Her five-year-old self had been forever scarred and her heart was always hurting. She missed a mother's warmth so much and the guidance of her father's hands.
The only surviving relative she had, her grandma, had tried her hardest to replace the vacuum by showing Thea so much love and attention. But the pain persisted, a constant reminder of what she had lost, even in the face of her grandmother's unflinching support.
She felt a knot rise in her throat as Ryder gently encircled her in his arms. She was reminded that she was not alone in this world by his compassion and kindness, which were a balm to her soul. "Ryder, I miss my parents so much." she uttered in a tearful whisper.
His voice was filled with empathy as he pulled Thea into a warm, comforting grip. "Thea, I'm so sorry for everything you've been through. You're not alone, okay? You're my best friend. I'll always be here for you."
As Thea looked up at Ryder, tears shimmered in her eyes, and his words wrapped around her heart like a soothing balm, reminding her that she'd found a true friend, a true family, in him.
Many years later...
Thea stood at Ryder's doorstep, hesitating before the bell. Just as she lifted her hand, the door swung open, and a graceful woman appeared before her.
Elizabeth, Ryder's mother, greeted her kindly, "Thea, you've come to visit him?"
With a quiet smile,Thea accepted Elizabeth's open arms, melting into the embrace.
It was the closest she'd come to a mother's love in years, filling a void that had lingered since the loss of her parents.
Memories of her parents filled her thoughts: joyful moments, shared smiles, and the deep sorrow of their early loss.
Her uncle's indifference remained a sharp sting, but her grandmother's kindness had always been a healing touch.
Held in Elizabeth's arms, she felt her throat tighten with emotion. Though the ache of missing her parents lingered, comfort stirred within her; there were still hearts in this world that held her dear.
"He's in his room now, and he has a fever. I just checked on him. Please be careful—I don't want you to catch it."
Thea nodded sympathetically. "Hmm, Auntie."
Outside Ryder's room....
Thea's heart drummed wildly in her chest, her fingers trembling as they hovered over the door handle. He had just returned from his aunt's house two days before, and she had felt his absence deeply.
The thought of seeing him again had filled her with such excitement and nervousness that she couldn't wait to visit. But now, standing there, she learned he was ill.
She knocked on the door, but no answer emerged from within.
Her hold tightening as she paused, then forced herself to twist the knob.
The door swung open, revealing an expansive space that mirrored Ryder's calm and collected personality.
The walls, painted a soothing sky blue.The large, spacious area was neatly arranged, with every item carefully positioned .
The room was spacious yet inviting. A stylish cream sofa rested at the center, paired with a dark wood coffee table adorned with a neat stack of books and a vase of fresh flowers. Against one wall stood towering bookshelves, lined with Ryder's favorite reads.