Elizabeth couldn't help but smile as she surveyed the scene. She stepped inside, pausing as a quiet cough slipped past her lips.
Ryder's face lit up with a weak smile, his eyes still cloudy with fever. "Mother.." he whispered.
Elizabeth's hands tenderly stroked his face, her touch filled with love and concern. "How are you feeling,my son?" she asked, her voice soft and caring.
Ryder's gaze drifted to Thea, his eyes locking onto hers with a deep intensity. "I'm feeling a lot better, Mother." he replied, his voice stronger now. "Thanks to you all."
Her eyes met Thea's,"Thea, today you will have lunch with us, okay?"
Thea opened her mouth to speak—"Auntie, today—"
Elizabeth interrupted with a raised hand, her finger wagging in gentle admonishment. "Not today, Thea. Today, you're going to listen to me."
A sharp knock broke the silence, and in walked a figure bearing a bowl of fragrant soup. "Madam, the Young Master's meal."
Mrs.Jane was the oldest member of the Thompson residence,having served the household since before Ryder was born.
She placed the bowl on the bedside table. "Thea can you help in feeding him..I have some work to do for now"
"Okay.. Auntie.."
"Okay then ...Son don't play any tricks on her."
She took the bowl from Elizabeth, her small hands cradling it with care.
"I can do it, Thea."
"No, today I will feed you. Didn't you hear Auntie ask me to feed you? Although I am young, I know how to feed others."
Ryder's eyes softened, his gaze filling with a deep affection as he looked at Thea. He knew she was right, and he was too weak to argue. He nodded slightly, his eyes never leaving hers.
As Thea began to feed him, Ryder's gaze drifted to a photoframe on the wall, the photo was taken six years ago when Thea was just nine years old. He remembered that day vividly.Time flies so fast, he thought.
Her voice brought him back to the present, her words gentle and soothing. "Open your mouth, Ryder."
Ryder obeyed, his eyes locked onto hers, his heart filled with gratitude for this little girl who had grown into a beautiful young woman, taking care of him with such tenderness and love.
After Ryder finished his soup, he smiled weakly at Thea "Thank you, Thea..", his voice still husky with fever.
Thea's face softened, her eyes shining with warmth. "You don't have to thank me for it. I just helped you when you needed it."
Ryder's gaze lingered on hers, his heart filled with appreciation for this girl who had been by his side through thick and thin.Thea's gaze drifted to the clock, and her eyes widened slightly at the realization of the time.
"Already 1 pm."
She pulled the thermometer out of the drawer and passed it to him. "Let's see what your temperature is." she said.
Ryder pulled a dramatic face, his eyes glinting with playful defiance. "Thea, I'm already feeling better. Can't I skip it this time?" he protested.
Thea rolled her eyes. "Quit stalling and get on with it." she urged, holding out the thermometer.
Ryder chuckled, took the thermometer from her, and slipped it into his mouth. She waited, then gently retrieved it and checked the reading.
Her face relaxed into a relieved smile as she saw the temperature was within normal range.
Elizabeth entered the room, her eyes scanned Ryder's face, her gaze softening with love. "Thea, lunch is ready. Let's go..."
"Auntie, he doesn't have a fever anymore."
"That's good to hear. Now, did you finish your soup, young man?" she inquired kindly.
Ryder nodded his face still pale. "Yes, Mother, your Thea made sure I finished it all."
"Okay then, Ryder. You get some rest, I'll see you tomorrow." Thea said softly, she stood up from the chair. Her eyes lingered on him for a moment before she turned to leave.
She went downstairs to meet Elizabeth who was setting the table for the two.
"Sit here and let's have our lunch." Thea went to the table and sat on a chair.
"How is your grandma doing?"
"She's doing great, Auntie. She's still telling stories of her old times and making us laugh with her jokes." Her face glowed with happiness as she thought about her grandma's lively spirit.
Elizabeth's face brightened with a gentle smile."That's wonderful news! I'm so happy she's still so lively and spirited. You should bring her along next time—I'd love to see her again and catch up."
"I'll ask her, Auntie. I'm sure she would love to come and visit you."
Lunch blurred into laughter, stories traded like treasures.Thea's heart swelled—here, amid the Thompsons' easy warmth, she'd found a home she hadn't known she needed.She felt grateful for this warm and loving atmosphere, feeling like she had found a second family with the Thompsons.