Chapter 23 — Purification

Allegra

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I slumped onto the living room couch and aimlessly flicked through the TV channels. As I heard the door creak open, I couldn't muster the energy to lift my head and see who it was. It was Grandpa, returning after spending an excruciating half-hour in the car with the underboss.

When I peeked at them through the window, they seemed to be in a heated conversation in which the Underboss looked really upset.

Grandpa sat on the couch on the opposite side and as I pivoted towards him, I noticed that he was staring uninterestedly at the ground, without uttering a single word.

I frowned, "Grandpa?"

He sucked in a sharp breath and didn't even spare me a glance. I called him once more, "Grandpa, are you alright?"

I watched as he nodded, his gaze fixed on the floor. Suddenly, his shoulders began to shake, and I could see tears welling up in his eyes. Before I could react, a cry escaped his lips and I felt my heart skip a beat. With a sense of urgency, I sprang to my feet.

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