I sat beside my grandmother, delicately peeling an apple for her.
She glanced at me with a smile and asked, "Why didn't Henry come?"
My hand paused mid-air, the knife nearly grazing my skin. Setting down the knife, I gently fed her a slice of the apple.
"Grandma, he's been really busy with work lately."
"Being busy is a good thing. Henry is such a dedicated young man, and he treated you well. That makes me feel reassured.
I forced a strained smile. Grandmother had a deep affection for Henry. Despite my parents' reservations, she had advocated for him, comparing him to my late grandfather, Albert Collins. She defied all opposition to ensure Henry and I married. Even the initial funding for Henry's startup had been quietly provided by my grandmother.
"Grandma, what if I were to consider divorcing Henry..."
"What's wrong? What happened? Why would you suddenly bring up divorce? Don't be rash, Wendy. Henry has always treated you so well."
"No, no, Grandma, I was just joking."
Rising from my seat, I carefully adjusted the quilt around Grandma, then swiftly made an excuse. "Grandma, I'll head back and make you something to eat."
Turning away abruptly, I nearly broke down in tears. How pathetic.