Flashback — Continued
Little Thea tugged gently at her grandma's hand as they walked together.
"Thea… I have to… g-go… somewhere important.." Grandma Grace's voice trembled, though she tried to keep it steady. "So I'll leave you with my dear friend… your Grandma Nia."
She bent down to Thea's level, brushing a strand of hair away from the girl's face. Then, with a faint smile, she said, "Be good, hm? Grandma will come back to take you."
"Okay, Grandma. I'll be good. Don't worry," Thea whispered, her soft smile guided by innocence and trust.
Grandma Grace's throat tightened. She dared not let her tears fall, so she pressed a swift kiss to Thea's forehead and rose to her feet.
Without another word, she turned and hurried out, her steps echoing with urgency.
Thea stood by the doorway, blinking up at the fading figure—too young to sense the goodbye hidden in her grandmother's hurried departure.
