Chapter 109

"I seriously had no clue. She called me and said her ‘aunt' left, so she was feeling down and wanted company. I figured, her aunt passed away, she must be heartbroken, right? So I stopped by the flower shop, picked up a wreath and some chrysanthemums, and went to visit her. But then she flipped out, kicked me out the door, and said I was insane. I think she's done with me," Michael said, looking completely puzzled. Clara was speechless. "..." Nancy looked like she was ready to smack someone. Her hand went halfway up and then dropped. "How can you be this dumb? Honestly, Michael, what were you thinking?" Her voice trembled with frustration. She was a woman too—obviously, she knew what ‘aunt' meant in that context. Clara tried to ease the tension with a laugh. "Mom, don't get mad. He's just... adorably clueless. He really didn't get what she meant." Michael kept going. "Uncle Peter always said chrysanthemums are for the dead, so I thought that's what you bring. And the wreath? That's wha