Escape from Mr. Whitman (Emma and Theodore) novel Chapter 118

It really was Aunt Lily!

Growing up, Emma could count on one hand the number of times she’d seen her aunt.

For as long as she could remember, “Aunt Lily” was little more than a name in their family. She only knew what her grandfather always grumbled about: how sending his daughter away had been a waste, how other people’s daughters married well and brought money or favors back to their families, how much they’d spent on her father’s wedding.

Emma’s parents, influenced by Grandpa, always seemed resentful of her aunt, forever muttering that Aunt Lily was living the good life abroad and never did anything to help the family.

But “helping the family” really just meant helping her father, didn’t it?

From what Emma could recall, Aunt Lily had come back for all the big events–her father’s wedding, even Grandpa’s second marriage–and she’d always sent money.

It was Aunt Lily who paid for the outrageously expensive wedding Emma’s mother demanded, something Emma overheard her grandparents fighting about once she was old enough to understand. Grandpa was at it again, shouting that Aunt Lily was heartless, hurling all sorts of ugly words, while Grandma snapped back, defending her daughter and listing all the times Aunt Lily sent money home–especially that huge sum for the wedding.

But Grandpa always insisted it was only what she owed them. Wasn’t it normal for daughters to support their families? He’d rant about the old days, about marrying off daughters for the family’s benefit, and pointed out that Aunt Lily hadn’t sent a penny

since.

Later, Emma overheard Grandma on the phone with Aunt Lily, telling her not to send any more money, to focus on living her own life.

When Grandpa passed away, Aunt Lily came home again.

Emma had assumed they’d have a tearful family reunion after so many years apart, but instead it was a scene of chaos. Her father refused to pay for the funeral, insisting Aunt Lily handle it, even though he’d already pocketed Grandpa’s savings.

Grandma took Aunt Lily’s side, wanting to see justice done, but her father was stubborn and no one could change his mind.

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In the end, Aunt Lily, unwilling to let the neighbors gossip, paid for everything herself.

After that, Grandma finally gave up on her son.

Aunt Lily wanted to take Grandma to live with her, but Grandma couldn’t bear to leave Emma. She simply told Aunt Lily to stop coming back, and not to worry about the family anymore.

Emma could feel that, after Grandpa passed, with no one left in the house to curse and throw things, Grandma’s days actually became more peaceful. Sure, Emma’s father had inherited all of Grandpa’s worst traits–he was just as quick to yell and break things–but Grandma didn’t live with him, and as his mother, she could keep her distance.

The next time Emma saw Aunt Lily, she was in college. Aunt Lily was back in the country for work, and came to visit her at school, bringing gifts and pretty clothes.

Later, when Emma hurt her leg, Aunt Lily called her on video chat, encouraged her, and even wired her some money. When Emma got married, a package from Aunt Lily arrived with a thoughtful present.

It was funny, Emma thought, how people could be so close even if they rarely met. Somehow, Aunt Lily always felt especially dear to her. So when the video call connected and she saw Aunt Lily’s bright, healthy face on the screen, she felt a genuine rush of happiness.

“Oh, Emma’s here too!” Aunt Lily smiled at her through the video.

“Yes, Aunt Lily. How have you been lately?” Emma grinned.

“Very well,” Aunt Lily replied, her smile warm. “And you? How are you and Grandma doing?”

After the pleasantries, Aunt Lily finally said, “Mom, I called today to tell you I’ve moved. I’m in England now. Everything’s settled, my job’s going great. You and Emma don’t have to worry about me. And whenever you have a chance, come visit! I’d love to show you around and spend time together.”

Grandma immediately turned to Emma, her eyes bright. “Isn’t Emmie planning to study abroad?”

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