Later, Elizabeth asked Mr. Jack, the driver, to drop her at her house. "Auntie, I can go by myself. You don't have to worry about me."
Elizabeth gazed at her with affectionate concern. "How could I stand by and let someone as young and lovely as you travel alone?" she asked, her tone both worried and loving.
"If you call me Auntie, you must trust me and follow my advice." she reminded gently.
"Auntie, I'm not a kid anymore. I can take care of myself."
Elizabeth's expression softened as she spoke. "I know you're becoming more independent, but that doesn't mean I'll stop fretting over you," she admitted with a tender smile. "To me, you're family, and I want you to be safe."
Thea gave in, not wanting to add to Elizabeth's concerns. "Okay, Auntie. I'll go with Uncle Jack." she promised.
She patted Thea's hand. "Good girl. Now, let's get you home safely."
"Mr. Jack, please drop Thea at her house."
~
Thea skipped her school that day to accompany her grandmother to the hospital.Her phone rang as she headed home; she saw it was Ryder's mother and picked up.
"Thea, would you be able to visit me today if you're free?"
"Who's calling you?" Grandma Grace asked, looking up from her seat beside her.
"It's Auntie.."
"Are you with your grandma now?" From the other end asked Ryder's mother.
"Yes, I'm with her. We are returning from hospital."
Thea passed the phone to Grandma Grace, saying, "Auntie wants a word with you."
Grandma Grace accepted the phone from her and placed it against her ear.
"Elizabeth, thanks for taking care of her so much. I am really grateful to you for giving her love and support."
Grandma Grace assured, "Yes....Of course, we will."
Thea couldn't understand what they were conversing about on the phone, but she saw a look of comfort on her grandmother's face. After some time, her grandmother handed the phone back to her. "Grandma,what did auntie say?"
"She asked us to go to their residence." Grandma Grace replied, her eyes locked on Thea's.
"Now?"
Grandma Grace nodded her head, a gentle smile on her face. "Yes,your Auntie wants us to come over."
She didn't understand why she wanted them to visit .She knew that the Thompsons cared for them deeply, and she felt grateful for their unwavering support.
She caressed Thea's face, her touch warm and comforting. "I feel enlightened, seeing Ryder's family adore you so much. They truly care for you."