The familiar creak of the front door welcomed her home, followed by the soft thud of her shoes on the mat. The comforting aroma enveloped her, wrapping her in a sense of security. Yet, despite the warmth of the space, a chill lingered in her heart.
Her grandmother's gentle voice broke the silence. "Thea, you're home?"
Thea's response was a faint smile, a fragile attempt to conceal her distress. Her eyes, red-rimmed from unshed tears, betrayed her emotions. The forced smile faltered, and she looked away, hoping to hide her turmoil.
Her grandmother's concerned expression deepened. "Thea, child, what's wrong?" she asked, her voice soft and inviting.
Thea's gaze faltered, her lips trembling as she struggled to contain the emotions threatening to spill over. "I was thinking about father and mother.." she whispered, her body trembling with the effort of holding back her sorrow.
Her grandmother's face softened, her eyes radiating compassion, her arms opening wide to enfold her in a warm embrace. "Oh, dear, don't be sad. Come, come, let's sit here together, and I'll tell you a story. It will help to lift your spirits."
As they sat together on the couch, Grandma Grace stroked her hair, her touch gentle and soothing. "You can share it with me.." she said, her voice filled with empathy. "Did Ryder say anything that upset you?" Mentioning Ryder's name, Thea's tears fell nonstop, her body shaking with renewed sobs. "Don't cry, child.." her grandmother whispered, her voice filled with compassion."Don't be sad. Come, here, let's sit here together, and I'll tell you a story. It will help to improve your mood."
Thea nodded, her eyes still streaming with tears, her heart heavy with sorrow. "Okay, then I will change my outfit first." Her grandmother nodded her head, her arms still wrapped around Thea in a warm embrace.
She went to her room.Her room's wall was adorned with childhood drawings and a family photo. She made her way to her closet. After changing into a comfortable dress, she returned to her grandmother's side, seeking solace in her embrace.
She went to sit beside her grandmother.She laid her head on her grandmother's lap, her grandmother's hands began to caress her hair, softly stroking her locks as she spoke.
"You know, when your mom got pregnant with you, she was overjoyed. She had always dreamed of having a child, and the thought of meeting you was exhilarating. Your father was equally happy, beaming with anticipation." Her grandmother's eyes sparkled with happy tears as she reminisced.
"When you were born, you were so tiny, so fragile. You were sleeping, unaware of the love and joy you had brought into our lives. Your parents were over the moon, gazing at you with wonder and adoration. They couldn't believe that this little bundle of joy was theirs."
Thea's eyes welled up with tears as she listened, her heart swelling with love and gratitude. She felt a deep connection to her parents, even though they were no longer with her. Her grandmother's stories kept their memory alive, and in that moment, Thea felt like they were all together again, wrapped in a warm embrace of love.
"Grandma?" Thea whispered.
"Yes, child?" her grandmother replied, her voice soft and gentle.
"It made my mood improve ." Thea's voice cracked as she spoke, her tears falling onto her grandmother's lap.
Her grandmother's arms wrapped around her, holding her close. "Oh, my dear child. You are so loved, so cherished. Your parents may not be here physically, but their love for you will always be with you, in your heart and in your memories."
Her grandmother's words had soothed her sorrow. As her grandmother suggested, Thea decided to take some rest, hoping to calm her mind and heart.
She settled into her bed and picked up a book to distract herself. But just as she became engrossed in the story, her phone rang. She looked at the screen and saw Ryder's name flashing on the display.
Her mind raced with mixed emotions - anger, hurt, and frustration. She still felt raw from their last encounter, and the thought of talking to him made her stomach churn.