Emily's POV
The sun barely filtered through the blinds as I sat at the kitchen table, coffee in hand, staring at the quiet apartment. Clara had been unusually cheerful last night, chattering on and on about her small adventures at the bookstore. But there was one detail she hadn't mentioned—well, only in passing—a call she had made using my phone.
I frowned slightly. Something about her excitement had seemed… different. There was a sparkle in her eyes that made me pause. I didn't know who she had called, but I trusted Clara's instincts—she had always been curious and polite. Still, I couldn't shake the slight tension in my chest.
A part of me wanted to know everything immediately, yet another part reminded me that Clara needed space to explore and make her own decisions.
Emily interacts with Nathan and Izzy at work
By mid-morning, I was at my office, my thoughts still wandering. Nathan noticed it immediately.
"Coffee in your hand, mind elsewhere?" he asked, leaning casually against my cubicle wall.
"Something like that," I said, sighing. "Clara… she called someone yesterday. Using my phone."
Izzy, who had been flipping through a file beside me, perked up. "Oh? And do you know who she called?"
"No," I admitted, pressing my lips together. "She only mentioned it briefly. She seemed so… excited. It's probably nothing, but I can't help worrying. I just want to make sure she's safe."
Nathan raised an eyebrow and smirked. "You're going to worry like that forever, you know?"
Izzy laughed softly. "He's right. But also… maybe take a step back. Let her tell you in her own time. You've built a lot of trust already. If you push, it might feel like pressure."
Emily's POV
I nodded slowly, taking their advice to heart. Clara's excitement wasn't a threat—it was her curiosity shining through. But still, a small flicker of worry lingered. That call… whoever it was, they had a calming effect on her. I had to trust that she knew how to handle herself, just as she had been learning to trust me.
Leaning back in my chair, I realized just how much Clara had grown in the past few days. From being cautious and shy in the rain to taking the initiative to reach out to someone unfamiliar—she was bold and intelligent. I felt proud, protective, and… a little uneasy all at once.
Patience, I reminded myself. Consistency. Warmth. That was what Clara needed from me most. And as I watched her in my mind—her eyes lighting up as she described the bookstore—I knew I would always be there, steady and ready, for whenever she decided to share more of her adventures.
The day at work continued normally, yet my thoughts kept drifting to Clara. Who she had called, how she had managed the conversation, and how proud I felt for her courage. There was so much I didn't know, but that was part of the journey. For now, I would let her explore, learn, and trust—while I stayed close, guiding gently, patiently, and always with love.