Chapter Twenty-six

"Her parents visited." Kendrick decided to speak the truth.

The way her whole body stiffened at their fake words, and how vulnerable she had looked. The kind of her relationship with them didn't need to be elucidated. When he followed her up and she locked the door. He had heard her cry. He knew it wasn't because of him. Her sobs were accompanied by something else. Grief.

The old man closed his eyes and sighed. "That son of mine." He shook his head in disappointment. "I don't blame his wife for leaving. The only thing that broke my heart was when she left my granddaughter behind. How bad things would have been if I wasn't here."

"You raised her well." Kendrick found himself saying. Partly to engage himself in the conversation.

The old man gave a throaty laugh. "She was a sweet little girl. She took care of me instead of the contrary."

Kendrick nodded once more, his eyes glued to the sincerity in the old man's eyes.

"That is why, Son." He gave Kendrick that fiery look again. "I hat