The Bond Between Us (Anastasia and Herman)

Anastasia stared at the dozens of herbs spread out before her, some looking so similar she couldn't tell them apart.

Some herbs were warming, others cooling. It all depended on the ailment.

Pattie nodded confidently, "I know all of them."

James raised an eyebrow, "How do you know?"

"I learned from Uncle Morris," Pattie replied earnestly. "Whenever he was drying herbs, I'd ask a million questions, and he'd tell me everything."

It suddenly clicked for James. Pattie was always there, peppering him with questions, and he'd answer without much thought.

To him, Pattie was just a curious kid.

Excitedly, James challenged her, "Alright, let's see. What are these five herbs in the basket, and what do they do?"

Pattie glanced at the basket, picked up one herb and said, "This is Pennyroyal, good for diuretics, detox, and reducing swelling. This one's Angelica, it fights off the cold and relieves pain..." Pattie got every herb right, along with their effects.

These were the very herbs they used to treat Tavon.

James was over the moon, "A prodigy! Herman, your daughter's a medical genius! I only mentioned them a couple of times, and she remembered it all!"

Anastasia was equally thrilled, planting a kiss on Pattie's forehead, "Sweetheart, you're amazing."

Herman was proud too and seized the moment to ask James, "So, will you take her on as an apprentice?"

"Absolutely," James replied without hesitation. "She's a natural. She's only six, right? Herman, let me tell you, in medicine, natural talent is everything. Without it, you could study forever and still be average." With a slight smile, Herman said, "She's not quite six yet. Pattie, go ahead and call him 'Master."

Pattie caught on instantly, "Master, I'll go make you some tea."

The tea ceremony was part of becoming an apprentice.

Pattie was full of clever ideas, and James was amused, "This apprentice is a keeper."

Pattie tugged at James to come inside for tea, while Herman and Anastasia exchanged a knowing smile. If Pattie could really master the art of healing, it would be wonderful.

Herman had hoped Pattie would follow in his footsteps in business, but he respected her choice.

Salma emerged from the treatment room to find Pattie kneeling on the floor, offering tea to James with reverence, "Master, please have some tea."

Salma was puzzled by the sudden scene, "What happened here?"

Anastasia smiled as she filled Salma in, "Pattie wants to study medicine with Dr. James. She's becoming his apprentice."

"That's wonderful," Salma beamed. In the eyes of the older generation, becoming a doctor, teacher, or civil servant was securing a job for life.

James accepted the tea, and with that, the apprenticeship was sealed.

Just then, Dailey entered, "Boss, Cynthia's here, looking for Aunt Salma."

"What does she want?" Salma hadn't seen Cynthia in ages, but they were still sisters. Cynthia's arrival couldn't be ignored.

Despite any hard feelings, Salma wasn't heartless.

Anastasia beckoned to Pattie, "Come upstairs with me."

Southridge Estates had three living rooms, each varying in size. Anastasia took Pattie upstairs, while Herman and James went to the adjacent parlor to talk, and Salma went to greet Cynthia. Salma's warmth had cooled, but she was still polite for the sake of family ties.

"Sis, come on in. What brings you here?" Salma's voice carried a forced cordiality.noveldrama

"Oh, sister, I've had such a hard life," Cynthia lamented as soon as they sat down, gripping Salma's hand and drowning in her own misery. "My only daughter's in such a state, how can Gianna face the world now? She's lost the will to live, and I can't see a way forward either."

Salma's heart softened, "Sis, life goes on. We must look ahead."

"What future is there? We're barely getting by. What will become of your brother-in-law and me in our old age? You're the lucky one, sister. I just don't have that fate," Cynthia sobbed, wiping away tears. "You're not holding onto past grudges, are you? The spat between Gianna and Ana... family has its ups and downs, but there's no feud that can last overnight."