From Sneers to Cheers: Anthea’s Ascent (Anthea )

There stood a figure at the doorway, all too familiar. It had to be no one other than Tammie.

Tammie was alive! He was perfectly fine! There he stood, as if nothing had ever happened.

Was this some sort of illusion?

After all, Tammie had been bedridden for nearly a year.

Luna's hand, hidden in the sleeve of her blouse, clenched into a fist, her face ghostly pale.

Hadn't Tammie passed away? Had Anthea cured him? How was that possible? Text property © Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org.

Anthea was considered a good-for-nothing, wasn't she?

Luna had seen that prescription Anthea concocted last time, which was useless for Tammie's condition.

What in the world was going on?

Tammie took steps forward and knelt before the couple, "Mom and Dad! I've caused you so much worry."

Only then did the reality sink in for the couple. They collapsed to the floor, embracing Tammie, "Tammie! Is that really you?"

It wasn't until they were holding Tammie in their arms that Baily and Wilma could believe it was true. Their son was back!

"Tammie! Are you really alright?" Wilma scanned her son, feeling as though she was in a dream.

Just a month ago, he had been too weak to even speak from his bed. And now, not only was he alright, but he was standing!

Baily was equally incredulous, examining Tammie from every angle.

Tammie stood up and spun around, "Look at me, I'm completely fine now!"

He was still skinny, but it was clear his spirit was high.

Where was the sickly young man they knew?

Even Baily, a man not easily moved, found himself wiping away tears.

The days of Tammie's illness had taken a toll, although he never showed it, he worried every day.

After all, Tammie was the only heir to the Black family fortune.

Baily had lost his fertility in an accident years ago.

If Tammie were gone, their line would end.

Wilma, her hands clasped together fervently, knelt and prayed, "Blessings! It must be a blessing! Thank the Lord! Thank you for giving my Tammie back!"

"Mom!" Tammie chuckled, helping her up, "I got better because of Ms. Yeager's medicine. What does it have to do with saints or the Lord?"

At that, Tammie pulled Paulina to his side, "If Paulina hadn't insisted I take Ms. Yeager's medicine, I might have given up on myself!"

Wilma grabbed Paulina's hands, tears in her eyes, "My dear girl! I was wrong. I'm so sorry! I nearly hurt you, Paulina. Can you forgive me? I promise I'll never do that again!"

Remembering the past, Wilma was filled with shame and regret.

She wished she could slap her former self for not persisting with the medicine for Tammie. She couldn't bear the thought of what might have happened.

It was all her fault!

"I’m sorry too." Baily, recalling how he had burst through the door in anger, was filled with regret. He shouldn't have been so quick to blame Paulina.

Upon hearing this, all the recent hassles seemed worth it for Paulina. With a smile, she replied, "We're family. There's no need for apologies between us. I know you both wanted only the best for Tammie. I've never held it against you."

At that, Wilma felt even more shame.

Paulina was so gracious, and yet Wilma had not even half of her magnanimity.

Wilma had been so wrong!

Wilma resolved to treat Paulina as her daughter from then on.

Pulling Paulina into a hug, Wilma was choked with emotion, "My dear, Tammie is lucky to have you!"