The wounds of her five-year-old self ran deep, leaving her heart aching for the love of the parents she had lost far too soon.
Her grandmother, the only family she had left, showered Thea with endless love and care, doing everything she could to fill the void left behind. Yet some wounds never truly healed. The longing remained, lingering quietly in the corners of her heart.
Many years later...
A girl in her mid-teens stood before a familiar doorway.
Raising her hand to ring the bell, she barely had the chance before the door swung open.
A warm smile greeted her.
Standing there was a graceful woman whose gentle presence seemed to brighten the entire entrance.
"Thea, dear." Elizabeth, Sebastian's mother, said fondly. "You've come to visit Sebastian?"
Thea returned the smile.
Before she could answer, Elizabeth opened her arms, and Thea stepped into the embrace without hesitation.
The warmth of it nearly stole her breath.
For a moment, she allowed herself to simply stand there, wrapped in a mother's affection.
It had been years since she had known such comfort.
A lump formed in her throat as memories surfaced—her parents' laughter, their smiles, the warmth of their love. Though time had softened the edges of her grief, the loss remained a quiet ache she carried every day.
Her uncle's indifference had often deepened that pain, but her grandmother's kindness had always been there to mend the cracks.
And now, people like Elizabeth reminded her that love still existed beyond loss.
She wasn't alone.
"He's in his room right now," Elizabeth said gently. "The fever hasn't gone down yet. Please be careful. I don't want you falling sick too."
Thea nodded obediently.
"Hmm. I understand, Auntie."
---
Outside Sebastian's room...
Her heart pounded against her ribs as she stood before the door.
Sebastian had returned from his aunt's house only two days ago, and she had missed him more than she cared to admit.
The thought of seeing him again had filled her with excitement all morning.
But now she knew he was sick.
Concern quickly replaced her anticipation.
She knocked softly.
No answer.
After waiting a few seconds, she tightened her grip on the handle and slowly pushed the door open.
The room beyond reflected Sebastian perfectly—calm, organized, and quietly inviting.
The walls were painted a soothing shade of sky blue. Sunlight streamed through the large windows, casting a warm glow across the space.
A cream-colored sofa sat near the center of the room beside a dark wooden coffee table. Several books were neatly stacked upon it, their corners perfectly aligned.
Towering bookshelves lined one wall, filled with novels, reference books, and well-loved classics. Not a single item seemed out of place.
Everything about the room carried Sebastian's unmistakable touch—orderly, thoughtful, and comforting.