When John Brown returned with some breakfast, Sarah Grandy had already taken a bath. She looked a lot more refreshed, though her gaze still occasionally wandered blankly. These reactions were normal—if she didn’t behave , it would actually be worrying.
"Big Brother Brown, I haven’t been to school for several days. I want to go back today. Exams are coming up, and I need to attend classes. I’ll go back after finishing my courses in the afternoon." After breakfast, Emma Campbell brought up returning to school. Though she was worried about Sarah, she trusted John Brown to take good care of her and, as always, took her studies and exams very seriously.
John Brown nodded and said, "Then go ahead. Don’t worry about Charlotte. I’ll take care of her for the next few days. You can also stay at school in the evening to study."
"No need. Reading from home is just as good," Emma replied. Then, turning to Sarah, she said, "Charlotte, I’m heading to school now."
Sarah Grandy nodded and said, "Big Sister Emma, don’t worry about me. I’m not that fragile, especially since Big Uncle is here to look after me. When you’re gone, I can even steal all the snacks for myself."
Usually, if Sarah talked , James Brown would glare at her. But this time, he only gently stroked her hair; no matter what she wanted, he didn’t have the heart to disappoint her.
After Emma left, the house was quiet, leaving only James Brown and Sarah Grandy. However, nothing overly romantic happened. Though Sarah still leaned on James Brown’s chest, there wasn’t a playful or flirtatious mood.
With Sarah being just a little girl, James Brown found that there was a lack of common interests between them. Other than trying to comfort her, he really didn’t know what to talk about.
"Charlotte, how about we go traveling in a few days, once Big Sister Emma is done with her exams?"
Sarah Grandy nodded and said, "Sure, Big Uncle. Wherever you go, I’ll go."
"By the way, have you decided which university you want to attend? We can visit the area first."
"I... I want to stay in YODC City for university."
"YODC City is a small place, and the schools aren’t particularly prestigious. From your scores this time, it looks like you could get into a very good university."
"No, I want to stay in YODC City and attend Big Sister Emma’s university. That way, I can spend every night with her and come home to be with you."
James Brown smiled wryly, knowing there was no point in trying to reason with her now. He struggled to change the subject but couldn’t come up with anything else to say. Fortunately, Sarah’s phone rang, throwing him a lifeline.
Sarah didn’t reach for her phone, so James Brown picked it up instead. On the screen, he saw Grace’s name. He remembered this girl was Melody Yoody’s younger cousin, and she had a great relationship with Sarah.
"It’s Little Grace calling. Answer it quickly."
Finally, Sarah took the phone and answered the call. As soon as it connected, Little Grace’s lively voice rang out, "Charlotte, what’re you doing? Why aren’t you at school? Today’s the day to submit college applications!"
Sarah made a vague sound before saying, "You do it for me."
"Are you crazy? College applications?! You want me to handle that for you? Get over here immediately."
James Brown quickly chimed in, "This is something you need to do yourself. I’ll take you there. High school classmates don’t get together that often anymore, so take the chance."
Sarah glanced at James Brown before finally saying, "Alright, I’ll head over now."
After Sarah hung up, James Brown carefully helped her sit upright and said, "Hurry up and get dressed."
Meeting James’s gaze, Sarah replied, "Big Uncle, I want you to help me get dressed."
"Didn’t you say you’d take care of me? Why haven’t you agreed yet?" Tears immediately welled up in Sarah’s eyes — the girl was extraordinarily sensitive these days.
"Alright, alright. I’ll help you. I meant what I said and always keep my word."
"Then hurry!" Sarah stood up at once, pulling James Brown toward the bedroom.
Once in the bedroom, Sarah stood by the bed, her large, shimmering eyes fixed on James Brown. She looked both excited and shy but continued staring boldly at him.
These past couple of days, Sarah had been pitifully sad, trapped in the depths of grief. Seeing her now was rare. Even if her current request left James a bit flustered, he smiled and walked up to her, saying, "You’re a grown girl—still need me to help you change clothes?"
The indulgent tone in James’s voice startled Sarah. Her expression became noticeably strained, her face pale, her eyes reddened. James immediately realized that his words were parent-like, reminiscent of how her late parents might have spoken, triggering Sarah’s grief.
"Haha, guess I scored big today—I get to see a pretty girl’s body." James quickly added, trying to lighten the mood.
Sarah’s expression quickly relaxed. She blinked at James and said, "Then hurry up and take your big opportunity. If you wait too long, it might expire."
Though her eyes still glimmered with unshed tears, Sarah’s playful tone made James’s heart ache. He didn’t show it on his face. Instead, he reached out with both hands and said, "Alright, then I’ll get started."
"Bring it on—who’s scared of whom?" Sarah pouted teasingly.
After getting dressed, Sarah linked her arm with James’s and said, "Big Uncle, take me there."
Since James didn’t have a car, he hailed a taxi to drop Sarah off at school. Getting out of the car, Sarah said to James, "Big Uncle, will you wait for me? I’ll come back home as soon as I finish choosing."
"I’ll wait for you, sure. But don’t rush. This might be the last time you see so many of your high school classmates together—stay and chat for a while."
"Oh, I don’t really want to talk to them. I just want to be with you."
"We’ve got plenty of time together. Don’t be in such a hurry now."
As the two chatted, Little Grace ran up from the school entrance, calling out, "Charlotte, why are you so slow? It’s such an important day, and yet you’re late. Seriously, I’m speechless."
Sarah turned toward Grace, forcing a smile. "Grace..."
"Wait, what’s wrong with you?" Grace scrutinized Sarah’s tired expression and red-rimmed eyes, grabbing her arm in concern before casting a glare at James. "Charlotte, did this Big Uncle bully you? Tell me, and I’ll help you get even!"
James instantly felt awkward—the sharp and feisty Little Grace clearly shared Melody Yoody’s temperament.
"It wasn’t Big Uncle. He’s been incredibly kind to me," Sarah protested.
"Then why do you look so upset? Your eyes are totally red. And you came with him—if it’s not him, who could’ve made you cry?"
Tears suddenly streamed from Sarah’s eyes as she clung to Grace and sobbed, "My parents... they just passed away."
"What?" Grace froze, unable to process the news.
"I’m an orphan now," Sarah said before collapsing into heartbroken sobs.