Chapter 26: Sacrifices Were Made

“Granny Nora,” Tris whispers in the woman’s ear as she holds her tightly.

The Dowager looks much older than the last time Tris saw her. Frizzy white hair now frames her face and her once plump frame has slimmed. Tris can hardly believe that this is the same Granny that held her so many years ago. She remembers seeing the old Dowager about a year ago, but it had been in passing and guards had been flanking her.

It pains Tris to think about the kind of life this woman has endured over the last few years.

“I am so happy to see you alive and well,” Granny Nora says happily before letting Tris go. “Let me look at you,” she adds, making Tris spin around.

The old woman smiles and claps her hands together. Tris can tell she’s pleased.

“You have really grown into a lovely young woman,” the Dowager says softly with a distant look in her eyes.

Nick walks up and embraces his grandmother. Tris watches as he apologizes to her for not doing more to protect her.