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.
Once Ryder had finished his soup, he managed a weak smile for Thea. "Thanks, Thea," he said, his voice hoarse with fever.
Thea's face brightened with warmth. "You don't need to thank me," she said softly. "I just did what anyone would do for a friend."
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 glanced at the clock and blinked in surprise as she noticed the hour.
"It's already 1 pm?" she murmured to herself.
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 and thrust the thermometer at him. "Enough stalling—get on with it."
Ryder sighed, took the thermometer, and slid it under his tongue. After a brief wait, Thea retrieved it and read the display.
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.