Veronica felt a familiar tightness in her chest as she processed the situation. "Understood. I'll head back shortly."
That evening, Veronica prepared honey-glazed pork ribs with garlic for Sabrina, accompanying the meal with a rich bone broth. She remained at Sabrina's side for the following forty-eight hours, unwilling to leave her daughter alone.
Friday arrived with Mary's phone call, her voice warm with invitation as she requested Veronica's presence for dinner. Without hesitation, Veronica gathered Sabrina and made their way to the Murray family estate.
The sprawling house felt unusually quiet with only Mary present. The other family members had scattered to various social obligations or were still attending classes, leaving the two women and child in peaceful solitude.
Mary's eyes widened with genuine delight when she discovered Sabrina's return to the country. The surprise of seeing her granddaughter brought an immediate sparkle to her aging features.