Chapter: 7 "Shadows of Her Past
I stopped the car to comfort Sao because –
"I couldn't able to see her like that"
After she calmed down, I drove us home.
When we reached home, Mary informed us –
"Everyone is back"
I turned to Sao and whispered urgently –
"Pretend nothing happened –
they'll get worried."
Sao nodded slightly, still pale.
We walked inside – our family awaited –
Aunt Sharlin rushed towards me with a warm hug –
"I missed you, Thyme! Sao, you're here..."
But I intercepted, concerned about Sao –
"Sao, go rest – you look tired from school."
Kavin noticed immediately –
"Why's Sao looking pale?"
Aunt Sharlin added –
"Sao, are you okay?"
I intervened again, downplaying –
"Mom, yes she is..."
Aunt Sharlin turned to Sao with concern –
"Momo's talking to you, sweetie – why no response?
Are you mad or sick?"
Sao shook her head and replied barely above whisper –
No... I want to go to my room...
And silently walked towards her room...
I grabbed my phone to make a phone call to uncle jasper.
When Uncle Jasper answered –
"Who's calling me?"
I replied nervously –
"Aww Uncle Jasper... it's Sao."
He warmed up instantly –
"Hello dear Sao! I've missed you!"
I poured out my heart –
"Uncle, I miss you too...
something happened today..."
Uncle Jasper's tone turned serious –
"Oh really, Sao? What is it?"
I took a deep breath and shared –
"A person tried to stop me...
said he's my uncle – Casper.
He claimed we need to talk about
you and our family..."
Uncle Jasper's voice paused briefly –
"Thanks God Thyme came right on time...
I was really scared, Uncle."
His tone turned grim now –
"Sao, did he try to hurt you or...
do anything to you?"
I reassured him quickly –
"No, Uncle – thanks God Thyme saved me...
but he said he KNOWS YOU."
Just as Uncle Jasper was about to respond –
Momo voice interrupted outside my room
"Sao, come quickly dinner is ready!"
I hurriedly told Uncle Jasper –
"Uncle, I'll talk to you later
okay? Take care of yourself!"
Uncle Jasper replied softly
"Okay dear... be careful, Sao
Uncle Jasper's Concern (Continues from Sao's call)**
Uncle Jasper immediately dialed a number –
"Thong, from now on, keep eye on Sao...
If any strange person approaches her,
inform me IMMEDIATELY."
Thong replied promptly –
"Okay, sir – will do as instructed."
Call ended, Uncle Jasper pondered aloud –
"They're searching for Sao... seriously intent on finding her."
Meanwhile, at dinner time
Kavin broke dinner silence –
"Sao, what happened – you seemed really out of it?"
Sao hesitated before responding –
"Hmm... nothing, just worried."
Thyme raised an eyebrow, eyeing Sao curiously –
Sao quickly changed topic –
"Actually, exams are near and I'm weak in math..."
Uncle Smith chuckled warmly –
"Dear Sao, that's why you were so tense?"
Sao nodded; I thought to myself with amusement –
"Ohhh I see, lying shortly is good –
she's hiding something!"
I smirked internally; Aunt Sharlin laughed
Uncle Smith intervened
"Don't worry, we'll find a math tutor for you –"
Everyone laughed except Sao, then Kavin joked
"No need, Dad we already have one for Sao..."
Sao's eyes widened –
"Aww really? Who?!"
Kavin grinned mischievously
"It's Thyme!"
My eyes met Sao's – I exclaimed dramatically –
"Aww what – me again?!"
After dinner, I walked outside with Aunt Sharlin –
She asked gently –
"Sao, my sweetheart, anything else bothering you?"
I reassured her
"No, Aunt... I just missed everyone those past two days."
Aunt Sharlin smiled warmly –
"Don't worry now, dear – you're home with us."
I nodded, feeling grateful
Aunt Sharlin added
"Okay, sleep tight – it's late, dear Sao."
I nodded again and walked towards Thyme's room –
Knocked softly on his door –
Thyme opened it with a hint of amusement –
"Now what?
I already agreed to be your math tutor, didn't I?
But I said nothing about math –
Instead, heartfelt words spilled out –
"Thanks for today... what you did for me, Thyme."
Thyme's expression softened
I turned quickly to rush back to my room –
before emotions overflowed further!
Slammed my door shut –
heard Thyme's low chuckle on the other side
Thyme's muted voice followed –
"Aww really..."
And then his door closed too.