Later, Elizabeth asked Jack, the family driver, to drop Thea home.
"Auntie, I can go by myself. You don't have to worry about me."
Elizabeth smiled, though concern still lingered in her eyes.
"You are far too young to be going alone."
Before Thea could protest again, Elizabeth gently added,
"If you call me Auntie, then you must trust me enough to follow my advice."
Her expression softened.
"I know you've learned to do many things on your own, but that doesn't mean I'll stop worrying about you." She reached out and squeezed Thea's hand affectionately. "You're family to me, and I want you to be safe. That's what family is for."
Not wanting to worry her further, Thea relented.
"Okay, Auntie. I'll go with Uncle Jack."
"Good girl." Elizabeth smiled warmly. "Now, let's get you home safely."
Turning toward the driver, she said, "Jack, please make sure Thea gets home safely."
---
Two weeks later.....
Thea did not attend school that day. Instead, she accompanied her grandmother to the hospital for a routine visit.
They were on their way home when her phone rang.
Thea glanced at the screen and immediately recognized the caller.
"It's Auntie," she said, answering the call.
"Thea.." Elizabeth's familiar voice greeted her. "Would you be able to visit me today if you're free?"
Grandma Grace looked up from beside her.
"Who's calling?"
"It's Auntie Elizabeth."
"Are you with your grandmother right now?" Elizabeth asked from the other end of the line.
"Yes. We're on our way back from the hospital."
After a brief pause, Thea handed the phone to her grandmother.
"Auntie wants to speak with you."
Grandma Grace accepted the phone and placed it against her ear.
"Elizabeth."
A warm smile gradually spread across her face as she listened.
"Thank you," she said softly. "You've done so much for Thea over the years. I truly appreciate all the love and kindness you've shown her."
A moment later she nodded.
"Of course... Yes ..yes..., we'll come...okay We'll see you soon."
Thea watched the conversation curiously.
When the call ended, Grandma Grace handed the phone back.
"What did Auntie say?"
"She invited us to visit."
"Now?"
Grandma Grace nodded, amusement dancing in her eyes.
"Yes. She seems quite determined to see us today."
Thea couldn't help wondering what was so important.
Thea lowered her gaze.
Over the years, the Thompsons had become far more than family friends.
When life had taken so much from her, they had quietly filled the empty spaces with kindness.
Grandma Grace gently cupped her cheek.
"Seeing how much they love you eases my heart," she said softly.
"Grandma..."
"Your parents would have wanted people like this around you, Thea."
Thea felt her throat tighten.
Grandma Grace smiled and brushed a loose strand of hair behind her ear.
"No matter what happens in the future, never forget how precious that kind of love is."
---
A short while later, the taxi came to a stop before the Thompson estate.
Thea stepped out first and helped her grandmother onto the driveway.
The estate was as beautiful as ever.
Lush gardens stretched across the grounds, vibrant flowers swaying gently in the afternoon breeze. The perfectly trimmed lawns and elegant stone pathways gave the property a timeless charm.
As they approached the entrance, the security guard greeted them with a friendly smile.
The maid opened the front door before they could knock.
"Welcome."
As Thea stepped inside, a familiar warmth settled over her.
It was a strange feeling.
This wasn't her home.
Yet somehow, every time she walked through those doors, a part of her felt as though she had returned to one.
Warm lighting bathed the interior in a soft glow. Marble floors gleamed beneath a magnificent chandelier, while the faint fragrance of fresh flowers drifted through the air.
Before they could take another step, Elizabeth appeared.
"Thea! Elder Wynn!"
Her face lit up as she hurried forward to greet them.
"It's wonderful to see you both."
She embraced them warmly before leading them farther inside.
Though Thea had visited many times over the years, she still found herself admiring the quiet elegance of the Thompson home.
Every detail seemed carefully chosen, creating an atmosphere that felt both luxurious and welcoming.
Elizabeth guided them into the living room and gestured toward the sofa.
"Please, sit."
Her eyes sparkled with genuine affection as she took a seat across from them.
"Elder Wynn, I've been looking forward to seeing you." She smiled warmly. "I was planning to visit you myself, but when I heard you were returning from the hospital, I couldn't resist inviting you here instead."
Her smile softened.
"It's been far too long since we last saw each other."