"You can tell me anything, darling," she said, her voice gentle with concern. "Did Ryder say something that made you upset?"
At the sound of his name, Thea's tears flowed even more, her body wracked with fresh sobs.
"Hush now, little one," Grandma Grace whispered, her words tender and full of love. "Don't cry. Come here, sit with me. Let me tell you a story—it might help you feel a little better."
Thea gave a small nod, her tear-stained eyes still puffy. "Okay, I'll go change first." she murmured.
Heading to her room, she picked out a comfortable outfit from her closet. Once changed, she hurried back, seeking the solace only her grandmother's hug could provide.
Taking her place next to her grandmother, she let her head fall into her grandmother's lap. Her grandmother's hands moved lovingly through her hair, her words soft and comforting.
