HIS REGRET (Ex-Husband wants Me Back) novel Chapter 291

**Shadows of the Past – By Emma Clarke**

**Chapter 291**

“We’ve arrived,” Althea murmured softly, her voice barely above a whisper as the car rolled to a gentle stop.

“Where exactly are we, Mom?” Josh inquired, a hint of confusion lacing his tone. His eyes flitted nervously across the serene landscape dotted with gravestones. The stillness of the place unsettled him. Who had passed away? Was it Uncle Beni? No, that couldn’t be right. Josh recalled seeing Beni during his therapy sessions just days ago; the man was on the mend, slowly but surely. He had survived that harrowing incident—one Josh desperately wished to erase from his mind.

The cemetery unfolded before them like a tranquil painting under the warm embrace of the morning sun. Chase parked the car in the designated section Althea had requested, his heart heavy with the weight of memories. He had visited this sacred place once before, to pay his respects to someone who had meant the world to Althea. Returning here was never a burden; it was a privilege, especially when it was for her.

Last night had been pivotal. Althea had asked him for just one small favor—a visit to her mother’s grave with Josh before they returned home. It was a journey she had long wished to make, one that had been postponed by the tragic events that had altered their lives. But now, at last, it felt like the perfect moment to honor her mother’s memory.

“We’re here to visit your grandmother’s grave, sweetheart. Grandma Aisa. She was my mother,” Althea explained tenderly, her voice laced with both love and regret.

As they ambled slowly along the narrow path, the sound of dry leaves crunching beneath their feet echoed in the stillness. A gentle breeze caressed their faces, almost as if the wind itself were welcoming them into this hallowed sanctuary. Althea held tightly to Josh’s small hand, her grip a blend of comfort and reassurance, while Chase trailed behind, cradling a bouquet of pristine white lilies he had ordered that very morning.

When they finally halted before a simple yet dignified headstone, Althea felt a familiar tightening in her chest. Tears brimmed in her eyes, slipping down her cheeks before she could summon the strength to hold them back. “Here we are. Josh, this is your grandmother… my mother. She was a remarkable woman. I’m so sorry it took me so long to bring you here,” she said, her voice trembling slightly.

Josh studied the grave intently, his young mind grappling with the weight of the moment. He bowed his head respectfully. “Hi, Grandma Aisa… I’m Josh, your grandson. I’m sorry it took me so long to come. I never got the chance to meet you, but I know you must be as beautiful as my mom.” A shy smile danced on his lips as he carefully settled onto the grass. “Can I tell you a story? I was sick for a while, but I’m much better now. I hope you’re not worried about me.”

They settled around the grave, enveloped in a serene and reverent silence. Althea absentmindedly tugged at the wild grass sprouting near the headstone, tidying up the area even though it was already well-kept. Chase knelt beside her, gently scattering flower petals and placing the bouquet at the base of the stone with a soft reverence.

So much weighed on Althea’s heart—so many words she had kept bottled up for years. Even without an audible response, even with only the whispering wind as her companion, expressing her feelings to her mother lightened a burden she had carried for too long. Gratitude surged within her; she had survived, and so had Josh.

Meanwhile, Josh continued to speak softly, his innocent voice brimming with warmth. “Grandma, I love playing soccer. Sometimes Mom gets mad because I get too excited. But I promise I’ll be more careful. I want you to know I’ll grow up strong, so Mom won’t have to worry.”

A gentle hush enveloped them, the wind stirring as if to carry their heartfelt words skyward. Althea cradled Josh’s hands in hers, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears. “Thank you, sweetheart. I’m certain your grandmother is smiling down on you right now, listening to every word you say.”

Josh lifted his face, his eyes wide with innocent wonder. “I hope Grandma Aisa visits me in my dreams someday.”

Althea smiled softly, nodding in agreement. “Of course, sweetheart. I believe God will allow it—especially if it brings you happiness.”

Chase, his voice deep and soothing, added, “And if your grandma is watching over you from heaven right now, Josh… I have no doubt she is proud of you for being so strong and full of joy.”

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