The playground's cacophony of laughter and swinging chains faded into the background as Ryder's eyes suddenly locked onto her presence.
The little girl's pigtails flew behind her like ribbons as she grasped the swing's chains, her small hands holding tight. Close by, her grandmother – or so it seemed – sat with a soft, knowing smile, her eyes never leaving the child's face.
Ryder, eleven years old, unconsciously drifted closer to them. Thea, sensing someone approaching, instinctively stepped behind her grandmother, seeking the safety of her presence.
"Hello." The word slipped out before Ryder could overthink it. He stood rooted in front of them, a smile softening his face as Thea tilted her head, pigtails catching the light.
"Say hello,to him.. Thea.." her grandmother encouraged.
Thea peeked out from behind her grandmother, her big eyes shyly meeting Ryder's. "Hello." she whispered softly.
She stepped out from behind her grandmother, her eyes fixed on Ryder's, and said softly, "I'm Alethea, but Grandma likes to call me Thea."
"Hello, Alethea—I'm Ryder,Nice to meet you.." he said softly, his smile tentative. "Do you mind if I call you Thea?"
Looking straight into Ryder's eyes, Thea hesitated for a moment before speaking. "W-will you be my friend?" she stammered, her voice soft and brimming with hope. She shifted closer, waiting for his answer.
"Hmm..." Ryder replied.Thea squealed with delight, bouncing up and down. "Grandma, look! I made a new friend!" Her grandmother's eyes twinkled as she glanced at Thea. "Yes,my dear..."
From that moment on, Ryder and Thea became inseparable friends, spending their days playing together, sharing secrets and dreams, laughing, and exploring.
The more time Ryder spent with Thea, the more he understood the depth of her past. She had lost her parents when she was just a little girl, and her grandmother's love and devotion had been her guiding light ever since.
The connection between them became stronger as the days passed.Despite being four years apart in age, they understood each other remarkably well, and their bond grew closer every day.
Thea was treated like family by Ryder's mother, whose exquisite kindness and gentle spirit made her feel seen, heard, and deeply loved.
With a global corporate empire, the Thomson family amassed an immense fortune. With marble flooring, glittering chandeliers, and precious artwork all over the walls, their mansion was a monument to their wealth. As the heir apparent to the Thompson fortune, Ryder's parents were preparing him to eventually take over the business.
She understood they could always rely on one another through thick and thin as they negotiated the ups and downs of youth.
One beautiful afternoon at the park. Sandwiches, fruits, and cookies were all in a basket that Ryder's mother had prepared. Beneath a towering oak tree, they stretched a picnic blanket and took a seat to eat. "Thea, what do you want to be when you grow up?"
"Hmm! Art is so much fun! I like drawing and painting, and I want to be an artist. I wanna make beautiful pictures!"
"Mm.. One day, I'm sure you'll be a fantastic artist." she grinned and flushed, feeling uplifted and inspired .
After their picnic was over,from his pocket, Ryder produced a small, elegantly wrapped package. "I have something for you."
When she opened the box and saw the exquisite silver bracelet inside, her eyes sprang wide. She said, "Ryder, it's gorgeous!"
Their friendship was priceless and something they would always value. Ryder looked at her, his heart full of love and protectiveness, and his eyes gleamed.She had always been like his little sister, and the idea of someone abusing her made him feel revolted.
His family loved her as if she was one of them, and they felt the same way. But there was also a deep grief in Thea's eyes, a longing for the parental affection she had not had as a child.
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This is a fictional piece. All names, characters, companies, locations, events, and incidents in this book, unless otherwise noted, are either imaginary or the result of the author's imagination. Any likeness to real people, living or dead, or to real things is entirely coincidental.