Chapter 71 Drag People Down
Early the next morning, George was getting ready for the day. He put on a tailored black suit, his hair meticulously styled, and his gold-rimmed glasses perched on the bridge of his nose, giving him a distinguished air. He paused for a moment, staring out the window, before his gaze landed on Athena.
From a distance, she appeared like a figure out of a dream—dressed in a black puff jacket, trotting toward him through the thick morning mist. The chilly air made the tip of her nose turn red, and her clear, expressive eyes seemed softened by the fog around her.
As soon as she opened the car door and climbed in, she rubbed her cold, red hands together. “The temperature dropped so much today. It’s freezing!” she exclaimed.
The warmth of the car’s air conditioning embraced her as she settled in, and she visibly relaxed.
George handed her a small container. “Breakfast,” he said with a smile.
Athena expected something simple, like a sandwich or bread. But when she opened it, she froze. “You made this?” she asked in disbelief.
George chuckled. “Yeah. Eat it while it’s still warm.”
Athena’s surprise was evident. “George, you used to be a kitchen disaster. How did you learn to cook?”
He shrugged casually, his tone softening. “The food abroad wasn’t great, so I decided to learn to make it myself.”
George started the car, and they began their long drive to Colwi Cemetery. It would take almost two hours to get there. Athena, full from breakfast and comforted by the warmth of the car, began to feel sleepy.
At a red light, George handed her a small pillow, his expression thoughtful. Athena cuddled into the pillow, falling into a peaceful sleep almost immediately.
Inside the car, the soft melodies of country jazz filled the space, its volume low enough to create a serene atmosphere. George glanced at Athena from time to time, his mind swirling. He had been impulsive yesterday when he proposed the idea of marriage, but now, as he thought it over, he realized he didn’t regret it at all. He was just trying to figure out how to make her see that they were meant to be together.
By the time they arrived at the cemetery, the fog had lifted considerably, and the day was warming up. The air felt fresher, lighter.
The manager wasn’t there, but an unfamiliar older woman sat in the manager’s office. When she saw Athena, her eyes brightened, and she quickly took out her phone, examining it closely. After Athena left, the woman hurriedly dialed a number saved under “ATM.”
The cemetery was peaceful, with tall pines and cypress trees standing like sentinels in the mist. George brought flowers and poured a bit of wine, but Athena didn’t get involved in the rituals. Instead, she focused on wiping the tombstones gently, lost in thought.
“Mom, do you remember George?” she murmured softly. “You always liked him the most when we were young.”
George stood in silence, his mind drifting back to his childhood. He remembered Athena’s mother’s teasing words. “George, she never finishes her homework, and you don’t let me punish her. What if she grows up and doesn’t know anything? Will you marry her then?”
At the time, George had been shy, his face turning bright red. The people around had laughed, but he had straightened his back, determined. “I will marry her! You can’t punish her anymore!”
He smiled at the memory but then grew serious. Closing his eyes, he bowed his head.
“Madam, I’m here to fulfill my promise,” he said softly. “Please, allow me to marry Athena.” He turned to bow before Athena’s grandparents’ tombstones, his voice devout. “I will take care of Athena. I will never let her suffer again. Please, bless me and grant my wish.”
Athena watched from a distance, her heart heavy. She saw George standing tall like a pine tree, his hands folded in prayer. His devotion was palpable, but she couldn’t help feeling a pang of unease.
She had never asked for any of this.
As George continued to pray, Athena’s thoughts raced. Don’t listen to him, Mom, Grandpa, Grandma. I don’t want to drag people down. I can’t make George’s life harder.
The weight of her thoughts grew unbearable. She quickly stood up and approached George, gently interrupting his prayer.
“George,” she called softly, and he opened his eyes, startled. She looked at him, her voice a little strained but resolute. “Do you want ice cream?”