By the time Sophie got home, she headed straight upstairs to her room. The walls were painted in a gentle lavender shade, giving everything a light and airy charm.
Her bed, with a smooth wooden frame, was dressed in crisp white sheets and a lavender throw that matched the walls perfectly. A tall bookshelf stood near the corner, filled with neatly arranged novels and a few small plants that added bursts of green.
Across from the bed, a simple study desk held her notebooks and a vase of fresh flowers, catching the sunlight that poured in from the window.
Beside the bed was a petite nightstand with a framed photo and a lamp, though the daylight made the whole room glow on its own.
With its soft hues and cozy furnishings, her room felt peaceful, like a quiet retreat from the world.
She lay on her bed, her gaze fixed on the ceiling, when tears suddenly welled up in her eyes.
The moment she had learned that Alexander was leaving abroad to build his future, a quiet sadness had taken root in her heart. No matter how much she tried to hide it, the thought of his absence left her feeling empty.
She grew angry when she realized that Alexander had been planning to go abroad for a whole year without saying a single word to her. The thought stung even more when she discovered that Brother Jason had known all along but chose to remain silent.
"Brother Jason knew about it... yet Alexander never told me. Not even once. And in the end, it wasn't him or Alexander—I had to hear it from Aunt instead..."
"Sophie…" A quiet knock echoed against her door.
"Yes…" she replied, her voice low.
The door eased open, and her mother, Margaret, entered. She was dressed in a soft lavender blouse tucked neatly into a gray skirt, her attire modest yet tidy.
A light scarf was draped across her shoulders, and in her hand she held a small bouquet of fresh flowers, meant for the friend she was going to see.
As Margaret entered, she saw Sophie hurriedly wiping her tears. Without a word, she moved closer and sat beside her daughter.
"Sophie.. don't cry. Alexander will be back before you realize it. Five years may seem long, but they will pass in no time." Margaret said with gentle comfort.
Sophie lowered her gaze. "But, Mommy…" she whispered.
Margaret smiled warmly and tilted her head. "What if you also wish to study abroad? I can speak to your father—perhaps you could go with Alexander. Would you like that?"
"Mommy!" Sophie exclaimed, her face instantly turning crimson.
"Well then," her mother teased, her lips curving into a knowing smile, "should we start making those plans for you?"
"Mommy, I'm just a kid... How can you send me somewhere I don't even know? Please, I don't want to go." Sophie clung to her mother tightly.
Hmm... I was only teasing you. Okay, okay—no more tears.
So, would you like to come with me to visit your Aunt Clarabell?"