Chapter 38: We Will Surely Take Part Together
Grandma Grace wrapped her arms tightly around Thea, pulling her into a gentle, loving embrace. As they held each other, their tears flowed freely, a shared expression of sorrow and remembrance for the loved ones they had lost, and the memories they held dear.
"Thea I think your parents are proud to see you from above. Their lovely daughter grew up so well." Grandma Grace consoled.
Thea’s voice trembled, her words dissolving into heart-wrenching sobs. "Grandma, I truly miss them." she whispered, her body shaking uncontrollably as tears streamed down her face.
Grandma Grace’s heart swelled with emotion as she recalled Thea’s countless hours spent waiting in the balcony, her eyes fixed on the horizon, eagerly awaiting her parents’ return. Pressed against the balcony railing as she waited for her parents.
The memory was a painful reminder of the devastating truth Grandma Grace had kept hidden: that Thea’s parents would never come home and that their little girl’s wait would be in vain.
Years passed, and Thea’s innocence gave way to a painful realization. Whispers from the neighbors, careless and heartless, revealed the truth she had been shielded from: her parents were gone, lost to her forever. Thea’s heart swelled with a mix of emotions - anger, sadness, and a deep sense of loss - which she initially directed at Grandma Grace, who had kept this secret from her.
But as the shock began to wear off, Thea’s love and compassion for her grandma reasserted themselves. She saw the depth of Grandma Grace’s sorrow, the weight of the burden she had carried alone, and her heart went out to the woman who had given her everything.
One day, Thea approached Grandma Grace with a quiet determination. "Grandma," she said, her voice filled with a sense of purpose, "from now on, I’ll be a good child and make my parents happy, so they don’t have to worry about their daughter and can rest peacefully in heaven."
Grandma Grace’s eyes overflowed with tears as memories of that heart-wrenching moment flooded her mind. She wrapped her arms tightly around Thea, holding her close as she struggled to find the words to express the depth of her emotions. "You’re making them proud, Thea." she whispered, her voice cracking with sorrow. "You’re making them happy. They’ll always be with you, in your heart, in your memories, and in the love that we share."
Thea carried the box to her room, her heart brimming with a mix of sadness, love, and nostalgia. With reverent care, she placed the box in her cabinet, ensuring it was snug and secure. As she softly closed the door, she whispered a gentle promise: "I’ll keep your memory close, Mother and Father.."
Thea unfolded the letter, taken out previously, and began to read. Her eyes recognized the handwriting instantly - her mother’s. The words on the page came alive under her fingertips, which gently traced the curves of each letter. Her mother’s presence enveloped her, the love and memories tangible in every line, every word.
"I am so happy our daughter finally turned one year. We are happy to have her as our daughter. Not only is she cute, but also obedient. We hope she will remain cheerful and happy throughout her life." the letter read.
After she finished reading the letter, she looked up, her eyes gazing into the distance. "Mother, Father, I miss you both so much. But I know you’re watching over me, and I’ll make you proud. I’ll live my life to the fullest, just like you wanted me to."
"Don’t worry, Father and Mother. I am living well. Your daughter is living well with her Grandma." She said, her eyes welling up with tears.
Thea gently folded the letter, her fingers tracing the creases with care. She placed it back in the box. Her heart, once heavy with grief, now felt lighter, filled with the comforting knowledge that her parents would forever be a part of her. They would live on in her heart, in her memories, and in the love that they had shared.
The next day...
She settled beside Charlotte, who instantly draped an arm around Thea’s shoulders in a comforting, friendly gesture. "Have you been thinking more about your painting?" Charlotte asked, her voice warm and her eyes shining with genuine interest
Thea’s nod was accompanied by a gentle smile that spread across her face, illuminating her features. Charlotte’s eyes narrowed slightly, "What is it?"
"That’s for me to know." Thea teased.
Charlotte immediately pulled a dramatic face, her lips pursed in a theatrical pout. "Oh, come on! Why are you keeping me in suspense?" she whined, her voice full of playful exaggeration, her brows arching in an over-the-top display of dismay.
"Thea...I am sad..." Charlotte’s voice was laced with sorrow.
"Why are you sad?" Thea asked, her head tilted slightly to the side.
Charlotte’s face fell, her eyes clouding over with disappointment. "I am not going to take part in that competition.." she said, her shoulders slumping in defeat.
Thea’s eyes widened in shock. "What? Why? You were so enthusiastic while talking about it that day." she asked, her voice laced with disbelief, her brow furrowed with worry.
Charlotte sighed, her shoulders sagging in defeat. "I’m going to Canada to assist my father’s company for a few weeks." she said, her tone laced with resignation. "It’s final; Dad won’t budge. He thinks it’s a great opportunity for me to learn during summer break." Her eyes filled with a deep sadness.
Thea’s expression softened, her eyes filled with empathy. "Don’t be sad." she said, her voice warm and reassuring as she consoled her friend. "You will have plenty of other opportunities, and we’ll take part in the competition together in the future."
Charlotte’s lower lip jutting out in a pout. "But I was quite excited for this competition...to take part with you..." she whined,.
"In the future...We will surely take part together.." Thea said softly, her eyes locked on Charlotte’s, a warm and encouraging smile spreading across her face.
