Chapter 4

"Grandpa? Paul?" Richard and Charles called out in unison.

I managed to open my eyes, hardly able to believe this was real.

"Get lost! You don't deserve to call me that!"

After all these years, Grandpa came rushing toward me, backlit and framed in light. He shrugged off his coat and wrapped it around me, cradling my beaten body.

That sudden warmth sparked a flicker of hope.

I parted my lips, but nothing came out.

"Don't be scared, Emmy. Grandpa's here now. It's okay. I'm so sorry I'm late."

My eyes were half-shut. I could barely see him.

"What are…