Irina's POV
Watching the couple react, I could see them starting to pack up their belongings. "Don't worry about it, honestly. We're not here to cause any trouble. Just wanted to see how Irina's doing. We'll take off now and find somewhere to spend the night," they said.
Once they were gone, Vera tugged me to the side and whispered, "They don't seem like they're putting on an act. Did you notice those rough hands and marks? That's what you get from working the fields day in and day out."
Her face softened with a sad expression as she let out a sigh. "They didn't want to lose you on purpose. I understand that hurt runs deep—abandonment leaves scars that don't fade. But blood ties are blood ties, through thick and thin. Those connections don't snap so easily."
I shook my head, my gaze sharp and conflicted. "That's not it, Grandma Vera. I don't blame them for what happened. It's just..."
