The wounds of her five-year-old self ran deep, leaving her heart perpetually aching for the love of her parents.
Her grandmother, the only family she had left, poured boundless love and care into Thea, trying to fill the void that loss had carved. Yet, the ache never left; it lingered like a quiet ghost of what once was.
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? I'll always be here for you."
Thea looked up at Ryder through a blur of tears. His words touched something deep within her, whispering that she was no longer alone.
Many years later....
A girl in her mid-teens found herself standing before a doorway. Her hand rose to press the bell, but before she could, the door opened to reveal a gentle, graceful woman.
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 right now. The fever hasn't gone down yet. Please be careful, I don't want you falling sick too."
Thea tilted her head with a small nod. "Hmm, I get it, Auntie."
Outside Ryder's room....
Her 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 his 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.