Escape from Mr. Whitman (Emma and Theodore) novel Chapter 220

“That puts my mind at ease. Otherwise, if you always put me before her, I’d worry she’d feel left out,” Cecilia said, watching him carefully for his reaction.

Theodore paused for a moment before replying, “She understands. The three of us went through the toughest years together. She’s able to enjoy her comfortable life now because of that. She’ll understand, and she’ll always be there for us.”

The interruption by Theodore put an end to Emma’s fleeting urge to stay in bed. She got up, finding that her grandmother had already finished breakfast—some bread they’d picked up while shopping the night before, along with a few cartons of milk they kept stocked in the fridge. Her grandmother had even fried an egg, and when she saw Emma awake, she smiled warmly and went to fry another.

“Grandma, let me do it,” Emma protested, heading for the stove.

Her grandmother waved her off. “At my age, moving around is the best way to keep healthy. Think of it as my morning exercise.”

Emma couldn’t help but laugh and shake her head. Her grandmother always seemed to have a reason ready for taking care of her.

Lunch was a different story, though; Emma and her grandmother prepared it together. After they ate and tidied up, it was nearly time for Emma to head to the airport.

Her grandmother lived alone in the city, and Emma had a thousand things she wanted to say before leaving. From reminders about locking the doors to which bus routes to take, Emma fussed over every little detail. Her grandmother just chuckled, “You’re starting to sound like a little old lady yourself! Do you think I can’t manage? I’m not senile yet, you know!”

Emma laughed, hugging her tight. She knew her grandmother was perfectly capable, but she still couldn’t help worrying.

“Grandma, your safety comes first.” It was a phrase she’d repeated countless times.

“Don’t worry!” Her grandmother patted her back reassuringly, quietly slipping a bank card into Emma’s bag when she wasn’t looking.

Unaware of her grandmother’s sneaky gesture, Emma repacked her freshly laundered clothes from the night before, double-checking that she hadn’t forgotten anything. Just as she zipped up her suitcase, Sebastian arrived to pick her up.

“Go on, Emmie, don’t worry about me! I’ll be just fine here on my own,” her grandmother urged, ushering her out the door.

“Okay, Grandma. Tonight—” Emma started.

“I already know what I want to cook for dinner tonight,” her grandmother interrupted. “I’ll get started soon. Everything’s all set.” She gave Emma a gentle push toward the hallway.

Emma couldn’t help but laugh, even as she felt the familiar ache of leaving. “Grandma, now that you’ve changed your phone number, only we know it. If anyone else calls, don’t pick up, okay? Once I’m on the plane, my phone will be on airplane mode. I’ll send you my new number overseas as soon as I land.”

“Got it, got it. Now go, and take care of yourself while you’re abroad.”

Emma hugged her grandmother one last time before finally walking out the door.

Her grandmother replied: Safe travels, Emmie.

Emma smiled at the reply and switched her phone to airplane mode.

The plane pulled away from the gate, waiting its turn for takeoff, the world outside swallowed by darkness.

Elsewhere, Theodore and Cecilia had just finished dinner and arrived back at their hotel.

From the car, Theodore had been making calls nonstop. Even after they’d gotten out and walked into the hotel lobby, his phone was still pressed to his ear.

Gradually, his brow furrowed in concern. “That’s strange. Why can’t I get through?”

“Who are you calling? Emma?” Cecilia asked.

“Yeah. And her grandmother’s phone is off, too.” Theodore dialed another number, and this time someone picked up. “Fallon, did Mrs. Harper drop by to see you today?”