Chapter 9: An Encounter

DULWICH WOOD'S

POV MARCELINE

It had been a few days since the very awkward dinner at Grey's home. They didn't even talk as dessert was brought out. Once dessert was finished, everyone excused themselves and left the dining room. After that I had Grey drive me home where he told me that every family dinner was just like that.

I shivered at the thought. I think my mother's head would explode if no one spoke during dinner. Even at funerals there was always conversation to be had.

Stretching my arms around and absorbing the loving sun rays coming through the trees I breathed easier in the forest. It had taken several bus rides and a short hike but I made it. My mother sent me on a mission to look for specific plants that were found around here.

She was working on some more salves for Mrs. Browning. Mrs. Browning had been a client ever since I was little. Her arthritis made it hard for her to keep up the house and my mother had started concocting better salves to help ease her pain.