CHAPTER 99: A NECESSARY GIVE IN

"I'm so glad you visited," Tatiana said with a warm smile as she hugged her granddaughter again, then pulled back and gently took her hand. "Come.. come." "I'm sorry I haven't visited you since," Cecilia muttered, letting the older woman slowly lead her toward the dining table. "Oh, don't worry about that, I understand perfectly." She released Cecilia's hand, and they both sat down. "I want to ask how you are, but I already know the answer," Tatiana started, her voice breaking with emotion. "You've already been through so much, my child." Cecilia swallowed as she glanced down at the purse she held tightly in her lap, but only because she didn't want her grandma to see the tears glimmering in her eyes. "How're you feeling now?" She asked after a few seconds, then looked up and heard the sound of a chair being pushed back. "You wait here while I get you something to eat." Her hand latched onto the older woman's, holding her back gently. "No, ma, don't do that." She sighed inwardl