The surprise came faster than expected, but it was completely different from what was anticipated.
Two days later, Neera woke up early in the morning, feeling the warmth of the sunlight on her face. She rolled over and slowly opened her eyes.
When she saw the three little heads lined up next to the bed, she was completely astonished.
She stared at the three adorable faces for a long moment. Then, she rubbed her eyes, finally confirming that it wasnât a dream.
Her heart was overwhelmed with intense emotions, and with a sudden rush, she sat up.
âHow did you all get here?â
The three little ones, their eyes sparkling, climbed onto the bed giggling and gave her a big bear hug.
âMommy! We finally get to see you. Weâve missed you so much!â
Hugged by the three little children, she was so overjoyed she could cry. She lifted them up, one by one, planting several kisses on their foreheads and tender cheeks.
âI missed all of you very much too.â
At that moment, a gentle voice filled with laughter echoed from the doorway.
âWhat about me? Did you miss me?â
Neera, guided by the sound, looked over and almost screamed in delight. She didnât even bother to put on her slippers as she rolled out of bed and dashed over.
âAunt Adriana! Youâre here too. Iâve missed you so much!!â
As Adriana was embraced by Neera, she grinned from ear to ear as she gently stroked the latterâs back.
âSilly girl, youâre all grown up now. Why are you still acting like a child? Weâve been apart before, so why are you so worked up this time?â
Neera couldnât quite put into words the feeling she had, but she felt that this parting was unlike any before.
Perhaps it was the unfamiliarity of the place that left her heart feeling empty, without a sense of belonging.
Perhaps the journey to Mount Cloud was so perilous that every time she thought about how she nearly lost her life there, the sense of relief from surviving such a catastrophe made a deep impression on her.
Nestled within her auntâs embrace, Neera breathed in the familiar and comforting scent that warmed her heart.
âThis time itâs different. I missed all of you so much, to the point of being unbearable.â
At that moment, the three little ones came over to join in the fray, hugging the legs of the two adorably.
âWe feel the same way, Mommy. We dream about you all the time. This time, weâve come to keep you companyâ¦â
The family had been happily chatting for quite a while before Neera suddenly remembered something and asked them, âHow did you manage to get here? Arenât outsiders not allowed to come and go freely?â
The three little ones chuckled. âWe missed you so much that we contacted Grandaunt. She and Granduncle picked us up and brought us straight here.â
Adriana gently stroked Neeraâs hair. âSince Chad and I didnât have much to do and you were always on our minds, we thought weâd bring them along.â
âWhere is Uncle Chad now?â
âDownstairs. Talking to Avery and Shane.â
As she spoke, she gently tapped Neeraâs forehead. âYou always say youâre fine over the phone. Do you know how scary the wound on your shoulder looks? And yet, you still say itâs nothing.â
At that moment, the three little ones also saw it, each of them heartbroken beyond words.
Penny pouted with tears immediately welling up in her eyes.
âMommy, does it hurt? Would you like me to blow on it to make it feel better?â
Neera couldnât bear to see her beloved children shed tears, so she quickly cradled Pennyâs face and gave her a kiss.
âMy wound may look scary, but it has healed a lot. It doesnât hurt at all, sweetheart, so donât cry.â
Upon seeing their skepticism, she unwrapped the gauze in front of them, applied more medicine, and rebandaged it. Only then did they feel at ease.
Once she had finished freshening up, the group headed downstairs.
Upon seeing them descend, Avery immediately stood up.
âHowâs your recovery, Neera? I came to see how youâre doing.â, Neera politely nodded. âIâm much better now. Thank you for taking the trouble to come here. I appreciate it.â
She remained as polite and distant as ever. Avery noticed it but had nothing to say about it.
Then, he turned to Adriana and apologized sincerely, âIâm sorry, Mrs. Gordon. I failed to protect Neera and allowed her to get hurt. I hope youâre not angry.â
Adriana waved her hand with a smile. âDonât worry about it. Itâs thanks to you that Neera is standing before me, safe and sound. I know youâve done your best. Thereâs no need to blame yourself. Injuries are always inevitable.â
Chad came over and patted his shoulder. âYeah, donât take it to heart. All that matters is that Neera is alright.â
Neera smiled at the sight of him. âUncle Chad, youâre here. Thank you for bringing Aunt Adriana and the children to see me.â
Chad gently tousled her hair. âYour aunt talks about you every day. Sheâs always thinking about you, even when sheâs eating or sleeping. I was afraid sheâd worry herself sick if I didnât bring her to see you.
Besides, I was also worried about you and had planned to come and check on you anyway.â
Neera chuckled.. âAunt Adriana always treats me like a childâ¦â
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