Dave stood outside Aurora's room, debating for a moment whether it was the right time. He had been trying to piece together everything about Aurora ever since they met, but she still remained a mystery. But one thing was clear—she was special. Now, after all the intense battles and training his family had gone through, it was time they finally met her.
Taking a deep breath, he knocked gently. "Aurora?" he called softly.
The door creaked open, and Aurora appeared, her innocent eyes blinking up at him. "Yes, Dave?" she asked, her voice soft and gentle.
Dave smiled. "Would you like to meet my family?"
Aurora tilted her head slightly, her long hair swaying with the movement. "Meet them?" she asked, a little puzzled.
Dave nodded. "Yeah, they've heard a bit about you, and I think it's time you meet the people I care about. They're good people, and I think they'll like you."
She blinked again, then gave a small nod. "Okay, if you want me to."
Dave led her out of the room and down the hall. His parents, John and Linda, were seated in the living room, sipping tea. Emily, fresh from her training, was scrolling through her phone, but she looked up when she saw Dave approaching with Aurora.
"Everyone," Dave said, gesturing to the small girl standing next to him. "This is Aurora."
Aurora shifted slightly under their gazes, but she didn't seem uncomfortable, just curious. Her wide eyes looked at each person, her presence calm yet somehow enchanting.
Emily's eyes sparkled as soon as she saw Aurora. "Oh my gosh!" she squealed, rushing over. "She's so cute!"
Aurora blinked as Emily enveloped her in a sudden, enthusiastic hug. "You're adorable!" Emily cooed, pulling back to examine her with an excited grin.
John and Linda chuckled at Emily's enthusiasm, while Dave scratched the back of his head, amused by his sister's reaction.
"Well," Dave began, sitting down on the sofa, "I figured it was time to introduce her to you all. She's been with me through some of the crazier stuff lately, and I think it's only fair you all got to know her."
Linda smiled warmly at Aurora, her motherly instincts kicking in immediately. "Aurora, it's lovely to meet you. How did you two meet?"
Aurora turned to Dave for a moment, unsure how to answer. Dave took over, explaining the events briefly. "I found her in one of the areas I explored while I was traveling. She was... uh, in a bit of trouble, and I couldn't just leave her there. Since then, we've been together, figuring things out."
Linda looked at Aurora with a soft, concerned gaze. "That must have been difficult. But it's good you're with us now."
Aurora nodded, though her expression remained neutral. It was clear that while she was trying to understand everything, some of the emotions were still beyond her.
John spoke up, his deep voice gentle. "You're safe here, Aurora. Dave's been looking out for you, and so will we."
Aurora gave a small nod. "Thank you," she said simply.
Emily, however, wasn't satisfied with just introductions. She peppered Aurora with questions, wanting to know everything about her. "What's your favorite color? Do you like animals? What do you like to eat?"
Aurora looked at Emily with wide eyes, overwhelmed by the flood of questions. She answered them slowly, her responses short but genuine. "Blue... I like animals... I don't know about food..."
Emily grinned, clearly charmed. "You're like a little doll! I just want to keep you around forever."
Aurora blinked, not sure how to respond, but she didn't seem to mind Emily's enthusiasm.
As the conversation went on, the family took turns asking Aurora gentle, non-intrusive questions. They didn't press too hard, knowing that she probably didn't have all the answers herself. It was a simple, friendly meeting, and Aurora, though still quiet, seemed to be getting more comfortable around them.
Linda, ever the caring mother, finally turned to Dave. "You've done a good thing, looking after her. She seems like she's been through a lot. If she ever needs anything, we'll be here for her."
Dave smiled, appreciating his mother's words. He had been unsure about how the introduction would go, but it seemed like Aurora was being accepted without any issues.
Emily, on the other hand, was absolutely smitten with Aurora. "She's so cute," she repeated, for what seemed like the hundredth time. "I love her already."
Aurora, though still maintaining her usual calm demeanor, gave a small smile at Emily's excitement.
As the evening wound down and everyone had shared their questions, Dave felt a sense of relief. His family had accepted Aurora with open arms, and even though they still didn't know much about her, they trusted Dave's decision to keep her close.