Chapter 9 - The Harbor of Eleanor
That weekend, I drove down to Newport, Rhode Island, to spend three days at Grandma Eleanor’s coastal estate.
My Honda Passport performed effortlessly along the highway, the silver compass charm swaying gently against the dashboard as the ocean came into view.
Eleanor sat on the stone patio overlooking the blue waters of Narragansett Bay, wrapped in a cream cashmere shawl, drinking Earl Grey tea.
"You look radiant, Arya," Eleanor smiled as I walked out onto the terrace and kissed her soft cheek.
"I feel radiant, Grandma," I said, taking a seat opposite her.
Mr. Vance walked out from the house, setting a small oak box on the table between us before bowing respectfully and heading back inside.
"What's this?" I asked, looking at the box.
"That," Eleanor said, pushing the box toward me, "is the final deed of gift for the Eleanor Reynolds Family Estate and Trust."
I opened the lid.
Inside lay a set of polished brass keys, a set of legal title deeds, and a hand-written letter on cream parchment.
"Grandma..." I gasped, looking up at her. "This is... everything."
"It belongs to the child who knew how to build," Eleanor said softly, taking my hand in her warm, frail grip. "Not the ones who knew how to consume. You are the future of this family, Arya. Not because of your anger, but because of your integrity."
May you like
Tears overflowed my eyelashes, bright and warm in the coastal sun. "I won't let you down, Grandma."
"You never have, my sweet girl," Eleanor beamed, raising her teacup toward the shimmering blue sea. "You never have."
