Chapter 39

Andy woke up feeling beat.

She surveyed her gaze around the room and remembered she's in Green City. She also remembered her crying in her grandpa's arms last night.

But cold ran down from her feet to her neck as she sat down for breakfast.

John gave her a cold shoulder.

She laughed inwardly. Maybe, she must have to get used to the indifference of the people around her though it hurts.

Afternoon came, they only had limited conversation and more on nodding and gestures. Andy was hurting but she was laughing inside; like she's going crazy.

She felt like everyone left her alone in the cold North Pole.

"I'm coming back to Capital City tomorrow." She informed her grandpa and got a nod as a reply.

She smiled sarcastically to herself then went inside her room.

[********]

Andy got out of her room as morning came, with herself already dressed up for the trip back home.

But her brow creased as soon as her gaze landed on Kevin eating cereal on the counter.

"I've called your brother to drive you home." John informed.

She was taken by surprise and cannot seem to utter a word.

"I'll have someone to drive your car back."

She could only nod and still confused.

Kevin walked towards her and grabbed the paper bag she's carrying.

"Is this all?" He asked.

Again, Andy just nodded.

Kevin went outside and dropped the paper bag on the backseat.

Andy turned to look at her grandpa. She wanted to hug him and say her goodbye's but she hesitated.

She was fidgeting but chose to be brave and awkwardly hugged John. The man tapped her back and she then made her way to Kevin's car.

"Sweetheart," John called as she was halfway to Kevin's.

"Just follow your heart… but remember to bring your brain along."

Andy was overwhelmed. Her lower lip begun to tremble and tears were rolling down her cheek.

Her grandpa was lovingly smiling at her. That smile he always have for her.

She then leapt her way back to John. She again sobbed in his embrace but that time, it's no longer because of pain but of joy.

John held his granddaughter tight with tears forming around his eyes but kept his cool.

[*********]

Andy was having a hard time breathing due to her hiccups caused by her crying.

They were on the road already with Kevin on the wheels. He lend his tumbler of water to his sister. Andy took it gladly.

"See this road?" Kevin pointed ahead.

"This is probably the path most travelled; clear, no hindrance, no barricade."

Andy listened, she can't seem to follow her brother.

"The path most travelled would obviously be most people are familiar with. It's the path that feels comfortable and safe," he continued.

"And the path you are trying to take is unclear, full of grass with thorns and even towering mountains."

"But know this... that I, your brother, will be one of your strengths."

Andy's tears begun to formed. She's about to cry again.

"If I have to use EXCAVATOR to mow down those unending thorns, then I will do so."

"If I have to use BULLDOZERS to take down those towering mountains to create a path for you, then I will do so."

"And if you fall to the abyss, then I will use CRANES to lift you up from what depth who knows."

Andy finally crumbled and loudly cried.

Kevin stopped the car by the side of the road.

He looked at her sister quivering in his side.

"Know that I will always have your back."

Andy unbuckled her seatbelt and hugged her brother. She cried in joy as a portion of her burden lifted up from her shoulder.

Kevin held her while fighting back his tears.