The park was bathed in a warm glow from the sun, which illuminated the vivid flowers and beautiful green grass. An eleven years old boy named Ryder spotted her while perusing the playground.

Even though she was a girl of six or seven years old, he was fascinated by her sweet smile and sparkling eyes. The young girl, Thea, was in the park with her grandma to celebrate her birthday. She was overjoyed to be taken to the park as a special treat by her grandmother. Her pigtails bouncing with every movement as she played on the swings.

Ryder felt an unexplainable connection with the little child he had never seen before, the instant their eyes met.

He drew closer to them.Thea, sensing his presence, instinctively sought refuge behind her grandmother, poking her head out from the safety of her grandmother's side.

"Hello..." Ryder stood infront of them and said with a warm smile, his eyes fixed on Thea.

"Say hello,to him.. Thea.." her grandmother encouraged.Thea peeked out from behind her grandmother, her big eyes shyly meeting Ryder's. "Hello." she whispered softly.

She emerged from behind her grandmother, her gaze fixed on Ryder's face. "I'm Alethea," she said softly,"but everyone likes to calls me Thea."

"Well, Alethea, I'm Ryder. I think I'll call you Thea too, if that's okay?"

"Okay..." Thea paused, her eyes locked on Ryder's. "C..can I call you my friend?" she asked, her small body leaning forward, eager for his response.

"Hmm, we are.." Ryder replied, a warm smile spreading across his face.Thea squealed with delight, bouncing up and down. "Grandma, look! I got a new friend!"

Her grandmother's eyes twinkled as she glanced at Thea. "Yes, dear.."

From that moment on, Ryder and Thea became inseparable friends. They spent their days playing together, sharing secrets and dreams, laughing and exploring. Their afternoons were filled with exhilarating games of hide-and-seek and wild chases across the playground.

As Ryder and Thea's bond grew stronger, he learned that her life hadn't always been so carefree. Thea had experienced a profound loss at a tender age, having lost her parents. Now, her grandmother provided a loving and nurturing home.

Despite the depth of her loss, Thea's spirit remained unbroken, and Ryder was deeply moved by her remarkable courage and resilience. Her unwavering optimism and joyful demeanor inspired him, and he found himself drawn to her strength and character.

The connection between them became stronger as the days passed .Despite being four years apart in age, they understood each other remarkably well, and their bond grew closer every day. Thea was adored by Ryder's mother,an exquisite and gentle woman.

She would frequently ask her to playdates in their magnificent estate, where they would play for hours in the expansive gardens and sumptuous playrooms. Watching them with a warm smile on her face, Mrs. Thompson was pleased to see them happy.

"Thea, you're such a sweet girl..." Mrs. Thompson would give her a firm hug. "I'm so glad that Ryder has you as a friend." Feeling appreciative of the affection and acceptance she was shown by Ryder's family, Thea would blush and grin.

With a global corporate empire, the Ryder family had immense fortune. With marble flooring, glittering chandeliers, and precious artwork all over the walls, their mansion was a monument to their wealth. As the heir apparent to the Thompson fortune, Ryder's parents were preparing him to eventually take over the business.

Their conversations became more in-depth as they became older. They would discuss their hopes, anxieties, and dreams.

"Thea, I'm so glad we have each other." Ryder would add, thankfulness shining in his eyes. "Me too, Ryder." she would say in a heartfelt voice.

She understood they could always rely on one another through thick and thin as they negotiated the ups and downs of youth.

One beautiful afternoon at the park. Sandwiches, fruit, and cookies were all in a basket that Ryder's mom had prepared. Beneath a towering oak tree, they stretched a picnic blanket and took a seat to eat. "Thea, what do you want to be when you grow up?"

"My goal is to become an artist .I love to draw and paint, and I want to create beautiful things that would make people happy."

"You have such talent.Mm.. One day, I'm sure you'll be a fantastic artist." she grinned and flushed, feeling uplifted and inspired . After their picnic was over,from his pocket, Ryder produced a small, elegantly wrapped package. "I have something for you."

When she opened the box and saw the exquisite silver bracelet inside, her eyes sprang wide. She said, "Ryder, it's gorgeous!"

Tears filled Thea's eyes as she gave Ryder a firm embrace."You're my best friend, and I love you."she said, her voice quivering with passion. He gave her a hug in return, and felt his heart fill with joy and love. He was aware that their friendship was unique and would endure a lifetime. Their friendship was priceless and something he would always value. Ryder looked at her, his heart full of love and protectiveness, and his eyes gleamed.She had always been like his little sister, and the idea of someone abusing her made him feel revolted.

His family loved her as if she was one of them, and they felt the same way. But there was also a deep grief in Thea's eyes, a longing for the parental affection she had not had as a child. Her five-year-old self had been forever scarred and her heart was always hurting. She missed a mother's warmth so much and the guidance of her father's hands.

The only surviving relative she had, her grandma, had tried her hardest to replace the vacuum by showing Thea so much love and attention. But the pain persisted, a constant reminder of what she had lost, even in the face of her grandmother's unflinching support.

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. Ryder's voice became empathetic as his grip tightened. "I am aware, Thea I really apologize for what you had to endure. However, I'm always here for you. You're like my little sister and best friend. I will never let you feel alone."

Tears pricked at the corners of Thea's eyes as she looked up at Ryder. His words were a salve to her wounded heart, a reminder that she had found a true friend, a true family, in him.

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This is a fictional piece. All names, characters, companies, locations, events, and incidents in this book, unless otherwise noted, are either imaginary or the result of the author's imagination. Any likeness to real people, living or dead, or to real things is entirely coincidental.