Chapter 29: My Love for You Will Never Fade
"Before I leave this world, there is one thing I want you to promise me, Thea.." her grandmother said, her eyes shining with love and tenderness. "Find someone who will truly love you-someone who will cherish you, support you through every joy and challenge life brings. Someone who will hold your hand when you’re afraid, listen to your heart when you need to be heard, and love you for exactly who you are."
Her grandma’s frail hands wrapped around Thea’s, her voice filled with longing. "You deserve a love that’s pure, kind, and unwavering. I pray that you’ll find it, and that it will bring you happiness beyond measure.Someone who will cherish and support you, through all life’s ups and downs."
"Grandma, don’t say that!" Thea begged, tears streaming down her face. "I can’t imagine living without you. You’re my everything."
She clung tightly to her grandma, her voice shaking. "Who will I turn to when I need love and guidance?"
Her grandma’s frail arms wrapped around her, holding her close. "My dear, I know it’s hard to hear, but life is precious, and it’s short. I want you to promise me that you’ll find happiness, that you’ll live a life filled with love, laughter, and happiness."
Thea’s sobs grew louder, her body shaking with grief. "I promise, Grandma! I’ll find someone who loves me, someone who makes me happy. But please, don’t talk of leaving me yet! I need you!"
Grandma Grace gently caressed Thea’s face. "Ah child don’t talk like this...We all must leave someday, child.." she said softly. "But my love for you will never fade. It will stay with you always."
Thea’s tears soaked into her grandma’s shoulders as they hugged, but she didn’t let go. She held onto her grandma as if she’d never let her go again. Finally, they broke apart, and Thea wiped the tears from her face, her eyes red and puffy.
"Let’s go downstairs, Grandma. I’ll take a walk with you today."
"Yes, darling Let’s go."
Thea walking downstairs, hand in hand with her grandma. She longed to pause time, to keep her grandma by her side always. But she knew that was unattainable.
"Grandma?" Thea whispered.
"Yes, sweetie?"
"I vow that I’ll work hard, find someone who will love me truly, and live a joyful life. I’ll make sure to live a life that brings you honor and makes you proud, Grandma."
Her grandma’s grip on her hand tightened. "I know you will, Thea. I have faith in you. And always remember, no matter where life takes you, I’ll be in your heart, guiding you."
Maybe, just maybe, she could find a way to make her grandma’s wishes come true. And maybe, just maybe, she could find happiness along the way.
They set out to have a walk together. Her grandma and Nia Marte met in the park, enjoying warm sunshine and lush green surroundings. They hugged, eyes shining with joy, faces beaming with smiles.
"How have you been, Nia? It’s been far too long!" Grandma Grace exclaimed.
"I am good, Grace. Yes, we haven’t seen each other for a long time." Nia replied, her eyes sparkling with memories. "I went to Australia to spend some time at my daughter’s house. She just had a baby, and I couldn’t resist meeting my another grandchild."
"That’s lovely!" Grandma Grace exclaimed. "I’m so happy you had a wonderful time with your daughter and grandchild."
"I’ve missed them so much....It’s been far too long!"
Thea listened intently to their conversation, her eyes darting between her grandma and grandma Nia.
As they strolled together, Nia turned to Thea and smiled warmly. "And how’s my favorite young lady doing? Oh, I brought something for you and your grandma" Nia said, rummaging through her bag.
Grandma Nia handed Thea’s grandma the packet. "I brought you something special, Grace. A nutrient bottle that’s good for our health, and a chocolate box for Thea."
"Thank you, Nia. You always think of us."
"Thanks, Grandma Nia for these gifts."
"That’s what grandmas are for, sweetie! Now, let’s sit and catch up. I have so many stories to share from my trip to Australia."
"What is the name of your grandchild?"
"Olivia Maeve.." Grandma Nia replied, her voice filled with affection. "She’s my tiny treasure, and I’m head over heels in love with her."
Grandma Nia’s eyes sparkled as she scrolled through her phone "Ah, here she is!" she exclaimed, holding out the phone for Grandma Grace and Thea to see.
On the screen, a cherubic-faced baby girl with a mop of curly brown hair gazed up at them, her tiny hands clutching a soft toy. The photo was filled with natural light, capturing the innocence and joy of the little one.
"Isn’t Olivia just precious?" Grandma Nia asked, beaming with pride.
Grandma Grace’s eyes widened in delight. "Oh, Nia, she’s adorable! Look at those cheeks!"
Thea leaned in closer, her eyes shining with excitement. "Can I see more pictures, Grandma Nia?"
Grandma Nia chuckled, happily scrolling through her phone. "Of course, sweetie! Here’s one of Olivia’s first smile..."
She displayed a photo of her granddaughter with a smile, her eyes crinkled in delight.
"...and here’s one of her cuddling with her mom..."
A snapshot of Olivia snuggled up against her mother’s chest appeared on the screen.
"...and this one’s from her first trip to the park..."
A picture of Olivia in a stroller, surrounded by flowers and greenery, brought smiles to their faces.
Grandma Grace asked, "How’s your daughter? This is her second child, Hmm, her first one is already two years old. Right?.."
Grandma Nia smiled, "Yes, Ethan is two now, and Olivia is the new addition. My daughter is doing wonderfully, adjusting beautifully to life with two little ones in Australia."
Thea had seen Grandma Nia’s daughter when she was little. She had heard from her grandma that Grandma Nia’s daughter got married in Australia and settled there permanently.
Thea and her grandma came home after their walk, exhausted from the sweltering heat that had drained the energy from their bodies.
