Anchor of Hope by Kiah Stephens

slender with a kind face and blonde hair which had all but turned an icy shade of grey.
    Grace kissed her on the cheek, cradling her face in her hands. “Oh my Darling, look at you. So beautiful.” Her eyes crinkled.
    Henry strolled over, and gave Ashley a hug. “How are you sweetheart?”
    “I'm well, Grandpa—how are you? Still driving the Chevy.” Ashley said nodding towards the car.
    Henry laughed. “I wouldn't drive anything else. Besides, this car is the only reason your grandmother married me!” He shot Grace a wink and she swatted her hand at him.
    “Don't be silly,” she said “There were a few other reasons. Of course, I can't think what they are at this moment.”
    It was nice to be around family. They hadn't changed a bit.
    “Something smells good,” Henry said as he stepped in through the front door.
    “I'm in the kitchen!” Jane's voice rang out.
    Grace took Ashley by the arm. “Where's Steven?” she asked. “I thought he was coming.” Ashley’s grandparents hadn't met Steven yet. He’d been away on a business trip when they last visited New York, a few years ago.
    “No, Gran. He has to go to Japan this week for work. It's a shame, he was looking forward to finally getting to meet you and grandpa.”
     
    Dinner was great. They ate outside in the garden, making the most of the late sunset—Ashley discovered, surprisingly, how much she had missed Mom’s home-cooked meals. The conversation seemed to centre on Ashley’s life in the city—work, Steven, future plans.
    “I still can't get over the fact that this is your first visit home in eight years,” Grace said.
    Ashley shrugged and smiled, a little embarrassed. “Well life has been so hectic and busy, but I know I should make an effort to visit more often. I do love it here. It's just it brings back some painful memories.” She swallowed hard. “And some good ones too.” She forced a smile and patted her grandmother’s hand.
    “Well, we wish you'd visit more often,” Jane said. “It's good to have you home. I don't suppose Steven would consider moving here, would he? What with all the technology these days, I'm sure he could run his office here and do business online.”       
    Ashley couldn't help but laugh at her mother’s suggestion. “Mom, I don't think you realize how hands on' Steven's job is. Besides, if he were interested in moving out of the city—which he isn't—Sweet Home would be the last place he would move.”
    Jane looked offended. “What's wrong with Sweet Home? This town has progressed over the years—we have a Walmart now.”
    Ashley laughed and raised her eyebrows. “Yeah, not helping your case.”
    Jane nodded. “All right, all right, but promise me you'll try to visit more often than once every eight years.” Jane stood to clear the table.
    After dinner they had a simple fruit salad with ice cream for dessert. Despite the fact that the sun was just setting at 8 p.m., Ashley was exhausted.
    “Are you OK, Ashley?” Gran asked. “You look a bit pale.”
    “I believe ‘hung over’ is a more fitting term,” Martin said.
    “First night back in town and you're already out partying—I'm shocked.” Henry gawked at Ashley. “I didn't even get an invite!”
    “That's because you're usually asleep by 7:30, dear.” Grace said.
    Henry shrugged, not bothering to deny the allegation.
    “Yeah, I don't know what I was thinking. I don't seem to recover as quickly as I did a few years ago.” Ashley smiled.
    “Well, don't stay up on account of us, Ashley. Go and get some sleep. We'll have plenty of time to chat during the week.” Gran smiled, placing her hand on Ashley’s forearm.
    “Thanks, Gran. Mom, can I give you a hand clearing up?” Ashley gestured to the dishes on the table.
    “Don't be silly; go to bed.” Jane waved a hand, signalling her to go.
    “Are you sure? I feel bad.”
    “I'm positive. Besides, the dishwasher does all of the hard work.”
    “OK, good night.” She kissed