Her grandma blinked and smiled faintly. "I didn't vanish, you know," she said, running her fingers through Thea's hair. "Just went to feel the breeze on these old bones."
"Shh, my dear, I am here.I am safe. Don't worry...I just needed some fresh air." she comforted, her voice warm and soothing. She caressed Thea's hair, her touch quieting the chaos within her.
"I was so frightened, Grandma," she managed through broken sobs. "I can't lose you too. Not after Mom and Dad. Not again. You're all I have."
Her grandmother's grip tightened, her hands trembling slightly as she held Thea close. Her voice cracked with truth. "My love, the day will come when I'm only in your memories—no matter how much I wish I could stay."
She blinked back tears of her own, but her voice softened. "That's why you must live—fully, fearlessly. Make your choices. Chase what matters. That's how you keep me with you, even when I'm gone."
