The evening was quiet when Mrs. Cross came to pick Aria up from her house. Aria had packed a small bag with a few clothes and school books. She followed Mrs. Cross next door, her steps slow and careful because of her ankle.
As they entered the Cross residence, the warm light from the living room made the place feel welcoming.
"Come, sweetheart," Mrs. Cross said kindly. "You must be hungry. Have dinner with us."
Aria smiled softly. "Thank you, Mrs. Cross."
At the table, Ethan sat quietly, glancing at Aria occasionally as they ate. Mrs. Cross chatted happily, asking about school, the sports day, and if Aria's ankle still hurt.
After dinner, Aria stood up. "Mrs. Cross, can I go to my house and change my clothes?"
Mrs. Cross nodded. "Of course, dear. But it's dark outside, and your ankle is still weak. Ethan, go with her and help."
Aria shook her head quickly. "No, really! I can walk on my own."
Ethan crossed his arms. "Sure you can," he said dryly. "You almost fell this morning just walking to class."
Aria frowned slightly. "That was different."
Mrs. Cross smiled, watching their small argument. "Ethan, please go with her. I'll feel better if you do."
Ethan sighed and followed Aria outside. The night air was cool, filled with the faint scent of flowers.
As Aria stepped down the small path between their houses, her foot slipped slightly, and she lost her balance—before she could fall, Ethan's arm wrapped around her waist.
"See?" he said quietly, steadying her. "You don't listen."
Aria looked up, her heart skipping a beat as she met his eyes. "Thank you," she whispered.
"Just walk slowly," he said, his tone softer this time.
She changed her clothes quickly, then the two returned to Ethan's house.
---
When they arrived, Mrs. Cross smiled warmly. "Aria, do you want to rest for a while, or finish your homework first?"
Aria hesitated for a moment. "I'd like to do my homework first, ma'am."
"Good girl," Mrs. Cross said gently. "Ethan, take her to your study and help her."
Ethan nodded, leading Aria upstairs. His room was neat — books stacked on one side of the shelf, a small basketball resting near his desk.
Aria sat down on the chair near his study table, opening her notebook. She bent forward slightly, resting her arms on the table as she began to write.
Just then, Mrs. Cross's voice echoed from the hallway. "Ethan! Could you come here for a moment?"
Ethan sighed. "Be right back," he said, leaving the room.
In the kitchen, Mrs. Cross looked at her son. "Ethan, Aria is going through a lot right now. Her parents must be worried sick about her grandmother, and she's all alone here. Take good care of her, hmm? Don't let her feel sad."
Ethan nodded. "I will, Mom."
When he returned to his room, the sight before him made his chest tighten — Aria was crying silently, her shoulders trembling, tears falling onto the pages of her notebook.
Without thinking, he stepped closer and gently placed his hand on her head. She looked up, startled, her eyes red.
"Hey… what's wrong?" he asked softly, even though he already knew.
She couldn't answer — instead, she stood up and hugged him tightly around the waist, burying her face against him.
Ethan froze for a second, then slowly lifted his hand, resting it gently on her hair.
"I'm scared for Grandma," she whispered, her voice trembling.
"I know," he said quietly. "But she'll be fine. You'll see. Your parents are with her."
Aria didn't speak again, just stayed there, her tears slowly stopping as his hand moved soothingly over her hair.
After a while, Ethan said, "Come on. I want to show you something."
He took her hand and led her upstairs to the terrace. The sky stretched above them, full of twinkling stars. The city lights shimmered in the distance.
"Look," he said softly. "Whenever I feel upset, I come here. The stars always make me feel… lighter."
Aria tilted her head up, the cool breeze brushing her cheeks. The stars did look peaceful — endless and bright, like silent promises written across the sky.
She smiled faintly. "They're beautiful."
Ethan glanced at her. "Yeah," he murmured. "They are."
---
After some time, they went back downstairs. Mrs. Cross was waiting near the hallway.
"Aria," she said kindly, "I've arranged the room next to Ethan's for you. If you need anything, just tell me or Ethan, okay?"
"Thank you, Mrs. Cross," Aria said softly.
She went to her new room, neatly set with a soft blanket and a small night lamp glowing warmly. Lying on the bed, she stared at the ceiling for a long time, thinking about her parents, her grandmother, and… Ethan.
Finally, she drifted to sleep, the sound of the wind brushing softly against the window.
A while later, Ethan quietly opened the door just a little. He peeked in — she was fast asleep, her face peaceful under the dim light.
He smiled faintly, then closed the door gently without making a sound.