Chapter 44

Jonathan "Okay buddy, are you all packed up?" I ask Alena the next day as she prepares to leave for school. "Yes, I am. Don't forget to let me know when you'll be visiting Ciara, dad" "Sure thing, buddy" I assure, patting her head. "I won't leave go to the hospital without you. Off you go now" "Should I drop by the shop later?" "No need. I can handle it" Alena waves at me as she scurries out the main door. "Alright, bye dad" "Bye, sweetie" I call out after her. When she was out of eyesight, I leave the house as well heading to the shop where a guest awaited me. Upon seeing me, a slow smile spreads across Julia's lips. "You're here. I didn’t think you'd come" "I told you to meet me here so it's a given" Throwing myself down onto a chair across from her, I cut to the chase. "Now tell me; why did you call?" "It was so abrupt, wasn't it? I apologize" "I'm sure you had your reason. So, what is it?" Noticing Julia's intertwined hands on the table top begins to rumble, I place my hands over h