The kids had just finished playing with their Legos, their hands likely covered in germs. "What if they get sick from eating with dirty hands?" Hertha blurted out, her motherly instincts kicking in full force. She hadn't meant to sound harsh, but the words cout wrong, especially in front of Remington and Beatrice. Without realizing it, her remark could easily be taken as a slight against Remington and Beatrice, suggesting they were negligent. The comment hung in the air, making the room uncomfortably quiet. Hertha noticed the silence and the peculiar looks from Remington and Beatrice. Even Alaric was staring at her in disbelief, as if to say, "What are you doing criticizing in front of my grandparents?" She realized too late the implications of her words.
Before she could attempt to clarify, Beatrice, with a smile, gently chided Alaric, "Yeah, Alaric, why don't you take the kids to wash up before dinner? They're still young and more susceptible to getting sick. It's part of being a parent, something you're still learning." Beatrice's intervention offered Hertha an out, easing the tension in the room.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtHertha managed a slight smile, catching a glimpse of Remington's displeased expression. Despite Beatrice smoothing things over, Hertha knew her comment had caused offense.
She was still as blunt as ever, seldom considering the consequences before speaking, a habit that often landed her in trouble.
Alaric snapped out of it and led the two kids to the bathroom to wash their hands.
Kimberly, carrying dishes to the table, noticed Hertha standing awkwardly, "Hertha, take a seat. Why stand there like you're out of place?" She couldn't bear seeing her vef daughter uncomfortable in her own home, as if she were inferior.
Kimberly urged Hertha to sit, but knowing she'd feel uneasy next to Remington and Beatrice, Hertha opted to wash her hands, excusing herself to the bathroom.
Kimberly's demeanor softened as 1.n
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmshe turned to Remington and Beatrice, serving them with a polite smile. "It's good to be cautious, keeps NO.
away a lot of unnecessary trouble," she said, echoing Beatrice's sentiment.
In the bathroom, Hertha reached the door just in tto see Alaric gently helping the kids wash up, a tender smile on his face as he noticed her. "Give us a moment, we'll be quick," he said, his tone understanding.
Yet, feeling irritable and out of sorts, Hertha couldn't help but roll her eyes at him. Alaric, catching the gesture, quickly sobered up, turned off the faucet, and stepped aside to let Hertha through. X