Chapter 30
Morwenna looked down, her voice barely above a whisper. "It does hurt quite a bit."
Stuart was close enough to catch the scent of antiseptic mixed with her natural fragrance, which overwhelmed his senses.
He felt an inexplicable wave of fatigue wash over him.
What was the reason? Was it just the smell?
Perhaps taking her home would reveal more.
Recently, Morwenna's demeanor toward him had subtly shifted.
But Stuart was getting antsy about the slow progress. He was never the type to patiently baby someone along.
After treating Morwenna's wound, Stuart said, "Grandpa's coming over for dinner tonight. You should come to Windcharm Villas."
At the mention of Norbert, Morwenna's eyes softened.
She nodded immediately. "Okay, I'll pick up some groceries later and head over."
Their conversation dwindled as they reached Windcharm Villas.
After Morwenna got off, Stuart pulled out his phone and called Norbert. "Grandpa, come to Windcharm Villas for dinner tonight." Norbert was momentarily confused. His grandson actually invited him for dinner? Didn't he usually prefer him at a distance?
Without hearing a response, Stuart asked irritably, "So, you coming over or what?"
"Yes, I'll be there."
Morwenna headed to the market.
Mr. White was busy looking after Mrs. White after their fish shop had been vandalized.
The scattered fish had been collected back into water tanks by helpful locals.
Morwenna cleaned up the mess, like a broken table, some damaged oxygen equipment, and several dead fish. The loss wasn't huge, but she wondered who would do such a thing.
After cleaning up, she tended the shop alone.
By three o'clock, Mr. White returned briefly.
Seeing Morwenna had cleaned up and managed the shop, he expressed his gratitude. "Morwenna, thank you so much. Once my wife leaves the hospital, we'll properly thank you. It's too much for one person. Let's close the shop for a few days."
Morwenna hesitated, "But there are still some fish left unsold."
Mr. White generously said, "No worries. We'll give them to everyone here as a thank-you for their help today. Take a couple for yourself, too."
After they distributed the fish to neighboring shop owners and closed the fish shop, Mr. White rushed back to the hospital.
Feeling awkward, Morwenna asked, "Mr. White, could I get an advance on my salary? Just five hundred."
She could manage without spending much, maybe just eating simple meals.
But with Norbert coming over, she had promised to bring groceries.
Her voice trailed off, embarrassed at asking for an advance so soon into her job.
Mr. White pulled out a stack of cash and handed it to her without counting. "Of course, take this for now. If it's not enough, let me know!"
"I can't take so much..."
Before she could finish, Mr. White had hurried back to the hospital.
After counting the money three times, Morwenna had $2,300. She had to remember that.
At that moment, she saw Stuart approaching.
Quickly hiding the money, she felt a little nervous, wondering how long Stuart had been watching and if he had seen her embarrassed request for an advance.
"Sir, what brings you here? Just give me a moment, and I'll go get the groceries," Morwenna said hurriedly, her words tumbling out as she prepared to rush off. Stuart caught her hand. "Today, let's shop at the mall."
The groceries there were much more expensive than at the market, but Morwenna agreed, thinking it was appropriate to get something special for Norbert's visit, even if it cost a bit more. After all, she had over two thousand dollars in hand.
Stuart scrutinized Morwenna intently. This girl was advancing her salary? She lived and ate at Windcharm Villas and was eager to please Norbert. Why was she still struggling financially?