Lily’s Recovery

A Silent House

The once lively home was now eerily silent.

Zero sat on the couch, resting his chin on his hand as he stared toward the closed door of Lily's room.

It had been days since he rescued her.

Days since she had spoken more than a few words.

She spent most of her time curled up on her bed, her small hands clinging to a pillow, her eyes distant and empty.

She wouldn't eat much.

She wouldn't play.

She wouldn't even react when Zero spoke to her.

Zero sighed heavily, running a hand through his hair.

"I fought monsters, assassins, and high-ranking hunters… yet, I have no idea how to handle a traumatized child."

His hands clenched into fists.

He had saved her. But was that enough?

A Failed Attempt at Comfort

Zero walked to Lily's room and gently knocked.

No response.

He pushed the door open.

Lily sat by the window, hugging her knees, staring at the sky.

Zero placed a tray of food beside her. Freshly cooked soup, bread, and warm milk.

"You need to eat."

Lily didn't even blink.

Zero sat on the floor beside her, resting his arm on his knee.

He exhaled sharply.

"I know it hurts." His voice was softer now. "Losing your parents… being trapped in that place... it wasn't fair."

Lily's small fingers tightened around her dress.

For a second, Zero thought she would finally speak.

But she simply turned her head away.

He clenched his jaw.

"Damn it. Nothing I say is getting through to her."

Attempt #1: Sweets and Treats

Zero decided to try a different approach.

If words didn't work, then maybe actions would.

He bought every kind of candy he could find.

Chocolate bars, marshmallows, honey biscuits, and even expensive imported sweets from high-class bakeries.

He placed them neatly on the table in front of her.

"Look, Lily. I got all of this for you."

She glanced at them for only a second before turning her gaze back to the window.

Zero's eye twitched.

"I just spent a fortune on these sweets, and she won't even take one bite?"

He grabbed a chocolate bar, unwrapped it, and took a bite himself.

"Mmm! So good! You sure you don't want any?" he said in an exaggerated voice.

No reaction.

"Alright. Plan B then."

Attempt #2: Games and Toys

If food wouldn't work, then maybe fun would.

Zero ordered a gaming console with hundreds of adventure and puzzle games.

He even bought stuffed animals, coloring books, and storybooks.

Lily barely even looked at them.

Zero stared at her, frustration growing.

"Okay, so she doesn't want food, games, or gifts… What the hell do kids even like?"

He leaned back and groaned.

"If this keeps up, she'll never recover..."

Then, an idea struck him.

"Wait. What about an amusement park?"

The Amusement Park Plan

Zero lifted Lily into his arms, wrapping her in his cloak.

"Where… are we going?" she whispered, her voice small.

Zero looked down at her.

"Somewhere fun."

They arrived at the biggest amusement park in the city.

Bright lights.

Laughter.

The smell of fresh popcorn and caramel apples.

At first, Lily showed no reaction.

She simply walked beside Zero, holding onto his sleeve like a lost child.

But then—

She paused.

Her gaze lingered on a carousel.

Golden horses moved up and down under glowing lights, cheerful music playing.

Zero noticed her hesitation.

Without a word, he lifted her onto one of the horses and stood beside her.

As the ride started moving—

Lily's fingers gripped the golden pole tightly.

For a moment, she looked uncertain.

But as the wind brushed through her hair, and the ride picked up speed, a small smile appeared on her lips.

It was faint—almost unnoticeable.

But it was there.

Zero smirked.

"Finally. Progress."

Slowly Breaking Through

One by one, Zero took her to different rides.

🎢 The Ferris Wheel: Lily sat beside him, gripping his sleeve as they rose into the sky.

🎡 The Spinning Cups: She clung to him at first but then let out a small giggle.

🚗 The Bumper Cars: At first, she was startled when someone hit them, but then she… laughed.

Zero blinked.

"Did she just… laugh?"

The Turning Point

By the time they left the park, Lily looked different.

Her eyes weren't as dull anymore.

She wasn't fully healed—not yet. But the spark of life was coming back.

Zero lifted her onto his shoulders.

"Did you have fun?"

She hesitated for a moment before nodding. "Mm… It was fun."

Zero smirked. "Good. Then we'll come again soon."

Lily's lips parted slightly, as if she wanted to say something, but she held back.

Still, Zero noticed her tiny fingers clenching his sleeve.

That night, she fell asleep quickly.

For the first time since she had been rescued, her face looked… peaceful.

A New Beginning

The next morning, Zero prepared breakfast as usual.

To his shock, Lily walked into the kitchen on her own.

She rubbed her sleepy eyes and looked up at him.

"Brother Zero… can we go to the amusement park again?"

Zero smirked, setting a plate in front of her.

"Only if you eat everything on that plate first."

Lily pouted but started eating.

Halfway through breakfast, she suddenly looked up and smiled.

"Thank you, Brother Zero."

Zero paused.

It was the first time she had genuinely smiled at him.

For a moment, he felt something warm in his chest.

But instead of saying anything sentimental, he ruffled her hair.

"Just keep smiling like that, and I'll get you whatever you want."

Lily giggled.

"Okay! Brother Zero, you're the best!"

Zero sighed, watching her happily eat.

"Guess this little kid is my responsibility now, huh?"

But deep down—

He didn't mind at all.