ry 14,

al prayer as she grew older each year, including today when she turned sixteen. But along with her birthday, the sadness of losing her parents and her sister lingered for eight months. The wound of that loss was still wide

ng was still the same. Nothing had changed. She remembered that when she felt scared during the night, she wou

is, they will always remain a

y enter the room, Naomi's

ill was read, only Sebastian had always been there for her. He visited her during dinner, asked abo

ng sad times. And sometimes, they would console ea

ve. But I think they're beautiful in color but can hurt people,"

chuckle. "But what Felice said

continued walking until she arrived at

complicate her life, a lover of household activities and all its warmth. Quite different from Felice, who liked outdoor activities, exploring herself with

grateful. Everyone present here was truly grateful to Sebastian. This man who r

ving room. But before she turned around, she mad

Miss Fathia alway

nd continued runn

indeed there. Sebastian stood behind her, wearing fo

girl jumped into him, luckily, he didn't fall over to the carpet as

er head since she was now taller than S

ossible. For the past week, I've been c

ng Sebastian feel a sudden warmth. It gave him the courage to touch the girl, fix her long hair,

nk y

Fathia's position so she could feel comfortable, but it seemed

gh." Fathia hesitantly touched the tip of Sebastian's temple, feeling no resistance, she gently trac

odded. How could he forget toda

a, but she refused. Making Sebastia

moment when Fathia's small lips, always r

ng such a caring b

*

20

to the eleventh grade. She was nervous, but she always remembered that she could get through it. Sebastian al

were, after all, family. Sebastian himself eventually restricted Fathia's social circle, and she wasn't sure why. Fathia was used to following everything her fa

nt today. Not to mention the rumbling thunder that startled

ddle-aged woman would come to her immediately. Fathia's voice would echo throughout the house. Only Na

thunder roared loudly. Something felt off. Then the sound of a slammin

t needed Naomi or Johan or Dennis. But where were they? Terrifying images filled Fathia'

noise come from there? She abandoned her plan when the dark figure approached, her steps growing heavier and closer. Fathia

er footsteps, Fathia called out, "Aunt Naomi! Mr. Johan! Help!" She

er, and her eyes darted around looking for the three people who were always by her side. Panic

s, making Fathia scream in fear. To make matters worse, all the lights in the house

as she kept running to escape the footsteps ch

! Let g

t and kicked. She needed to fight back to defend herself. And then,

. Are yo

e Sebastian's firm black eyes. She immediate

stian pointed to the backyar

. They took cover in the tall grass near the fence before they coul

e need to move quickly

up and pulled her to run again. Fathia ignored the pain that began to spread through her body. Her ho

e over

heir prey. Sebastian tightened his grip on Fathia's hand. As she reached Sebastia

a gunshot a

ia! H

from inside the car, the sound of gunshots remained loud and clear. With one press on the gas pedal, th

hot hit Sebastian's arm. And when Fathia rea

grimace on his face was evident. The hot bullet that struck him had caused him to lose some control. However, t

ely. My phone is in my jack

followed Sebasti

d is Felice'

e it was the first time she held something she considered someone else's privacy, not just Clar

n frustration. She had tried twice already, and if she fai

our birth year follow