Chapter 11 "Lowes Love"

"Grandpa..."Eva buried herself in Waldo's arms.

Waldo, a weathered man with hands gnarled by years of hard work, watched his granddaughter crumble into sobs on the worn sofa. Her cries, raw and desperate, tore at his heartstrings, a stark contrast to the composed young woman she'd tried to be for so long. He shuffled closer, careful not to startle her, and settled a calloused hand on her back, offering a silent comfort he hoped she wouldn't reject.

"There, there, Ev," he rasped, his voice thick with unshed tears. "Let it all out, child. It's okay not to be strong all the time."

Eva buried her face deeper into the worn fabric of the sofa, her body wracked with sobs that seemed to have been waiting for this moment to erupt. Waldo felt a surge of anger towards whoever had caused her so much pain, a silent promise to stand as a shield against any future hurt.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, the intensity of her sobs subsided. Eva pulled away, wiping her tear-streaked cheeks wit