Entangled Strings Of Fate

Chapter 16: The Package Have Been Collected

"I'm fine, Granny, it's just a small scratch behind my head, and it's not hurting that bad," Eric reassured her.

"Oh...it's good then, I hope you get better soon, come let me help escorting you to your room," she said, sweetly.

Initially, Eric denied that he didn't need any assistance as it's only his head that's injured not his limps but seeing his father's disapproving look, he agreed on that instantly.

Thus, Mrs. Smith took Eric to his room. There, Ethan excused himself too and went upstairs to the room that had been prepared for him earlier.

Following their departure, Zoey saw Sofie emerging from the kitchen holding a glass water jug in her hand. After grabbing her attention, Zoey inquired, "Where's Claire? Is she asleep? Did she eat her dinner?"

"She's in her room," Sofie replied. "After finishing her dinner, she went straight there."

"Is she alone or with Jane?" William asked, slightly pressing his tired eyes.

"No, she's alone right now, sir. Jane returned from her room a little while ago. I was about to check on her while taking the water jug to her," Sofie replied, looking at William and Zoey.

"Alright, Sofie, you can go to your room now, and thank you for keeping an eye on her," Zoey said warmly, a small smile appearing on her face. Sofie returned the smile softly and nodded before departing.

After, William and Zoey exchanged a glance they moved towards Claire's room.

Reaching there, Zoey gently knocked on Claire's door, and after a brief pause, Claire opened the door half-way. The subdued light in her room revealed her changed attire, a silky lavender night dress adorned with stars and a half-moon print.

"Hey, baby," Zoey said softly, a gentle smile on her face. However, Claire showed no expression at the sight of them, which they noticed as they exchanged glances.

"How is Eric? Is he back home?" she asked hoarsely.

In unison, they replied, "Yes, he's home." Claire nodded and replied shortly, "Okay."

William asked, seeing her resisting to open the door fully, "Won't you let us in?"

"No, it's messy here, and it's past my sleep time so... I think you guys should rest as you look tired," She replied, sounding considerate for her parents.

"No, we aren't tired, sweetie," Zoey said, gently caressing her hair.

With an infectious smile, William bent down to her level and gently cupped her cheeks. "How about this? Since we still have some time left, you, me, and your mom can go downstairs and call everyone to cut the cake," he suggested, glancing at his wristwatch, which showed 11:42.

However, she shook her head and replied, "No, Dad, it's fine. Maybe next time. I've already changed my clothes, and everyone I intended to celebrate my birthday with must have already fallen asleep; even if we wake them now, it will be past midnight, so maybe we should just skip it."

After saying this, she took a step back and closed the door, allowing a single tear to escape before moving to her bed, where she lay on her back and more tears began to flow from her eyes as she stared at the ceiling without blinking.

Her parents exchanged troubled glances after she abruptly closed the door. William looked at Zoey, stating, "Don't worry, let her sleep for now, we can talk to her in the morning," and then they silently returned to their room as well.