Two days after Linda's encounter with William, her friends decided to visit her because she hadn't been in school for two days.
Linda was chatting with her parents when the doorbell rang. "Somebody's at the door," she said, standing up as she walked toward it and opened it.
Seeing Alex and Sophia, Linda's eyes widened. "Alex! Sophia!" she exclaimed, hugging them warmly. "I missed you guys," she said with a bright smile.
"Really?" Sophia teased, still holding onto her. "I thought you were angry with us for abandoning you two days ago."
Linda raised a brow. "What are you talking about? I was the one who left angry."
"Then why haven't you been coming to school?" Alex asked.
"Oh, my parents are around," she explained softly.
With that, the two friends followed her inside.
As they entered the house, they found Linda's parents sitting in the small living room.
"Mum, Dad, meet my friends Sophia and Alex. And you guys—meet my parents," Linda said, pointing to her friends proudly.
Her parents smiled warmly as they exchanged greetings with Sophia and Alex. They exchange handshakes, as everyone sat down together.
As the conversation went on, Mr. Lee began to advise them about the realities of life. His voice was calm, and the five people in the room listened closely, drawn into his words.
Just then, Jack and Emily came out of the room. "We've finished reading," Emily said, handing over the storybook she was holding to Linda.
"These are my siblings," Linda said, drawing her friends' attention to them.
Alex and Sophia turned with cheerful smiles, greeting the children. Jack grinned as he shook Alex's hand, while Emily bowed slightly with shyness, making everyone smile.
After the greetings, Mrs. Lee suggested, "Linda, why don't you show us around Seoul today? We have nothing to do at home."
Sophia's eyes lit up. "That would be great! There's a party nearby—a birthday party for a young girl. It might be fun. We could all go together."
The kids cheered with excitement, and soon, everyone was preparing to attend the party together. Sophia helped Linda pick out an outfit, while Emily and Jack tagged along, chattering about the games they might play. Mr. and Mrs. Lee exchanged a smile, happy to see their daughter surrounded by such joy.
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When they arrived at the venue, it was clear the host was wealthy. The mansion was decorated with balloons, colorful lights, and a wide play area for children. Music pulsed through the air, laughter echoed from the garden, and long tables were filled with food and drinks.
Inside, the party was in full swing. Linda, her family, Sophia, and Alex joined the lively crowd, smiling as they blended into the cheerful atmosphere.
Soon, Linda noticed the birthday girl sitting quietly, a small card clutched in her hands. Curious, she walked over. On the card was written: "I wish someone could sing for me."
Linda knelt down with a sweet smile. "Hey there, little one! What's your name?"
"My name is Nina," the girl replied softly, her voice distant.
"I'm Linda," she said gently. "I saw your wish, Nina. Why do you want someone to sing for you so much?"
Nina's expression grew sad. "When I was little, my mom used to sing a special song with me. But after she passed away, no one ever sang it again. I really miss her."
Linda's heart ached at the girl's words. She leaned closer, her voice soft with empathy. "I'm so sorry for your loss."
"Thank you," Nina murmured, as a single tear rolled down her cheek.
Linda's eyes softened as she asked, "What's the song? Would you like me to sing it with you?"
Nina nodded, a faint smile tugging at her lips. She recited the lyrics slowly, and Linda listened with care. Picking up the little guitar Nina had been holding earlier, she strummed gently and began to sing.
At first, Nina's voice trembled with emotion, but Linda's steady tone encouraged her. Together, their voices rose in harmony, filling the room with a song that carried both sorrow and love.
The hall grew silent. Everyone listened, touched by the moment. Sophia and Alex exchanged amazed glances, their faces glowing with admiration. They had never seen Linda sing before.
When the last note faded, the crowd erupted into applause. Nina threw her arms around Linda, hugging her tightly. "Thank you," she whispered, her voice breaking.
Linda hugged her back with warmth. "Anytime," she said softly.
She then introduced Jack and Emily to Nina, and soon, the children began to play together happily. Later, when it was time to dance, Linda held Emily and Jack by the hands, laughing as she spun them around. Other kids quickly joined, turning the dance floor into a whirl of giggles and fun.
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As the party ended, Linda and her family made their way home. Alex and Sophia hugged her goodbye at the gate before heading off in their own directions.
The next days were precious. Linda's family filled their time with small trips around the city park and mall. Their laughter echoed in every corner of the house, but deep down, Linda knew their stay would not last forever.
On the day of departure, Emily and Jack clung tightly to Linda, tears streaming down their faces. "We don't want to go! We want to stay with you!" they cried.
Linda's throat tightened. She hugged them close, fighting back her own tears. "I'll miss you too," she whispered, her heart aching.
Mrs. Lee crouched down, gently wiping their tears. "You'll see her again soon," she promised softly. "Another visit, I promise."
Reluctantly, the children loosened their grip. With tearful faces, they climbed into the waiting taxi. Linda waved, her hand trembling, until the car disappeared down the road. It felt as though a piece of her heart was driving away with them.
The house was quiet again. Empty, but still carrying their warmth.
The next morning, Linda returned to school. Though her chest felt heavy, she threw herself into her studies and activities, carrying the comfort of her family's love deep within her heart.