Motherly Love

Ryder's eyes softened, his gaze filling with a deep affection as he looked at Akai. He knew she was right, and he was too weak to argue. He nodded slightly, his eyes never leaving hers.

As Akai began to feed him, Ryder's gaze drifted to a photoframe on the wall, the photo was taken six years ago when Akai was just nine years old. He remembered that day vividly.Time flies so fast, he thought.

Akai's voice brought him back to the present, her words gentle and soothing. "Open your mouth, Ryder."

Ryder obeyed, his eyes locked onto hers, his heart filled with gratitude for this little girl who had grown into a beautiful young woman, taking care of him with such tenderness and love.

After Ryder finished his soup, he smiled weakly at Akai, his eyes filled with gratitude. "Thank you, Akai." , his voice still husky with fever.

Akai's face softened, her eyes shining with warmth. "You don't have to thank me for it, Ryder. I just helped you when you needed it."

Ryder's gaze lingered on hers, his heart filled with appreciation for this girl who had been by his side through thick and thin. As Akai glanced at the clock, her eyes widened slightly, noticing the time.

"Already 1 pm." she murmured.

She quickly fetched the thermometer from the drawer, her hands moving with a sense of purpose. "Measure your temperature." she instructed.

Ryder's face twisted in a mock scowl, his eyes playfully protesting. "Akai, I'm feeling better. I don't want to measure it now." he whined.

Akai's eyes narrowed, her face set in a fake scowl. "Stop talking and just measure it."

Ryder chuckled and reluctantly took the thermometer from her hand and placed it in his mouth.

Akai's eyes lit up with relief as she read the thermometer's display.

Mrs Thompson entered the room, her eyes scanned Ryder's face, her gaze softening with love. "Akai, lunch is ready. Let's go and have it."

"Aunty, his fever is subsiding."

Ryder's mom, Mrs. Thompson, smiled warmly. "Thank goodness." she murmured, her voice filled with relief.

"Did you have your soup, young man?" she interrogated.

Ryder nodded his face still pale. "Yes, Mom, Akai made sure I finished it all."

Akai's face flushed with pleasure at the praise, "Okay then, Ryder. You take some rest, I'll see you tomorrow." Akai said, her voice soft and gentle, her eyes filled with concern and care.

"Akai..Thanks for taking care of me," he whispered.

"Anytime, Ryder. That's what best friends are for." she replied.With a gentle nod, she turned and left the room, leaving Ryder to rest and recover. "

She went downstairs to meet Mrs Thompson who was setting the table for the two.

"Akai.sit here and let's have our lunch." Akai went to the table and sat on a chair.

"How is your grandma doing?"

"She's doing great, Aunty. She's still telling stories of her old times and making us laugh with her jokes." Akai replied, her voice filled with warmth and love. Her face glowed with happiness as she thought about her grandma's lively spirit.

Mrs. Thompson's face lit up with a warm smile."That's great to hear! I'm so glad she's still full of life and spirit. Why not bring her here next time so I can catch up with her too?"

"I'll ask her, Aunty. I'm sure she would love to come and visit you." she replied.

As they began to eat, the conversation flowed easily, filled with laughter and stories of their lives. Akai felt grateful for this warm and loving atmosphere, feeling like she had found a second family with the Thompsons. The lunch hour passed quickly, leaving Akai with a sense of contentment and happiness.

Later, Mrs. Thompson asked Mr. Jack, the driver, to drop her at her house. "Aunty, I can go by myself. You don't have to worry about me."

"How can I leave a young sweet girl like you to travel all by yourself?" Mrs. Thompson replied, her eyes filled with concern and a hint of motherly affection. "You call me Aunty, no? Then listen to me."

"Aunty, I'm not a kid anymore. I can take care of myself."

Mrs. Thompson's expression softened. "I know you're growing up, dear, but that doesn't mean I'll stop worrying about you. You're like a daughter to me, and I want to make sure you're safe."

"Okay aunty I will listen to your words."

Mrs. Thompson's face lit up with a warm smile as she patted Akai's hand. "Good girl. Now, let's get you home safely."

"Mr. Jack, please drop Akai at her house."