I let my hair swept by the wind, I let my black dress get dirty from the cemetery grasses. I let my overwhelming emotions flow, But I didn't let my tears breakfree. She doesn't want me to cry, she doesn't want to see me cry.
"Med school has been tough, but I'm grateful for all the lessons you taught me. I've put them to use ever since," I said softly.
I swallowed hard as I knelt down, my eyes lingering on her name carved into the stone.
"I... I went into your office yesterday," I began, my voice barely above a whisper. "I found a box, I saw mom’s handwritten letters” 
I paused, the cold wind biting at my cheeks. "I spoke to Rose about Mom, You should've told me a little about you and mom” 
I felt like a madwoman, talking to a grave, but it didn’t matter. No one was around to see or judge me.
"I had nightmares about what happened to me before, yet it was blurry, I hope those letters have key answers about mom and dad’s death” I said, feeling my voice shaken. 
A heavy sigh escaped me. "It's hard living in this world, knowing my parents died, but feeling like there’s more to the story about the fire. And I think I have the right to know." A bitter smile crossed my lips.
I fell silent, unsure of what to say next. There's an old saying that souls can hear you, and that graves are like telephones to the other side. Even without a scientific explanation, I was willing to believe it.
My aunt and I never had the usual aunt-niece relationship. Our interactions were always about studies and medical issues. This was my chance to share my journey of becoming a doctor.
I hope she will be proud of me.
I had brought one letter from the box, It was a random pick. The envelope was worn, with a faded patch of color, likely from its age. On the back, my mother’s handwriting adorned the page.
From:
Zennith Coffey Moore
Glacier Brook Village,
Kingdom of Eryndor Von Stein
To:
Zainab Coffey
Mairi City,
Kingdom of Eryndor Von Stein
My eyes widened, my hands stiffened. The letters were faded, yet still readable. Glacierbrook Village—how could this be possible?
In the moment of disbelief, the rain began to fall. It quickly grew stronger, and I ran toward the nearest shelter. My dress soaked through from the downpour It suddenly got stronger, I wasn't fully sheltered from the rain, as the splashes reached me.
I sighed in frustration “Great!” 
I looked around for someone to help me or for a way to get to a more secure shelter near the gates. Unfortunately, no one was around.
I waited as long as I could but became desperate to escape the downpour. I sighed and made a run for it, dashing toward the gate. The raindrops stung as they hit my skin, but when I reached the gate, I saw a small gazebo and headed there immediately.
Soaking wet, I found a small comfort in knowing that the coachman would have an easier time spotting me.
I wrapped my arms around myself, scanning for the coachman, but he was still nowhere in sight. My nose itches, and I sneeze.
"Damn it!" 
I sneezed again and wiped my nose with a handkerchief I’d brought. It was a bit damp, but it would have to do.
The cold was biting, and I was alone. The sky darkened, and I was stuck in a dirty gazebo. I sneezed again.
"You should really get something for that," a familiar voice said.
I was startled and turned quickly. My eyes widened when I saw him. His raven eyes met mine, and he was dressed in a maroon long-sleeved shirt and black trousers, holding an umbrella.
His lips curved into a smile.
"Thorne..." I said, barely above a whisper.
"Hello, flower," he replied.
My heart pounded. I was relieved and happy to see him. Now, I knew I wasn’t alone. He stepped into the gazebo, closing his umbrella but keeping his eyes locked on mine.
I felt safe and secure, as though I didn’t have to worry about anything because he was here with me.
"What are you doing here?" I asked.
He smiled. "Well, just roaming around. I'm glad I found you."
I raised an eyebrow. "Really? Roaming around? Are you some kind of roaming doctor?"
He chuckled, causing my heart to flutter. "I suppose you could say that."
I crossed my arms, looking at him with suspicion. "Tell me the truth—why are you here?"
"I came to see you," he said.
I was stunned, my eyes widening. "You drove for an hour just to see me? Why?"
He gently caressed my cheek, and I couldn’t resist his touch. I wanted his presence, I missed him, It's been two days that I haven't seen him.
"I’ve missed you, flower," he whispered.
"Come here..." he said.
Without thinking, my body moved toward him. His strong arms embraced me, and I felt a sense of comfort, warmth, and safety I hadn't felt in a long time.
His sophisticated, clean leather scent enveloped me. I missed this smell…
He pulled away slightly, smiling at me. "What were you doing here alone in a cemetery?" he asked.
"I was visiting a relative," I replied.
His eyebrows raised in surprise. "Alone?"
"Well, the carriage needed repairs, and I didn't think the rain would be such a burden," I explained.
He glanced at the heavy rain. "You didn’t bring an umbrella?"
"I forgot," I admitted. "Enough about me. How did you find me?"
"Astrid told me you were looking for me. I asked Stella where you were, then went to your manor. The lady there said you were here. With the rain about to start, I figured I might as well pick you up." He smiled, his thumb gently caressing my face. 
"You're unpredictable, Thorne Ackerman," I said.
His lips curved into a smile. "What can I say? You're just too irresistible."
"Do you even have a place to stay?" I asked, my brows furrowing.
"Aww, I’m insulted. Of course, I do," he replied. "I rented a large house within walking distance of yours."
My eyes widened. "Thorne, that's one of the mayor's rest houses!"
"Well, it wasn’t too expensive. I paid him two bags of gold," he said casually.
"You’re kidding!" I exclaimed. "You could have used that money to help those in need! It could have supported children’s education or other important causes."
"Flower, you’re too kind. But I have money for that. Don’t worry about it too much," he said.
I rolled my eyes. Of course, he had the money for such luxuries. I couldn't underestimate one of the best surgeons in both the magical and mortal realms.
"The rain is still heavy. You should come with me. I'll take you home," he said.
I looked at him, uncertain. "Really? Would that be okay?" I asked.
He nodded firmly. "I insist. I can’t leave you here alone."
I didn't want to reject his offer. Waiting for my carriage in this heavy rain seemed futile, and it was unlikely to stop anytime soon.
"Thank you."
I saw his carriage in the distance. Unexpectedly, he pulled me closer, wrapping his arm around my waist. I tried to hide my blush and the rapid pounding of my heart.
Thorne and I ran through the downpour, and he opened the carriage door for me before climbing in himself. The interior was decorated with maroon cushions and curtains.
"Thank you,” I said with a smile.
"Anytime" he replied with a warm smile. His arms still embraced me, giving me warmth that I needed. 
As the carriage moved, it was silent except for the sound of the rain. I watched as trees swayed and fell outside until the carriage came to a halt. We were close to my house, having already passed Thorne’s rest house. The wind howled as the coachman called out.
"My Lord, the path is blocked by fallen trees. The horses can’t pass through," the coachman said.
"This area is fine. I can walk," I said.
I started to get out when Thorne immediately grabbed my hand. 
"I won’t let you go out in this weather," he said.
"I don't have a choice," I replied.
"It's too dangerous. Coffey, stay with me tonight, and I promise you'll be safe and sound tomorrow," he said.
"Thorne, that’s too much. I’m sure I’ll be fine," I insisted.
"No, I won't let you. You're going stay with me tonight." he said with a protective tone.
I sighed, unsure of what to do. Thorne was right; the weather was severe. I could see trees bending under the force of the wind, and it was too risky to try and go home, both for me and for Thorne.
"Fine," I finally conceded.