Chapter 121
Though Mrs. White often grumbled, she was supportive and helped Morwenna look after Keira.
She had placed wooden planks over the small steps around the market, concerned about the convenience of Keira's wheelchair.
It was Keira's first trip to the local farmer's market, and she looked around with curiosity and shyness.
While sometimes critical of Keira's lack of worldly exposure, Mrs. White pointed out which shops were known for giving short weight and which offered the best deals.
With Mrs. White's watchful eye, Morwenna could afford to be less vigilant over Keira.
She had Keira's parents' contact details, just in case.
After taking Keira out, Morwenna felt she should inform her parents.
Pulling out her smartphone, Morwenna dialed Keira's mother.
“Hello, ma’am, I’m Keira's new caregiver. The previous one was neglectful, so I took the liberty of discharging her early from the hospital. I’ll get her another caregiver in the next few days.”
"It's alright. I'm tied up right now. If it's a matter of money, I can instantly transfer two million dollars to Keira's account. Goodbye."
Stunned, Morwenna then called Keira's father.
The phone barely rang before it was answered.
Morwenna started, “I’m Keira's caregiver…”Têxt © NôvelDrama.Org.
She was abruptly cut off.
Her little brother's turning 10 in a month, and we're gonna be there for the party. The famous dancer will be there too. And let me tell you, if Keira makes us look bad during the opening dance, she'll have me to answer to!
“But her leg...”
The line went dead.
Morwenna stood in silence.
She was relieved Keira hadn’t heard any of that. It would have crushed her.
Yet, Morwenna realized it was probably the treatment Keira was used to. How else could someone from such a privileged background be so timid and self-effacing?
Sympathy welled up in Morwenna.
Despite her hard life, she felt sorry for others.
Morwenna couldn’t do much to change Keira's parents but could at least keep her company and find her a reliable caregiver.
A customer approached, and Morwenna tied on her apron, ready to fillet fish.
Whatever Morwenna did, she did with commitment.
She sliced the fish precisely, the bones cracking neatly under her knife.
Keira watched, a bit fearful yet unable to look away, impressed by Morwenna's skill.
Despite her financial struggles and worn clothes, even when doing something as mundane as filleting fish at the market, Morwenna never allowed her circumstances to diminish her.
She seemed to shine.
Morwenna smiled at Keira, and at that moment, Keira felt fortunate to know her.
Morwenna was genuinely kind and able to mingle with anyone except Stuart.
With Stuart, Morwenna always seemed at a loss.
He was too complex, gentle yet fierce, indifferent yet impulsive. Morwenna couldn’t figure out which side of him was real, so she kept her distance.
The morning rush soon ended.
Mrs. White and Keira seemed to get along well.
Removing her apron, Morwenna asked shyly, “Mrs. White, could I ask a favor? I want Keira to stay here while I leave for my tutoring job. I’ll be back to pick her up in a few hours. Is that okay?”
Morwenna needed to tutor, and while she didn’t want to leave Keira behind, the student, Claude, had a volatile temper that might unsettle Keira.
Mrs. White agreed without hesitation. “Of course, dear. Keira said she would help me with a painting, and she hasn’t finished it yet.”
Keira sat in the shop drawing. She didn’t have proper paints or tools, just a piece of paper and some watercolor pens borrowed from the daughter of the lady who ran the duck roasting shop next door.
Approaching, Morwenna saw Keira painting roses, a symbol of prosperity and love, beloved by all generations. The depth of skill was evident even to an untrained eye like Morwenna's.