Zachary met her gaze , catching the lively spark and mischievous glint in her eyes . He couldn't help but smile fondly , nose twitching as he actually managed to name a few herbs aloud . Alessia's lips curved in a sly grin , but she offered no comment . She led him through twisting corridors , turning left and right , until they stopped before an unremarkable wooden door . The door stood slightly ajar . Through the crack , they could spot an elderly man sprawled out in a worn armchair , lazily waving a fan and occasionally humming along to the radio's scratchy tunes . A small table beside him was piled high with cakes and snacks - he looked utterly content . Out of politeness , Zachary barely glanced inside before looking away , careful not to intrude . Alessia pressed a finger to her lips , signaling for silence . Zachary obediently stepped back behind her . But instead of entering immediately , Alessia waited for her moment . As soon as the old man popped another snack into his mouth , she flung the door wide open . " Caught you red - handed , Old Dawson ! Sneaking snacks again , are we ? " Alessia's sudden voice startled the old man , who instinctively hid the treats behind his back . " What snacks ? I don't see any snacks . " Alessia gave a cold laugh . " Why don't you swallow those chips in your mouth first before you deny it ? " Busted , Xander Dawson straightened up in his chair . Alessia picked up the teapot , skillfully brewed a cup , and set it in front of him - courteous , but not exactly overflowing with warmth . Xander , having just finished his chips and feeling a bit parched , took a long sip. The tea was good , and he had to admit , the girl knew what she was doing . He nodded , savoring the lingering taste . " Hand them over , " Alessia said , palm outstretched and expression stern . " Hand what over ? You imp ! You barely come by to visit your old man , I'm lucky if I see you twice in a whole summer ! " Xander feigned ignorance , grumbling about her neglect . 1/3 15:37 Chapter 22 " Still want those pastries from Blossom Bakery ? " Alessia shot back . At this , Xander snorted . " You didn't bring anything , did you ? Trying to trick your old granddad now , are you ? " Alessia rolled her eyes . " Hand over the snacks , and I promise I'm not lying . Zachary , you can come in now . " Hearing his cue , Zachary finally stepped inside , a pastry box in his hands . " Mr. Dawson , " he greeted , holding out the box . At the sound of his voice , Xander turned . Their eyes met , and Zachary nearly fumbled the box . He glanced at Alessia , then back at Xander , disbelief written all over his face . " Xander … " " Easy , Zachary . No need to be nervous ," Alessia said , patting his shoulder and taking the box from him . Zachary swallowed hard , suddenly unsure what to do with his hands and feet , his eyes still shining with a hint of awe and reverence . " So , you only show up when you need something , huh ? " Xander said , sizing up Zachary but really addressing Alessia . " We genuinely came to see you , too ," Alessia replied , handing over the pastries . As Xander accepted them , she deftly snatched the hidden snacks from behind his back . Xander's eyes widened in protest , but he could only watch helplessly . " Come on , didn't I have Cole bring you some other treats already ? These are all greasy and loaded with calories . For a retired doctor , you sure don't watch what you eat . " " What do you know , kid ? I'm halfway to the grave already - every snack could be my last ! " " That's why I'm here to pull that ' half - foot ' right back out for you , " Alessia retorted , making Xander chuckle despite himself . Unable to keep a straight face any longer , Xander turned his attention to Zachary . " Let me introduce you - this is my brother , Zachary . " " Now hang on , girl , I might be old but I'm not senile . Since when do you have a 212 15:37 Chapter 22 brother ? " " It's complicated . Something happened , and I need you to take a look at him . " At this , Xander flopped back into his chair , looking as lazy as ever . " What are the symptoms ? " " He's had it since birth - weak constitution . " Alessia rattled off a few more details , peppered with medical jargon . Zachary managed to keep his surprise in check , his face giving nothing away . " Why don't you just grab some medicine from the dispensary out front , then ? " 3/3