The curtains in his room stretched all the way to the ceiling. Made of white linen with soft navy stripes, they filtered the daylight into a warm amber glow that filled the room with a comforting coziness.
Thea's gaze drifted to the bed, where Sebastian lay asleep. The gentle rise and fall of his chest was the only movement in the quiet room.
She stepped closer, her eyes lingering on his face. Damp strands of dark hair clung to his forehead, glistening with sweat.
Before she could think twice, she reached out and brushed her fingers lightly against his skin.
A bowl of cool water rested on the table, a small but telling mark of a mother's concern.
Thea dipped a clean cloth into the cool water and gently laid it across his forehead, smoothing his hair back.
As she carefully wiped his face, a slight flutter passed through his eyelids.
Her hand stilled.
Slowly, Sebastian's eyes opened.
For a moment, Thea forgot to breathe. She watched him blink sleepily, his gaze unfocused at first before settling on her. Fever still clouded his eyes, but a small smile curved his lips.
Her heart skipped a beat.
"Sebastian?" she whispered.
He squinted slightly, trying to focus. "Thea?" he murmured, his voice rough from sleep and illness.
A smile tugged at her lips. "Hmm."
The door opened, and Elizabeth stepped inside. Her gaze moved between the two children, and a knowing smile touched her face. A soft cough announced her presence.
Sebastian's face brightened. "Mother..." he whispered.
Elizabeth approached the bed and gently brushed a hand over his cheek. "How do you feel, my son?"
"A lot better, Mother," Sebastian replied, his voice stronger than before.
She turned to Thea. "You'll be having lunch with us today, Thea."
"Auntie, I—"
Elizabeth raised a hand, silencing her with gentle authority.
"Not this time, Thea. You're going to listen to me today."
A knock sounded at the door, and a servant entered carrying a bowl of fragrant soup.
"Madam, the Young Master's meal."
It was Jane, the Head Housekeeper who had faithfully served the Thompson family for decades, long before Sebastian was born.
Elizabeth set the bowl on the bedside table. "Thea, can you help feed him? I have a few things to attend to."
"Of course, Auntie."
"I can eat by myself," Sebastian protested weakly, reaching for the spoon with trembling fingers.
Thea folded her arms. "No. Auntie asked me to feed you, so that's exactly what I'm going to do. I may be young, but I know how to feed someone."
A faint smile appeared on his face.
Too tired to argue, he allowed her to guide the spoon to his lips. After a few mouthfuls, some color began to return to his cheeks.
Sebastian's eyes softened as he looked at her, warmth and gratitude shining through the haze of his fever.
As Thea fed him, Sebastian's gaze drifted to a framed photograph hanging on the wall. It had been taken six years ago, when Thea was only nine years old.
He remembered that day clearly. Even after all this time, the memory remained vivid in his mind.
Time really does fly, he thought.
Thea's voice drew him back to the present.
"Open your mouth, Sebastian."
Obediently, he did as he was told, his eyes never leaving hers.
She cared for him with such patience and kindness that a quiet warmth settled in his chest. It was hard to believe that the little girl from the photograph had grown into such a thoughtful young woman.
Soon, he finished the last of the soup.
"Thanks,Thea." Sebastian said, his voice still hoarse from the fever.
Her face brightened with a smile.
"You don't need to thank me. I just did what any friend would do."
A glance at the clock made her eyes widen.
"It's already one o'clock."
She opened the bedside drawer, took out a thermometer, and handed it to him.
"Let's see what your temperature is."
"Thea, look... I'm perfectly fine now," he protested weakly. "I think we can call it a day."
With a reluctant sigh, Sebastian placed the thermometer under his tongue.
Thea waited with her arms crossed until it beeped. Taking it from him, she checked the display and immediately smiled in relief.
"99.1. That's much better."
Sebastian leaned back against the pillow.
"Told you I was getting better."
"Getting better.." Thea corrected. "Not better."
Just then, Elizabeth entered the room. Her eyes moved to Sebastian, and her expression softened.
"Well?" she asked.
"The fever's finally coming down." Thea replied.
Relief softened Elizabeth's expression.
"That's wonderful news."
She looked at her son.
"But you're still resting for the rest of the day."
Sebastian groaned.
"Mother..."
"No arguments."
Thea couldn't help laughing.
"Thea, lunch is ready. Come along."
Elizabeth smiled before turning to her son. "And did you finish your soup, young man?"
Sebastian nodded.
"Yes, Mother. Your Thea made sure I finished every last drop."
Elizabeth laughed softly.
"Good."
Thea rose from her chair.
"Get some rest, Sebastian. I'll see you tomorrow.."
Her gaze lingered on him for a moment before she turned and followed Elizabeth downstairs.
The dining room was already prepared when they arrived. Elizabeth gestured to a chair.
"Sit down and have lunch with me."
Thea took her seat.
"How is your grandmother doing?" Elizabeth asked.
A smile spread across Thea's face.
"She's doing great, Auntie. She's still telling stories from her younger days and making everyone laugh with her jokes."
Elizabeth's eyes lit up.
"That's wonderful. You should bring her with you next time. I'd love to see her again."
"I'll ask her. I'm sure she'd love that."
Lunch passed in a comfortable stream of laughter and conversation.
As Thea listened to Elizabeth's stories and shared a few of her own, a familiar warmth filled her heart.
The Thompsons had always treated her like family, and moments like these reminded her how fortunate she was to have them in her life.
For a little while, surrounded by their kindness and affection, she felt completely at home.