I Ran From My Psycho Step-brother Straight Into The Alpha's Lap novel Chapter 106

**When Night Grows Softer Hope Returns To Lead Us by Asa Rowan Finn**

As Talya stepped through the door, the warm, inviting aroma of tomato soup enveloped her senses, making her stomach rumble in response. A small, involuntary smile crept onto her lips; it was a sure sign that Grandma was up and about. There was something truly magical about her grandma’s homemade tomato soup, a recipe that seemed to cradle her heart in warmth and nostalgia. Paired with a gooey grilled cheese sandwich, it was the epitome of comfort food, the kind that could chase away even the darkest of days.

With a soft thud, Talya tossed her backpack onto the couch, the familiar sound echoing in the quiet of the small house. She made her way into the cozy kitchen, where her grandma stood stirring a pot on the stove, her back turned but her presence radiating warmth. As she turned around, her eyes widened with concern. “Talya? What are you doing home in the middle of the day? Are you feeling alright?”

A wave of relief washed over Talya, and her smile broadened. “Hey, Grandma! I’m okay, really. Just had a rough day. The school office said I could come home.” She stepped closer, wrapping her arms around her grandmother, inhaling the comforting scent that reminded her of home—lavender and something sweet, like cookies baking in the oven. In that moment, she felt a rush of emotion, and a few tears escaped her eyes. Quickly, she stood back, wiping them away before Grandma could notice.

“What’s wrong, sweetheart?” Grandma’s astute gaze seemed to pierce through Talya’s attempts to hide her feelings. Talya swallowed hard, the lump in her throat making it difficult to respond. She shook her head, unable to articulate the storm brewing inside her. “Oh, honey, please tell me what’s happened,” Grandma urged gently, concern etched on her face.

With her hands covering her face, Talya felt the tears begin to flow freely. Her grandma guided her to the small kitchen table, where she sank into a chair, the weight of her emotions crashing over her like a wave. Just then, the back door creaked open, and she heard her Grandpop’s familiar voice. “What’s going on?” he asked, his tone filled with concern.

“I don’t know,” Grandma replied softly, rubbing Talya’s back in soothing circles. “She hasn’t said much.” Talya fought to regain her composure, wanting nothing more than to reassure them that she was fine.

“It’s okay,” she finally managed to choke out, her voice barely above a whisper. “I just had a really bad day at school,” she sniffed, trying to steady herself.

“Was it that boy?” Grandpop asked, his voice gruff but laced with concern.

Talya sighed deeply, knowing she couldn’t avoid the truth any longer. She had to share the details of her heartache. Just as she was about to speak, a knock echoed through the house, drawing her attention. Grandpop moved to answer the door, and a moment later, he returned with Sage, who trailed behind him like a ray of sunshine breaking through the clouds. Talya’s eyes widened in surprise. “What are you doing here?” she asked, her voice thick with emotion.

“Did you really think I would let my best friend suffer alone?” Sage replied, her eyes sparkling with determination.

In an instant, the tears returned, and Talya leaped from her seat to envelop Sage in a tight embrace. “Aren’t you sick?” she asked, pulling back to look at her friend. Sage merely shrugged, a playful grin on her face.

“Nothing I can’t handle,” she said, her voice a bit raspy, her cheeks slightly flushed. Talya felt a pang of guilt for dragging her friend into her troubles, yet gratitude swelled in her heart.

“Would you like some soup, Sage?” Grandma asked, her voice warm and inviting.

“Ooo, yes please!” Sage exclaimed, her eyes lighting up at the thought of Grandma’s famous soup. Moments later, all four of them were gathered around the table, bowls of steaming tomato soup and crispy grilled cheese sandwiches before them, the atmosphere filled with camaraderie and comfort.

After a few moments of silence, Grandpop finally broke the tension. “So, are you going to tell us what happened?” he asked, his voice gentle yet probing.

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