Her grandmother's expression also softened. "Once Phoebe's health improves, you can move back in. Grandma will worry if you live out there all the time."
In the past, Marina had deeply loved her grandparents. Back in college, her grandmother would call her every week. Even though Marina knew the old woman favored Phoebe slightly, she always rationalized it by reminding herself of Phoebe's poor health. It made sense that everyone doted on her more.
But as time went on, she slowly realized that her grandmother's words of concern for her were always hollow. The only genuine love she had was reserved for Phoebe.
Hearing Marina was leaving, Aunt Charlotte smiled too. "It breaks my heart to see you move out. Come back and visit us often!"
Marina smiled faintly. "This is my home. Of course I'll come back often."
Aunt Charlotte's lips twitched. "Right."
*
After leaving her grandparents, Marina went back to her room to pack.
Rhiannon hovered around her, complaining about her making such an impulsive decision while simultaneously nagging her to take good care of herself.
Marina couldn't help but feel a pang of sadness for her parents. They loved their daughter dearly, yet they were completely powerless to protect her. All they could do was complain.
Suddenly remembering something, Marina asked her mother to finish packing her clothes and headed down to the backyard.
The Evert family kept two large dogs—a Doberman and a Labrador.
Both dogs were resting in their respective kennels and immediately stood up when they saw Marina approaching.
Marina opened the gate, and the Labrador trotted happily toward her.
She crouched down, playfully tugging at its ear with a soft scoff. "Why aren't you barking now? Why is it that you bark your head off whenever I come home at night? Do you magically forget the sound of my footsteps, or the hum of my car?"
She had brought this Labrador home herself and personally cared for it during its first three months. It was deeply affectionate toward her, nuzzling its goofy head into her palm.



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