Chapter 62

She’d aged quickly, these past several years. “Oh, I’m fine… just caught a little cold, that’s all.” Seeing their return, Helen’s face lit up with a smile. “Grand-aunt, we’re back!” Like an energetic little bunny, Hailey bounded over to her bedside, smiling sweetly. “Ah, so I see! Here, let me have a look at you… ooh, what a pretty girl you are!” Helen’s eyes shone with love, and she chuckled gently as she held Hailey’s soft, round face in both hands. “Hello, grand-aunt,” Julian said, coming up to her as well. “Grand-aunt,” Tristan echoed. “We’re here, grand-aunt!” Lilith chimed, squeezing her way to the front. Helen was grinning from ear-to-ear, now. “Oh, everyone’s here! Good, good… I’ve got a whole bunch of candy for you kids. I’ll just go get it now…” She pulled aside her blanket and got out of bed, then headed over to the old wooden cabinet to retrieve a handful of small red candies, which she distributed amongst the four children. It was common for the villagers t