Ch. 290: Mr. Edwards’ Unraveled Life chapter 290

Chapter 290

When Norah hadn’t emerged from the study for a while, Gwen grew concerned and walked in to check on her.

“What are you looking for?” Gwen asked, seeing Norah frantically searching through the room.

Norah looked up, her face tense. “Mom, I remember that Dad used to collect newspapers. I should have one of them here.”

Jack had a habit of collecting newspapers, storing them neatly in a box. It should have been easy to find, but Norah was struggling.

Seeing her daughter’s frustration, Gwen’s face changed. She stepped closer with a smile. “What newspaper are you looking for? Let me help.”

Norah hesitated for a moment. “It’s the one from when I was in junior high school. I’m sure I have it.”

Gwen’s concern grew as she saw Norah’s urgency. “Which issue? You were in junior high for three years. Which one are you talking about?”

Norah, a bit more casually now, said, “The one where I was kidnapped. It was a big deal at the time, so it should have been in the papers.”

Gwen’s face changed as she processed what Norah had said. “Why are you looking for that? What are you hoping to find?”

Norah paused and locked eyes with her mother. “Lately, I’ve been feeling... strange. I thought maybe reading that newspaper could help jog my memory.”

Without a word, Gwen took Norah’s hand, gently leading her away from the search. “Don’t go digging up painful memories. Why remind yourself of something like that? Besides, Dad’s collection isn’t organized by date. If you can’t find it, it might not even be there.”

Norah, still uncertain, asked again, “Are you sure there’s nothing?”

“No,” Gwen said firmly, though there was a hint of worry in her voice. “If you can’t find it, maybe it’s for the best. What’s really bothering you? What have you been thinking about lately?”

Norah continued searching, but the absence of the newspapers only deepened her unease. Something wasn’t right.

She sighed. “It’s nothing, really. Just a nightmare.”

Gwen’s expression darkened. “A nightmare? You’ve been having nightmares? Maybe you need more rest.”

Norah didn’t want to go into the recent dangerous events. She didn’t want to worry Gwen. “It’s just work stress,” she said. “I’ll be fine.”

Gwen wasn’t convinced. “I’ll make you some soothing soup to help you sleep better. You’ve been pushing yourself too hard. You need to take care of yourself.”

“Thanks, Mom,” Norah said softly. “I will.”

Gwen continued with a worried smile, “And about Kevin... how are you two doing? Is everything okay in your marriage?”

That question made Norah pause. Should she stay with Kevin or leave him?

Kevin had been there for her, even putting his life on the line for her. He was lying in the hospital, fighting for his life. If she even considered divorce now, it felt wrong. She didn’t want her child to grow up without a father either.

Seeing Norah hesitate, Gwen offered her a gentle but firm piece of advice. “Whatever you decide, just make sure it’s something you can live with. Don’t do anything you’ll regret.”

Norah smiled reassuringly at Gwen. “I know, Mom. I’ll think it through.”

“Good,” Gwen said, giving her daughter one last hug. “I’ll make that soup now. You should talk to Gloria while I do.”

“Okay, Mom,” Norah replied.

Gwen smiled. “You don’t need to worry so much about me. All I want is for you to be happy and safe.”

Norah’s heart swelled with love for her mother. It meant the world to her to have such a supportive family.

Meanwhile, Jack had gotten up and was offering them fruit, his concern evident as he fussed over Norah.

“Dad, you don’t need to keep getting up for me,” Norah said, grateful but trying not to be a burden.

“What are you talking about?” Jack replied with a loving smile. “It’s never too late for you to come home.”

Gloria entered the room, a little flustered. “I’ve been busy with work, but I still keep in touch with Norah. Sorry I didn’t bring anything.”

“Just you being here is enough,” Jack said warmly. “You’re like family.”

Jack stood up to check on Gwen, and Norah, still feeling uneasy, sat down with Gloria in the living room.

“What were you looking for earlier?” Gloria asked as Norah settled in. “Did you find it?”

“A newspaper,” Norah answered, her tone casual but her mind still swirling with unease.

“What newspaper?” Gloria asked, her curiosity piqued.

“The one from when I was in junior high. There was a murder case, and I wanted to find that issue.”

Gloria’s face tightened. “Why bring that up? It’s not something you should be dwelling on.”

Norah didn’t want to remember, but she felt it was necessary. There was something important she was missing, and she needed to understand it.

“I don’t want to remember it,” Norah said quietly. “But I can’t shake the feeling that what’s happening now is somehow connected to my past.”

Gloria raised an eyebrow. “You’re not seriously thinking it’s some kind of revenge, are you? This sounds like something out of a spy movie.”

Norah couldn’t help but worry. “It could be, but I’m not so sure. Bianca seems involved, but it’s not that simple.”

In the kitchen, Gwen was distracted, chopping pears, but her thoughts were heavy. Her anxiety over Norah’s search had affected her more than she realized, and she cut her hand in the process. Jack quickly took her hand, gently rinsing the wound in water.

“What’s going on, Gwen? You’re distracted, and now you’ve hurt yourself.”

Gwen looked out toward the living room, her voice low. “Jack, I think Norah’s starting to remember.”

Jack’s expression darkened. “How is that possible?”

“She’s been looking for that newspaper again,” Gwen said, her eyes filling with worry. “What if she remembers too much?”

Jack held Gwen close, reassuring her. “Don’t worry. If Norah remembers, maybe it’s meant to be. We’ll help her through it.”

Gwen, still fearful, leaned into his embrace, tears slipping down her cheeks. “I’m scared she won’t be able to handle it.”

“Don’t be afraid,” Jack murmured. “She’ll be okay.”

Later that night, Norah and Gloria, exhausted from the day, shared a cup of soothing soup Gwen had prepared. It worked wonders, and before long, they were fast asleep.

But in the quiet of the night, Norah had another nightmare.

The cries of many voices echoed through the darkness. The room was thick with the smell of blood, and laughter—cruel and hollow—filled the air. A face appeared in her dream, twisted in a grotesque smile.

Norah woke up, gasping for air.

“Norah, are you having nightmares again?” Gloria’s voice was soft but filled with concern.

Norah was drenched in sweat, her body trembling as she tried to shake off the haunting images. “Just a nightmare,” she said, her voice shaky.

“Nightmares again? Maybe it’s time to seek some peace,” Gloria suggested. “We could try praying God, something to help calm your mind.”

Norah wasn’t sure what would help, but the feeling that something sinister was at play didn’t go away.