"Alone with you "

Chapter 5: Alone with You

Aunt Sharlin and I were chatting in the dining room

Sao is something happened between you and Thyme? Did you both argue? Aunt Sharlin asked with a curious smile.

No, Aunt. We didn't, and nothing happened, I replied casually.

Where are Momo and Kavin? I didn't see them I added, looking around.

They both went to Bangkok with their friends. They'll be back after a week Aunt Sharlin said.

Oh really? That's fun right, Aunt? I teased.

Aunt Sharlin nodded. Yes, Sao. Now finish your food okay?

Then I asked Aunt, where did that 'tall demon' go? referring to Thyme, making Aunt Sharlin laugh.

Thyme? I think he's in his room. And Sao it seems like both of you are on the same team now! Aunt Sharlin joked.

As Aunt Sharlin's laughter faded away, I headed to my room lost in thought.

My mind wandered back to Roger's intense behavior earlier Thyme saving me still felt surreal. A shiver ran down my spine as I recalled Roger's grasping hands and menacing tone.

I pushed the disturbing memories aside, focusing on the comforting presence of Thyme and Aunt Sharlin's warm smile. My room felt safe cozy a refuge from Roger's obsession.

Just as I sat on my bed, ready to relax, my phone buzzed Jane's name flashed on the screen.

While I was chatting with Jane our conversation will come next

downstairs

Uncle Smith's peaceful evening was shattered by his ringing phone. He answered promptly Hello, Uncle Smith speaking?

The voice on the other end belonged to James Smith Thyme's uncle urgency laced his tone

Yes, James Smith here brother. Mom wanted to see you her condition isn't good. You need to come right away.

Uncle Smith's expression turned panicked he exclaimed loudly enough for others to hear

What?! Okay, I'm on my way!

Aunt Sharlin rushed into the room, concerned Smith what happened? Why are you screaming?

Uncle Smith took a deep breath, composing himself before explaining

Sharlin, James called Thyme's grandma is critically ill. She's been hospitalized in Bangkok and wants to see us urgently. We need to leave for Bangkok Hospital immediately.

Aunt Sharlin's expression turned grave with concern she grasped Uncle Smith's arm tightly

Oh no, what happened to Grandma Smith? Is she going to be okay?

Uncle Smith shook his head uncertainly James didn't say much just that her condition is serious and we should hurry.

I walked into the room still worried about my earlier conversation with Jane about Roger but this new family emergency shifted my focus.

Thyme appeared beside me, overhearing the conversation his eyes locked onto his parents worried faces.

Aunt Sharlin turned to us We have to leave now for Bangkok. Thyme you stay here and take care of Sao and yourself. We'll return in two days.

Thyme nodded solemnly I'll take care of everything Mom. Go please hurry.

Uncle Smith added Yes Thyme Sao is your responsibility now for next two days. Take care of her .

I watched Sao head to her room, feeling a sense of responsibility wash over me my parents entrusted her care to me.

Sao, don't worry, you go and sleep okay? But me I'll sleep after finishing my research documents I called out softly.

She replied with a gentle Hmm okay goodnight.

An hour passed and I finally finished my work. Heading to my room I walked past Sao's door but suddenly heard faint screaming and sacred whispers.

My heart racing, I rushed to her room and found:

Sao's breath was erratic, her body trembling. She was crying and murmuring "...don't go... Come back... Don't leave me.

Clearly she was having a nightmare. My instinct kicked in I sat beside her and placed a gentle hand on her forehead.

I'm here don't worry I'm not going to leave you I whispered softly.

Slowly Sao's trembling ceased her breathing slowed and she fell asleep again. Tears dried on her cheeks.

She looked... cute while sleeping vulnerable. My chest felt strange like my heart swelled.

But what triggered this nightmare? Why was she begging someone not to leave her?

I retreated to my room, grabbing my phone to call Mom.

Hello? she answered.

Mom, I wanted to ask you a question.Why did Sao panic and scream in her dreams just now?

Aunt Sharlin's tone turned cautious Thyme don't tell her about this matter or tease her okay dear? I'll explain when we return to Chiang Mai. Take care of your cousin.

My mind refused to calm down even as exhaustion took over

I wondered about Sao and what Mom is hiding my last awake thought whispered.

But as I laid down on bed Sao dominated my mind again

Her long black thick hair cascaded down her back like silk.

Her cute and pretty brown eyes sparkled in my memory naturally beautiful.

My chest felt that strange swell again as I drifted off to sleep with Sao's image etched in my mind.

Sao's waking up

Groggily opening my eyes, memories of last night's nightmare flooded back begging someone not to leave me.

But something else lingered. a gentle voice soft touch on my forehead I'm here don't worry I'm not going to leave you

Thyme. He must have come into my room.

My heart skipped a beat recalling his gentle tone imagining his concerned face.

I threw off the covers and stepped out of bed feeling compelled to check on Thyme ensure he was okay after witnessing my nightmare.

I walked quietly to his room door and peeked inside

Thyme slept peacefully a soft smile on his face dreaming of something.