The old lady at the orphanage who bore the same scar as she did. She was sweet and always helped everyone, constantly encouraging Eva to be herself. "You are beautiful even with the scar," she would often say, comparing Eva to the moon. "The moon has spots, but it still shines."
That evening, as the chaos of the library fire subsided and Eva was allowed to leave, she felt a deep yearning to see the old lady. Despite the ordeal she had just been through, she felt comforted by the thought of the familiar, kind presence waiting for her in the park.
Eva made her way to the park, her steps slow and weary. The sun had begun to set, casting a warm, golden light over the trees and pathways. She spotted the old lady sitting on a bench under a large oak tree, her posture straight and eyes scanning the park for any sign of Eva.
When the old lady saw Eva approaching, a broad smile spread across her wrinkled face. She stood up, opening her arms wide. Eva hurried into her embrace, feeling the comforting warmth and the familiar scent of lavender.
"Eva, my dear," the old lady said, her voice soft yet filled with concern. "I heard about the fire. Are you alright?"
Eva nodded, her eyes welling up with tears. "It was scary, but I'm okay now."
The old lady gently brushed a tear from Eva's cheek. "You are strong, my dear. I'm so proud of you."
They sat down on the bench, and the old lady reached into a wicker basket beside her, pulling out a neatly wrapped bundle. "I made some snacks for you," she said, handing it to Eva. "I thought you might need a little pick-me-up after such a day."
Eva unwrapped the bundle to find an assortment of homemade treats—freshly baked cookies, slices of apple pie, and little sandwiches. The sight and smell of the familiar comfort food brought a smile to her face.
"Thank you," Eva said, taking a cookie and biting into it. The taste was heavenly, reminding her of countless afternoons spent in the orphanage kitchen with the old lady, learning how to bake and listening to her stories.
As they sat together, the old lady began to speak, her voice a soothing balm to Eva's frayed nerves. "Eva, remember what I always tell you about the moon? It has spots, but it still shines brightly, lighting up the night sky. Just like you, my dear. You may have a scar, but it doesn't diminish your beauty or your light."
Eva looked at the old lady, her eyes reflecting a mix of gratitude and love. "You always know what to say to make me feel better."
The old lady chuckled softly. "That's what I'm here for. To remind you of your strength and beauty, and to be here when you need a shoulder to lean on."
They sat in companionable silence for a while, watching the park around them. Children played in the distance, their laughter ringing through the air, and couples strolled hand in hand, enjoying the tranquility of the evening.
Eva took another bite of her sandwich, feeling the tension from the day's events slowly ebb away. "I was so scared today," she confessed, her voice barely above a whisper. "I didn't know if we would make it out."
The old lady placed a comforting hand on Eva's shoulder. "Fear is natural, especially in such situations. But you were brave, and you made it through. That's what matters."
Eva nodded, drawing strength from the old lady's unwavering support. "You're right. And Zack was there, helping me. I think I misjudged him. He's more than just a handsome face."
The old lady smiled knowingly. "Sometimes, it's in moments of crisis that we see the true character of those around us. I'm glad he was there for you."
As the sky darkened and stars began to twinkle overhead, Eva felt a sense of peace settle over her. She was grateful for the old lady's presence, her wisdom, and her unwavering support. No matter what challenges she faced, she knew she could always count on her.
"Thank you," Eva said, her voice filled with emotion. "For everything."
The old lady squeezed her hand gently. "Anytime, my dear. Anytime."
They sat together for a while longer, enjoying the snacks and the serene evening, finding comfort in each other's presence. As the night deepened, Eva knew that no matter what happened next, she was ready to face it, shining brightly like the moon.
And All Your Desires Will Come True.....