She had gone to the university that day, so she wasn't free to pick up Pete from kindergarten. It was Melissa who picked him up.
Melissa entered the room nervously. After glancing outside the room, she came up to Nora, neatened her dress, and sat down gracefully in front of her. Then, she said unhurriedly, "I have something to talk to you about, Nora."
"… What is it?"
Melissa frowned and asked, "Do you find Cherry's behavior a little strange lately?"
Nora, "?"
Melissa sighed and said, "Cherry used to be very lively and a sweet talker. She played with me all day and also loved eating. Lately, though, she's become a lot quieter. When I picked her up from school and asked her what she wanted to do just now, she actually said that she wants to do gardening and play chess with Great-Grandma. The two of them have been in the garden for an hour and a half!"
Nora, "…"