Escape from Mr. Whitman (Emma and Theodore) novel Chapter 160

Chapter 160

Emma turned and strode out of the Wellness Center without looking

back.

She realized something about herself: no matter where she walked now, she no longer moved with that old, shrinking caution, terrified that someone would notice her limp.

Yes, her leg wasn’t perfect. That was the truth. But it wasn’t her fault, and certainly not something to be ashamed of. Why had she spent so long hiding?

Love really could make a person small.

Or, to put it plainly, loving someone who doesn’t love you back makes you small.

But the moment you decide to stop loving, it’s like you can finally lift your head and breathe again.

With that clarity, nothing Theodore or Cecilia did back in the Wellness Center could hurt her anymore. Nothing was more exhilarating than the freedom of spreading her own wings.

She thought she could hear Theodore still calling her name behind her, and Cecilia calling, “Theo.”

But in the end, “Theo” would always remain by Cecilia’s side. Every single time he’d had to choose between the two of them, he’d always chosen

Cecilia.

It didn’t matter anymore. “Theo” had never really belonged to her. Letting go of something that was never yours might sting for a while, but eventually, you move on.

Emma hailed a cab straight to her grandmother’s house.

As soon as she reached the front gate, she called out for her grandma, unable to contain her excitement.

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Her grandmother came out to greet her, arms wide for a hug and a smile so big it almost didn’t fit her face.

Because Emma had stitches in her scalp and a patch of hair shaved off, she’d styled her hair in a messy bun that day, just to hide the evidence.

Thankfully, her grandmother didn’t seem to notice.

Hand in hand, her grandmother led her inside just like she used to when Emma was a little girl coming home from school. The comforting aroma of home–cooked food already filled the house–Emma’s favorite, the scent she’d always associated with coming home.

Her grandmother handed her an express mail envelope containing her

passport.

Emma tore it open in a hurry, flipping through the visa pages over and

over.

She explained to her grandmother which page was the student visa, which one was for her upcoming tour. Her grandmother listened, beaming with pride, showering her with words of praise and affection–Emma soaked it all in.

Listening to her grandmother’s warm words, Emma suddenly felt a wave of reluctance to leave.

She hugged her grandmother around the waist. “Grandma, please? Will you come with me and visit Aunt Julia together?”

Her grandmother thought for a long moment before finally saying, “Alright, I will,”

“Really? Grandma!” Emma was over the moon.

“Really.” Her grandmother brushed a hand over Emma’s cheek, her gaze lingering on Emma’s hair. She felt a pang of worry–this child was always hiding things from her! If Emma could get into trouble here at home, how could she possibly be at ease with her going abroad? Maybe it was best to go along and keep an eye on the precious girl she’d raised herself.

“Grandma! Let’s book an appointment now for your passport! It’ll take a

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while to process, so when I get back from my tour, we can apply for your visa and then we’ll be ready to go!” Emma pulled out her phone, checked, and was surprised to find an appointment slot still open for the afternoon. She quickly booked it.

They enjoyed a cheerful meal together, rested for a bit, then headed off for the passport office.

When they came back out, the sun was shining bright and golden, perfectly matching Emma’s mood.

“Grandma, let’s have dinner in town tonight, okay? I’ll take you somewhere nice–let’s not bother cooking at home!” Emma was in high spirits.

“Sounds wonderful!” Her grandmother was never one to dampen Emma’s

enthusiasm.

“How about some Western food? Grandma, you should try it! Let’s make it a whole experience!” Emma laughed as she reserved a table for them.

With a little time to spare, she took her grandmother for a stroll around

the streets near the restaurant.

The street was lined with cozy coffee shops and quirky little eateries. Her grandmother looked around in amazement. “Oh my, this street has changed so much! Back when I used to come here…”

She reminisced about how things used to be, her voice filled with

nostalgia.

With a laugh, her grandmother pointed out a memory, “There used to be a little boutique here that sold beautiful silk dresses. When I was young, I’d come shopping here with my best friend.”

Emma grinned. Her grandmother came from a family of scholars, and there were old photos at home of her as a young woman–poised, elegant, unforgettable.

“Grandma, let’s try dessert from this place–they say it’s amazing, and look at the line!” Emma pointed at a trendy new dessert shop, its display cases full of beautiful, colorful treats.

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Her grandmother hesitated, “But it’s all young people in there. I’m just an old lady…”

“Grandma, come on!” Emma took her hand and got them in line.

A girl ahead of them offered her seat to Emma’s grandmother.

“Thank you,” Emma said, warmed by the small gesture. Moments like this made her love the world even more–she only wished she’d stepped out of her shell sooner.

But there was still time for everything.

Emma bought a dessert to share, and she and her grandmother enjoyed it together.

For the rest of her days, Emma decided, she would cherish her grandmother and make herself stronger, for both their sakes.

As dinnertime approached, Emma led her grandmother to the restaurant.

She’d reserved a window seat, so her grandmother could watch the city lights flicker on as evening descended.

Just as they finished ordering, someone entered the restaurant.

Theodore.

He looked like he was heading to a private dining room, but to get there, he had to pass right by their table. Mid–stride, he suddenly stopped dead in his tracks.

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