Chapter 24 Encouragement
Theo’s voice was steady and unyielding as he spoke, “Since you’ve made your choice, you must have the courage to face the consequences.”
Sierra trembled slightly, biting her lip. “You’re right, Uncle Theo. I don’t have the right to ask Ms. Linden for forgiveness.
“I had hoped to apologize sincerely to her today. But I couldn’t even lift my head to face her when I was there.
“I know she must be very disappointed in me. She probably won’t forgive me, and she probably doesn’t want to see me.”
Her voice faltered as she looked up at the dark sky, fighting back the tears that threatened to spill.
Theo observed her quietly before responding, “How can you be so sure she won’t forgive you? You haven’t even tried.
“Retreating before your battle is like a turtle hiding in its shell, never seeing the world outside.”
Sierra blinked, her eyes wet and filled with helplessness. “But… Ms. Linden is really angry…”
“Do you still want to learn piano?” Theo asked.
Sierra nodded firmly.
“Then, since you’ve found the courage to start over, why not gather a little more to face your teacher and confront the person you once were?”
Sierra trembled as if something clicked in her mind. She looked at him, gratitude shining in her eyes. “Thank you, Uncle Theo. I understand now. I want
to start over.
“Whether Ms. Linden forgives me or continues to teach me, I will keep learning piano because it’s what I love. I want to rediscover who I used to be.” Theo didn’t speak, but he watched her eyes light up, a small, almost imperceptible smile tugging at the corners of his lips.
“Uncle Theo, there’s something else I’d like to ask for your help with,” Sierra said cautiously.
Theo saw through her intentions and said, “Aunt Jemima will be discharged from the hospital in a couple of days. Once she’s out, I’ll take you to visit her, but I won’t speak on your behalf. It’s up to you now.”
He wanted to see if she was truly ready to move on from the past.
Sierra nodded eagerly. “Don’t worry, Uncle Theo. I won’t cause you any trouble.”
“Mm.”
“Then I’ll visit Grandpa Gray with some of his favorite food to thank him for letting you take care of me.”
Theo was dumbfounded. “He has bad teeth. There’s no need to buy him anything.”
Sierra furrowed her brows. She remembered that Edward had pretty good teeth, but she didn’t dwell on it.
“Then, whenever you’re free, I’d like to invite you to dinner to thank you for everything you’ve done for me these days.”
“I’m free right now,” Theo replied immediately, his voice elegant and smooth.
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