Some things, once spoken aloud, had to be remembered all over again. And every time they were remembered, the grief came flooding back. Her fists clenched until her nails bit into her palms. She couldn't speak.
Her friend, oblivious, kept going. "I keep forgetting to ask. How's your grandma doing?"
"I heard she collapsed at Jasper's company that day. Is she okay?"
Hilda whipped around. "What did you just say?"
Her friend blinked. "You didn't know?"
"I was at Fairmont Group that day for a meeting. Your grandma was stopped at the front desk by some woman. The woman was pretty hostile, throwing around words like homewrecker. Then Jasper showed up."
"Their relationship..." Her friend studied Hilda's face carefully before continuing. "It seemed a little too close for comfort. Did Jasper ever mention her to you?"
"After I left, I heard your grandma had fainted. I went back to check but couldn't find her. Jasper was there, though, so I figured she was taken care of."
Her friend trailed off, startled by the look on Hilda's face.
"Hilda? Hilda, what's wrong? Why are you crying? Did something happen?"
Hilda shook her head. She bit down hard on her lip and pressed both hands over her face.