On the Terrace
Amber walked over and sat cross-legged on the floor beside Justin, a gentle smile on her face. The kids naturally gathered around her, curious eyes fixed on her every move.
Amber: "Before we start… let me ask you all a question. What is love?" 😊
A quiet hush fell over them.
Thomas: "I'll go first! If you like someone and feel happy when they're around… it's like how we feel about our parents!" 🤩
Amber: "Not bad at all." 😊
Emily: "I know! You get butterflies in your stomach whenever they're near, like grandpa and grandma feel about each other!" 🤩
Amber: "Hmm… clever. I like that one." 😊
Lussy: "I think… love is when you feel completely comfortable with someone, like Uncle Joseph and Aunty Lauran. You just… fit with them." 😎
Amber (raising an eyebrow, half-smiling): "You 3 are really only ten years old, huh?" 😶
Justin's face grew a little serious. He recalled his past, the pain and longing of his first love.
Justin: "For me… it's when you see someone in tears, and it feels like hundreds of needles are pricking your heart. You just… want to take their pain away." 🙂
Amber (softly, her voice gentle): "Is that so…" 😕
Emily: "Okay, sis, what about you? What's your definition?" 😁
Amber's gaze softened as she thought of Jonathan. Her eyes reflected warmth, care, and a deep, abiding affection—a look that spoke of love, trust, and everything in between. She smiled, not just with her lips, but with her entire being. 🥰
Everyone around her froze, mesmerized once again. Her smile seemed to light up the terrace, leaving them completely captivated. 😍
Justin's eyes lingered on her, a mixture of awe and understanding washing over him. Lussy's jaw dropped slightly, while Thomas and Emily exchanged amazed, wide-eyed glances.
Amber leaned back slightly, her smile gentle but steady.
---continue