Lucian accompanied Roxanne throughout everything so whenever she was exhausted, she could find a dependable shoulder to lean on. When they returned home, the children were very quiet and came over to hug Roxanne.
“Mommy, you should go rest now. We are good kids and won’t make noise!” Estella said. She even rubbed her mother’s belly and talked to her siblings in there. Archie and Benny also nodded, saying they would take good care of Estella.
Roxanne slept until eight o’clock that night before being called to dinner by Sonya. When she walked into the living room, she saw many people there.
Jonathan had come over with his parents, Zachary and Henrietta. The Lann family was also present, consisting of James, his father Jones, and his mother Yennefer. Madilyn also brought Lorraine.
As soon as the women saw Roxanne, they hurried over to console her. “Roxanne, you probably didn’t get enough sleep. Your eyes are a bit swollen. Quick, have something to eat. I brought some supplements for you to replenish your nutrition!” Henrietta said anxiously with a caring voice.
Yennefer’s eyes also showed gentleness as she said, “Roxanne, it’s all right. It’s all over now. If there’s anything you need, just tell us.”
Lorraine’s face was blank, but there was a glimmer of light flickering in her eyes as she held Roxanne’s hand.
“Roxanne, is there anything I can help you with?” she uttered softly, worried that after losing a family member, Roxanne might not be able to accept it.
Madilyn stared at her best friend for a few seconds, observing her carefully to make sure she was okay before pouting slightly in dissatisfaction. “Why didn’t you tell me about something so major happening?” she asked.
Faced with so many gentle and concerned. faces, Roxanne felt a rush of warmth that swept through her entire body. She shook her head slightly and smiled a little. “Don’t worry, everyone. I’m fine. Remember, I’m a doctor, and I’ve seen too many of such things.”
Roxanne understood that her friends and family might not be aware of the lack of emotional connection between her and her father, Grant, which was why everyone was so worried about her. Soon, Sonya brought over a bowl of nourishing soup at just the right temperature, urging Roxanne to drink it.
“Roxanne, don’t bother with us. You go ahead and eat your food first!”
“Yeah, eat up! Don’t worry about trying to entertain us.”
Everyone was urging her to eat, and no one cared about etiquette at such a moment. Thus, Roxanne obediently went to the kitchen and had some food.
In the living room, the elders were still discussing the situation. Only after Lucian told them that there weren’t any more problems did they finally breathe a sigh of relief.
Soon, Roxanne came out, and everyone chatted with her. After they confirmed that she was okay, they all said goodbye and left. Madilyn was the last to leave. She pulled Roxanne aside and smiled a little, asking, “You’re sure you’re okay, right?”
“Madilyn, I’m really fine. You know how I feel about Grant, so I’m just a little sentimental and nothing more. I’ll be back to normal soon. But there’s one thing I need to ask you about. Is it appropriate for me to attend your wedding right after a funeral? I’m worried that it might not be appropriate.”
Roxanne was concerned about violating any cultural customs or taboos, but Madilyn shook her head confidently.
“There’s nothing inappropriate about it. Even in our hometown, it’s acceptable. As long as you’re not mourning and wearing mourning clothes, we’re good. Besides, we’re in Horington now, and there are no such taboos here. I’m looking forward to you doing my hair tomorrow and Essie’s wedding dress being ready. I can’t wait!”
Roxanne’s mood lifted at the sight of her best friend’s excitement, and they chatted for a while before parting ways.
