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Scott Power navigated through the evening traffic, his mind filled with thoughts of home. After a relentless day of meetings and deadlines, all he wanted was to be with his family. Lisa had been discharged from the hospital, and he regretted not visiting her as often as he wished. Determined to make up for it, he pulled into a small ice cream shop on the way. He knew exactly what to get—vanilla and chocolate, their favorites.
Despite his age, Scott had a sweet tooth, a trait he and Lisa shared. His wife, on the other hand, had no interest in sweets—ironic, given how sweet she was herself. Her preference for bitter snacks always amused him.
Arriving home, he found Lisa lounging on the couch, absorbed in a telenovela. She was so engrossed she hadn't even noticed him enter.
"Sweetheart," Scott called.
Lisa turned, and her face lit up as she sprang up to embrace him. "Welcome home, Dad," she greeted, her arms wrapping around him tightly.
Scott was taken aback. Lisa rarely showed such affection, but ever since her recovery, she had been unusually affectionate. It wasn't unwelcome, just surprising.
"How has your day been?" he asked, smiling down at her.
"My day has been amazing!" she beamed. "Mum made my favorite dish, I ate a lot, and Liam will be home soon. Plus, you came back early, and I know it's because of me. Today's perfect!"
Scott's heart swelled with joy. He couldn't quite explain it, but seeing her so happy made everything worthwhile.
"It's about to get even better because I got ice cream for us. Guess what flavor?" he teased, holding up the bag.
Lisa's eyes sparkled. "Chocolate and vanilla! I love you, Dad!" She grabbed the bag, grinning from ear to ear.
"Sorry to spoil the father-daughter reunion," Daisy said, her tone laced with playful sarcasm as she walked into the room. "But can I borrow my husband for a moment?"
Scott smiled, knowing exactly what she was up to. "Jealous of our daughter, are we?" he teased.
Lisa laughed. "Mum, you're such a drama queen! And Dad, you two are hilarious." She shook her head, amused, as she headed upstairs with her ice cream.
Scott turned to his wife as she tried to brush past him, catching her wrist. "Where do you think you're going? Is that how you greet me?" he said with a grin, pulling her close and planting a kiss on her lips.
Daisy's cheeks flushed a deep red. "Oh, stop it! I'm still upset. You didn't get me anything," she pouted, but the way she looked at him, he knew she wasn't really mad. In that moment, she looked so captivating that all he wanted was her. Scooping her into his arms, he carried her toward their bedroom. Daisy's surprised squeal echoed in the hall as she clung to him, laughing despite herself. Scott always got what he wanted, and tonight was no different.
Upstairs, Lisa sat in her room, feeling content. Her father's gesture had filled her with warmth, and the ice cream was the perfect treat. However, the exhaustion from the day's events began to weigh on her. Determined not to waste time, she grabbed her school notes, eager to catch up. She needed to prove herself, to be the best version of herself in this second chance she'd been given.
But despite her efforts, fatigue won. She fell asleep, her books sprawled across her bed.
Hours later, she awoke to the sound of her name being called. Groggily, she realized she had dozed off, her notes stuck to her cheek. Stifling a laugh, she rubbed her eyes and hurried downstairs.
At the bottom of the stairs stood her older brother, Liam, his arms outstretched. "Lisbay!" he called, using his favorite nickname for her.
Lisa's face brightened. "Liam!" she cried, rushing into his arms. He lifted her, spinning her around as she laughed. She had missed him dearly, and his presence felt like a balm to her soul.
He set her down, his eyes softening with concern. "How's your health? Are you really okay now? I'm sorry I wasn't here when you were in the hospital. I had so much work at school, but I promise I'll make it up to you."
Lisa smiled at his earnestness. "I missed you too. And you know, you're not just my favorite brother; you're my only brother." She winked, trying to lighten the mood.
Liam chuckled, ruffling her hair. "And a handsome one at that," he added, flashing his signature smirk.
"Full of yourself as always, I see," Lisa teased, crossing her arms.
"Only for you," he replied with a grin.
"Where are the parents?" Liam asked after a moment, glancing around.
"Oh, those lovebirds? Where else would they be but in their room, doing God knows what?" Lisa rolled her eyes, pretending to shiver in disgust.
"Stop being such a baby, Lisbay. One day, when you fall in love, you'll eat your words," he teased, poking her nose playfully.
"I won't fall in love ever again," Lisa said, her voice firm. The thought of love felt like a distant, dangerous memory.
Liam raised an eyebrow. "Is there something you're not telling me? Have you ever been in love?"
Lisa scoffed. "Me, in love? No way. I don't have time for that. I'm focusing on my studies and making Mum proud."
"Naughty as ever," Liam said, smiling.
"And that's why you love me," Lisa retorted.
"Are you implying I'm naughty too?" Liam asked, pretending to be offended.
"You said it, not me!" she called out as she dashed back upstairs.
"You're so dead, Lisa!" he shouted, playfully chasing after her.
Just as she reached the hallway, Lisa stopped. Her parents emerged from their room, but something was off. Her mother looked pale, and her father's face was etched with sorrow.
"Lisa, Liam, I just got a call from the hospital," Scott said, his voice heavy with emotion. "Your Aunt Scarlett… she's gone."
The air in the room felt suddenly cold. Lisa's heart sank, and her earlier happiness vanished, replaced by a numb, suffocating silence.