Jerry leaned forward slightly. "Gramma, she's… different. She's been through a lot too. We're both just trying to heal, in our own way."
Gramma sighed. "I believe you, my child. I really do. But I hope she's not hiding something. That's what I'm afraid of."
Jerry blinked. "Why?"
"It's not about her. It's about what surrounds you," she said calmly. "Your father… his wife… their claws are long. And they've ruined too many things already. Sometimes when we want to hold onto something good, they'll use our happiness to get to us."
Jerry clenched his jaw lightly.
"I know, Gramma," he said quietly. "That's why I'm being careful. I won't let anyone use her against me. I promise you that."
Gramma paused again, then her tone softened.
"Well, my birthday is in a few weeks. I won't ask too much now. I'll wait till then, and I'll see with my own eyes who this young woman is. I want to look in her eyes and know for myself."
