Chapter 126

EVELYN 

“Grandma, you’re coughing again,” Olivia said on the other end of the line. “Did you take your medicine already?” I smiled faintly at the phone. Olivia had called to give me an update about her move back to Bakersfield. She didn’t say much, only that things on her end were almost settled. But as her grandmother, I didn’t need an explanation. I understood why she wanted to come back—with her daughter. It had something to do with me. With my health. She always worried, even when she tried not to show it. Even a simple cough was enough to make her anxious. “Yes, I’ve taken my medicine,” I replied gently. “And I feel much better after taking it.” There was a brief pause on the other end. “Are you really okay there?” she asked carefully. “Do you want me to come back earlier? I can move things around if I have to.” I could hear the worry in her voice, thinly disguised beneath her calm tone. “The weather’s been bad these past few days,” I said quickly, cutting her off before she coul