Bringing the luggage to the main entrance, Ruediger waited for Lariette to open the door. She took out a set of keys from her sling bag before inserting one inside the lock.
Creak...
The mont Lariette stepped inside, a wave of nostalgia washed over her. The interior of the cottage was just as she rembered, the sa as the outside.
"It’s cozy, Lettie."
Ruediger’s words elicited a smile from Lariette. Yes, this place had always been cozy to her.
Glancing behind her shoulder, Lariette said, "It used to be much smaller when I was a child. Then, Grandpa renovated it for my grandma’s comfort. She lived here with a housekeeper after I left."
Ruediger smiled faintly, knowing how much Lariette cherished the late Mrs. Evans despite the latter not being her biological grandmother.
Chairman Delaney acknowledged the fact thus, he assisted in providing Mrs. Evans with a good life. She also received the best hospice care when she was gravely ill due to her old age.
Aside from that, Ruediger learned that Chairman Delaney helped the other villagers in need.
Almost one decade ago, Chairman Delaney sent a few people to Moonville people. Instead of giving the villagers fish, the people taught them how to catch one.
The local economy here thrived further with Chairman Delaney’s assistance. The small public schools nearby also received so funding.
"Eddy, co inside," invited Lariette with a welcoming smile.
"Okay."
Ruediger followed Lariette from behind. He removed his shoes at the entryway before stepping onto the wooden floor. She put a pair of ho slippers before him.
"Aunt l said she deep-cleaned this place the other day," Lariette said, carrying her suitcase as she walked further inside, "Let show you around."
Ruediger silently trailed after Lariette, his erald eyes slowly looking at his new surroundings. After a short walk, they reached the living room.
The area gave off an air of rustic yet cozy elegance.
Knitted blankets in vibrant patterns adorned the plush couches alongside a few throw pillows. Soft, natural light stread through the sheer curtain, showering the area with its rays.
Old books filled the wooden shelves near the fireplace. Fra photos lined up above the mantle, showing Lariette from different ages. A kindhearted old lady could be seen in a few of them.
"You and your grandma, en?"
Lariette saw Ruediger’s eyes lingering on the frad photos. Smiling, she nodded, "Yes. Grandma loved taking photos. She had plenty of albums. I left most of them here."
After the incident of Stephanie deliberately throwing Mrs. Evans’ handmade handkerchiefs before, Lariette pushed the idea of bringing more belongings to the city.
What if Stephanie ruined or threw all of them away?
It was better to be safe than sorry.
Ruediger’s smile softened as he carefully looked from one photo to the next, his gaze gentle.
A child Lariette showed a bouquet of wildflowers in her hands.
A child Lariette built colorful blocks.
A preteen Lariette baked cookies in the kitchen.
A teenager Lariette showed off a winning certificate on a stage.
No matter in which stage of ti, Lariette was as adorable as always. She also seed vibrantly happy being with the late Mrs. Evans.
Two of the fras showed Lariette when she was around six to seven years old. She looked just like Ruediger rembered from a distant past.
"Stop staring at the photos," Lariette couldn’t help but say, feeling the heat emanating from her face, "What are you doing? Co, I’ll show you to your bedroom."
Noticing the shy tone from Lariette, Ruediger chuckled. He turned toward her, seeing a lovely shade of pink cast on her cheeks.
’Cute.’
Ruediger held back from raising his hand to poke Lariette’s cheek. Letting out so chuckles, he pointed out, "My wife’s childhood photos are so adorable. Of course, I have to see them."
"..."
Blinking, Lariette sensed more heat radiating from her cheeks. She silently stared at Ruediger, whose lips remained in a curl. His erald eyes glinted softly as they collided with her sapphire ones.
"Ahem," Lariette pretended to cough, eyeing Ruediger carefully, "Well, people always praised cute when I was a child. I’m glad you’re not blind."
"Hahaha! Hehe, yes. You’re so cute."
Bursting out laughing, Ruediger threw his head back. The echo of his laughter resonated in the living room, causing Lariette’s cheeks to turn from pink to red.
Lariette pursed her lips, thinking Ruediger was being a little more annoying than usual today. Her heart was in trouble for a few tis already.
Turning around, Lariette spoke threateningly, "I’ll leave you here if you don’t follow ."
"Hahaha! Okay, okay."
Ruediger quickly ceased teasing Lariette. Once again, he followed her from behind. She brought him down a hallway.
Ruediger saw more frad photos there, lining the walls—the photos of Lariette with Mrs. Evans. Playing in the backyard, laughing in the village square with other children, sitting by a pond and more.
This place indeed held precious mories for her.
Walking ahead of Ruediger, Lariette spoke as she guided him to the bedroom area, "We have three bedrooms here, each with its own bathroom. I’ll use my grandma’s old one. Eddy, you can use this room."
This cottage had three bedrooms the first ti Lariette and Mrs. Evans moved here, but only one bathroom. Chairman Delaney proposed adding two more during the renovation.
Lariette pushed open a door, revealing the interior of the room intended for Ruediger. A quilted bedding, lace curtains and a wooden dresser with delicate carvings greeted them.
"Here, it’s usually much cooler than the city. You can switch on the air-conditioner if you feel hot tho. Get a nap, Eddy. I’ll leave the food in the kitchen."
Lariette guessed that lissa would return with the als soon. She was hungry, but she planned to sleep for now. Ruediger also had told her that he would like to rest first.
"I’ll do that," Ruediger nodded, his eyes weeping across the room before landing on Lariette’s face, "We’ve been on a long ride. You should rest too, Lettie."
Lariette turned around, getting ready to leave. She paused at the door, smiling at Ruediger, "Thanks for being an aweso driver. Hehe, get your much needed rest."
Ruediger simply smiled. He watched Lariette walk out of the room before disappearing inside the one down the hallway.
Closing the door, Ruediger strode toward the windows. He pushed them open, letting the cool, fresh air in. The breeze slightly ruffled his crimson locks.
This place was indeed nice.
Hopefully, he would get to build more pleasant mories with her here.
Once Lariette put down the suitcase in her grandmother’s old room, she threw herself on the mattress. Her hair splayed on the bed, so of the strands covering her face.
Lariette knew it might just be her imagination, but she swore she could still sll her late grandmother’s scent in the air.
Rolling on the bed, Lariette’s eyes landed on Mrs. Evans’ photos on the bedside table. She bit her lower lip, feeling hot tears prick her eyes.
’I’ll visit you tomorrow, Grandma. I have soone I wanna introduce you to.’
If... if her grandma was still alive, Lariette believed she would grow to like him too.
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