Chapter 193: Ashler’s treasured photograph
Edna’s smile faltered slightly. She looked away and went to the kitchen, taking out a box of juice from the fridge and offering it to Knox as she answered, "Oh, Ragel’s not here today." Her voice was laced with hesitation. "He had to go into the big city."
Knox’s curiosity was piqued. Ragel did mention that he was a student studying in a city, but it wasn’t the ’big city’ Edna spoke of. The rural residents often called the capital city of the country the ’big city’.
But Knox recalled that Ragel was enrolled in a city in the same region. Thus, he couldn’t stop himself from asking as he pulled a chair on the dining table and accepted the glass of juice Edna gave to him. "Why did he suddenly go there? Oh, he’s in his last year of college! Is he looking for an internship?"
Edna’s fingers fidgeted with the hem of her clothes; her expression troubled. Knox’s initial concern came back, He asked the old woman if something happened to the kid, but Edna evaded his question.
He sighed and reached for the old woman’s hands. It was fortunate the kids were asleep, so he could focus on their conversation and give comfort to the obviously troubled old woman. "Nana...if it’s something I can help with, you can tell me."
The omega’s voice was full of warmth and understanding that Edna broke into tears. Knox was a bit astonished. He quickly rose from his seat and went over to the old woman. "What’s wrong, Nana? What’s making you cry? Is it that hard to tell? Then, please don’t be pressured! I won’t ask anymore! Please, don’t cry."
It was utterly heartbreaking to see an old, effete woman burst out into tears suddenly. Knox almost had a heart attack. He rubbed Edna’s back continuously and guided her to sit. He then pushed the glass of juice he hadn’t drunk on yet to her.
Edna waved her wrinkled hands, trying to tell Knox that she was fine. She wiped his face with her palms and spoke, "It’s...well, it’s something personal. I’m not sure if I should tell you, Sir Knox..."
"Then, don’t force yourself," Knox replied quickly, feeling guilty for probing. "I’m just worried if everything’s alright. If it’s something you can’t tell me, I understand. You don’t have to, just please don’t cry."
Edna sighed, her teary gaze dropping to her lap. "It’s something personal, Sir Knox. But I also felt like bursting if I keep it all to myself. I don’t really have anyone to share this burden. So, if you don’t mind, will please you listen to this old woman’s woes?"
"Of course, Nana Edna, you can count on me," Knox gently responded.