Love's Redemption

Redmption 198

“Zack..” I whispered in shock. My voice was trembling

“Maddle,” Zack forced a smile as he called out my name.

“Your hair..” I reached out wanting to touch his hair.

He looked puzzled. “What about my hair? Is it messy?”

Tears streamed down my face.

He was even more bewildered upon seeing me cry. “What’s wrong? Why are you crying? What has Bree said? Don’t believe her. She likes to talk nonsense.”

Zack seemed to have no idea that his hair had grayed

I had just seen him a few days ago when his hair was still black. Now though not entirely white, 80 percent of it had grayed, turning him into a wholly different man. He had aged from a robust middle– aged man to an elderly man.

I couldn’t find the words to speak, especially when he didn’t seem to realize it himself.

I stepped forward and hugged him. My tears flowed uncontrollably.

He gently patted my back. “Don’t cry. I’m fine, there’s nothing to cry about. I just wanted to be alone, but Bree wouldn’t stop nagging. She even called you over.

He thought I had cried out of worry about him locking himself in the study for two days.

I shook my head and leaned on his shoulder. It felt as if a gigantic hand was squeezing my throat.

“Come sit down. I’ll make you some coffee.” Zack seemed to be in better spirits than expected, but I knew he was just putting on a brave face so I wouldn’t worry

His overnight transformation told me everything.

“Zack, leave it… Chris will deal with his affairs. Don’t worry or try to control anything.”

I had never felt so sorry for anyone. The pain I felt toward Zack made it feel like he was my father.

The light in Zack’s eyes dimmed. “He’s let us down. I’ve been reflecting on this, and it’s all because we spoiled him from such a young age.”

I tried to console him, “You shouldn’t blame yourself for that. Chris is an adult with his own thoughts and decisions. He isn’t a child.”

Zack didn’t respond. I knew he wasn’t listening.

He was a stubborn man. Despite his easygoing nature and the way he handled naggings from Bree without a fuss, he had his unwavering beliefs.

I had never expected Chris‘ choice of wife to anger him so deeply that his hair grayed in just one night.

“Maddie, come take a seat. Have some coffee with me.” Zack guided me to the coffee table and started brewing coffee.

Watching his back, I noticed his posture seemed slightly hunched. He looked more like a frail old man when paired with his gray hair.

“Maddie, I’ll make you a cup of mocha. Eddie gave me some coffee beans, and I thought I’d…” Zack’s voice abruptly stopped.

He froze when opening the cupboard and stood unmoving.

I quickly got up and went to him when I sensed that something was wrong. “Zack…” Copyright Nôv/el/Dra/ma.Org.

My words caught in my throat when I realized why he had stopped. He had seen his gray hair in the reflection of the glass cupboard door.

“Zack,” I softly called while grabbing his arm.

He snapped back to reality and smiled bitterly. “So that’s why you were crying earlier.”

His smile felt like a dagger piercing my heart. “Zack, how… How did this happen?”

I was choked up. I couldn’t say more.

“I’m in my fifties. It’s normal for my hair to turn gray. Bree won’t have to worry about some young girl falling for me either. Who would like me now that I look like an old man?” Zack joked.

I couldn’t bring myself to laugh. I pressed my face against his shoulder and sobbed. Zack stroked my hair. “Alright, don’t cry. Everyone gets old…”