipping and holding his grandfather’s hand.
“Yes! I don’t have a choice, do I? Have you decided what movie we’re watching?”
“Yep! Already did!”
“Alright, then let’s go…‘
After an afternoon at the cinema, something amazing happened: spending time with his grandson helped Peter clear his mind for a few hours. He enjoyed something he hadn’t done in ages—going to the movies, eating popcorn, sipping soda, and indulging in sweets. It was an experience he hadn’t had since he was a teenager. Back when his father sent him to Galea, he had to limit his spending, and whatever little money he had went toward other priorities. He’d forced himself to grow up quickly and focus on more pressing matters.
The outing ended at an ice cream parlor. While Ethan’s cheeks were smeared with chocolate ice cream, Peter savored a vanilla cone. A phrase he’d made up echoed in his mind: “Ice cream cures all wounds, especially if it’s vanilla.”
“Ethan…” Peter started.
“Yes, Grandpa?”
“I’m going to have to go on a trip…”
“Okay!”
“It’s not just any trip, Ethan. I’m going to the house in Slovenia.”
“But…”
“I promise I’ll come back to see you.”
“Grandpa… What about Miss Celeste? You have to stay and take care of her. You can’t leave…” Ethan said with a worried tone.
“Ethan, Miss Celeste is coming with me.”
“Take me with you! Let’s go! I want to come too!” Ethan said, his eyes glistening with tears.
“Do you really want to come with me?”
“Yes!”
“Ethan, I don’t know when I’ll be back. How would that work? Your school, your friends…”
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Chapter 0539
+25 BONUS
“I don’t talk to John anymore, and I can go back to my old school. Grandpa… Please don’t leave me!”
Peter hadn’t expected Ethan’s reaction. He was leaving that very day, but now he had to think about his grandson. He didn’t see a problem taking him along, but leaving wasn’t as simple as it seemed. He’d need to plan his return first.
“Here’s the deal, Ethan. I have to go today, but I’ll make arrangements so you can go back to school, and when everything’s ready, I’ll come back for you.
“No! You’re going to leave me, just like my mom…” Ethan said, crying.
“Ethan, your mom hasn’t left you. She always calls you, and you always get to see her. Please, son, try to calm down…” Peter said as gently as he could.
“Noooo!!! You’re leaving me. You want to abandon me,” Ethan whimpered.
His grandson’s tears broke his heart. Peter stood up, crouched down to Ethan’s level, and looked him in the eye.
“Ethan… I–have to go to Slovenia, but I promise I’ll come back for you. It’ll only be a week, and I’ll be back. We’ll also check if your school will let you transfer so you can come with me. You know I’d never abandon you,” he said, pulling Ethan into a hug as he cried.
“Do you promise you’ll come back?” Ethan asked through his tears.
“Of course! Even if I have to travel every day, I’d never leave you, my boy,” Peter said, letting out a sigh tinged with frustration.
