The Day I Kissed An Older Man

"Sorry, Melody. I know my visit's a bit sudden, but as Lucas' good friend, I couldn't just sit back knowing you're unwell without coming to see you! Lucas, hurry and show Melody the gifts I bought for her!" Thalia nudged Lucas, and he-seeming to snap out of a daze-handed the gifts to Melody.

"Melody, it's our first meeting, and I didn't have time to prepare a proper gift. I picked out two things at the mall, thinking they might be useful for you. Hope they come in handy," continued Thalia. Melody felt a sting from Thalia and Lucas' familiar interactions. She lowered her eyes and forced a smile. "Thank you. I appreciate your thoughts, but you didn't have to bring me anything. I have everything I need here."

Thalia looked around before nodding. "You're right. You have everything here. Lucas has always been generous and takes care of those around him. I'm glad he's taking good care of you as well. But these gifts are also a gesture from me, so please accept them, Melody.

"I hope you get well soon. I'll come and visit again when you're feeling better. I need to go home now. Grandpa and Grandma are waiting for me. So please excuse us."

Melody had not expected that even Beatrice and Cedric knew about Thalia's return. This realization made her heart tighten. She became desolate at the thought that Thalia's return might divert attention from her.

'Why do these kinds of things always happen just when I thought everything was falling into place?'

"Then... You two should go back quickly, then. Don't let Grandpa and Grandma wait," said Melody.

when he heard that. She was lying alone

go home first. After all, he needed

Thalia-as if reading his mind-suddenly

Lucas. You have to take me home. I haven't been back for several years, and I don't know the way anymore. I'm afraid I'll get

concerned for Thalia who had just

me here. I'll come back after sending Thalia home," he said in his

not lift her head. She just smiled and said, "Don't worry about me. Just take her

to tug at Lucas' sleeve,

for them. They used to love my gifts,