The Bond Between Us (Anastasia and Herman)

Pattie's actions made Anastasia realize just how much of an impact Katelyn had on her granddaughter.

"Pattie," Anastasia called out as she approached quickly.

Katelyn looked a bit flustered when she saw Anastasia. "Oh, Ana, I was just talking with Pattie. I wasn't scolding her or anything."

"Mom, it's late. What are you doing here?" Anastasia asked, though she already knew.

Katelyn, a bit embarrassed, replied, "I just wanted to check on the kids and apologize to Pattie. Pattie, I'm your grandma, and I don't hold anything against you. Go have fun with your siblings."

Katelyn seemed to have softened, showing the kindness she had when they first met.

Pattie, surprised by the change, glanced at Anastasia for reassurance.

Anastasia said, "Pattie, why don't you let Grandma take the little ones to their room? It's getting late, and you've got school tomorrow. Miss Liana expects you at ten in the morning."

Anastasia made it clear she didn't want Katelyn taking the kids back to Salstrom Manor. She loved having all three children at home, making it lively. Katelyn was welcome to visit, but taking them away wasn't an option anymore.

Pattie called Salma, who, upon seeing Katelyn, greeted her politely. "Why don't you stay over tonight, Katelyn?" she offered, out of courtesy.

Katelyn jumped at the offer. "Sure thing! Ana's mom, you go ahead and put the kids to bed. I'll be up in a bit."

Salma just smiled awkwardly, realizing her polite offer was taken seriously. She and Pattie each picked up a child and headed upstairs.

Anastasia sat down, looking at her mom. "Mom, you must have noticed that Pattie is a little afraid of you."

Her voice carried a hint of emotion.

Katelyn knew she was at fault, and her discomfort was visible. She sat down, fidgeting with her hands, unsure of what to say.

"Ana, I'm sorry. I owe you an apology," Katelyn said softly. "I honestly didn't know Pattie was Herman's daughter. No one ever told me. I've always seen how devoted you are to Herman. The first time I saw Pattie, I just felt she was meant to be part of the Salstrom family."

Anastasia's heart was a blend of emotions. These words, spoken now, couldn't undo the past prejudices that had affected Pattie.

Katelyn's eyes welled up as she continued, reaching for a tissue. "Ana, I might have said too much earlier today. Don't let it get to you."noveldrama

In truth, Anastasia's anger had faded, and she wasn't one to hold grudges.

"Mom, it's all in the past now. I admit I was a bit harsh too," Anastasia said. "With Herman gone, it feels like we've all lost our anchor. You're carrying a burden, and so am I. It's good to talk about it."

"Yes, it is," Katelyn agreed, her eyes filled with sorrow. "Life's unpredictable. Herman's sudden passing hit us all hard. I know you're grieving just as much as I am. You've been holding everything together, running the household. Flynn isn't cut out for business, and your father, well, he's never been one to stick with responsibilities. It used to be Herman who held us together, and now it's you... I shouldn't have been so harsh."

Katelyn had been reflecting a lot. Before Herman's accident, she had been trying to resolve her issues with Anastasia. Now, with things as they were, she felt her son wouldn't rest easy seeing them at odds.

"Mom, we're family. Let's not dwell on it," Anastasia said, seizing the opportunity. "You're always welcome to come see the kids. I could really use your help with them."

Katelyn understood she could visit but not take them away anymore.

She hesitated but ultimately said nothing more, just nodded in understanding.

That night, she decided not to stay at Southridge Estates. Instead, the driver took her home.

After Katelyn left, Anastasia sat alone in the living room for a while.

The house was quiet, and the laughter of the children upstairs had faded into sleep.

Feeling the cool night air, Anastasia's heart ached with loneliness.

She got up and went to the study, where she could feel Herman's presence in the things he left behind.

Turning on the computer, she pulled up news of the landslide incident at Silver Creek Village. Every time she watched, she wished she could freeze time before the disaster struck.

Online, there were still countless articles about the landslide. A quick search brought up many results.

Suddenly, a familiar face appeared in the footage from the incident site.

It was Sandy.