Melanie turned to Thea with a questioning gaze."Are you coming with us?" she asked.
Thea hesitated."I'll see.." she replied.
Emerson's face fell, and she grasped Thea's arm."No, no, you have to come with us..." she urged, her voice filled with persuasion.Her eyes locked onto Thea's, her tone impassioned.
"It won't be the same without you."
A soft smile spread across Thea's face as she looked at Emerson, her eyes shining with affection.
With a gentle smile, Elder Edward nodded.
"Thea, please join them. We'd be delighted to have you with us."
She nodded obediently."Okay, Grandfather.." she said, her tone warm and respectful.
"I should get going..." Thea said, standing up. She exchanged warm greetings with the group before bidding them a gentle goodbye.
As the door closed behind Thea, Brenda turned to the others with a smile.
"She's such a lovely girl.." she remarked.
Rosie's expression turned somber.
