Chapter 11

We finished our meals while chatting and laughing. Joey’s laughter made the whole outing feel light and refreshing. Soon after, we headed back to the store together, talking and enjoying each other’s company. It was a simple day, but it left me feeling hopeful and lighter.

Stacy was another little bundle of energy who frequented the shop. She always came with her nanny, a kind but slightly overwhelmed woman named Mary. Stacy, with her golden blonde hair and sparkling blue eyes, was a curious five-year-old who had a question for everything.

As soon as she walked into the shop one afternoon, she ran straight to me, clutching her favorite stuffed bunny. “Luna! Why are all the clothes here so tiny? Are they for dolls?”

I laughed, crouching down to her level. “No, sweetheart, they’re for kids like you. But maybe we should start a doll section, huh?”

She gasped dramatically. “Yes! My bunny needs new clothes!”

Mary called out from a nearby rack, “Stacy, don’t bother Luna too much!”

“It’s okay, Mary,” I reassured her. “I love chatting with her.”

Stacy grinned mischievously. “Luna, your hair is so long? Did it grow all the way from your head to your back?”

I nodded seriously, playing along. “Yep, it grows while I sleep. Just like magic.”

“Magic?!” Her eyes widened. “Can I have magic hair too?”

“You already do,” I said, tugging gently at one of her soft blonde curls. “Your hair is golden, like a princess’s.”

She twirled a curl around her finger thoughtfully. “But princesses wear crowns. Do you have a crown?”

“Not yet,” I said with a wink. “But maybe you can design one for me.”

Her face lit up. “I’ll make the prettiest crown ever! With sparkles and everything!”

Mary chuckled softly, shaking her head. “Stacy, don’t you think you’re bothering Luna?”

Stacy spun around and held up her hands dramatically. “No, Mary! Luna loves my questions. Right, Luna?”

I smiled warmly. “Absolutely. Keep them coming, Stacy.”

Stacy clapped her hands, satisfied with my answers, and hugged her bunny tightly. “I like you, Luna. You’re the best!”

“And you’re the sweetest,” I replied, patting her head gently.

Mary sighed but smiled, watching the scene. “You’ve made a friend for life, Luna.”

“I think I have,” I said with a grin, watching Stacy skip away to explore the shop.

On a fateful day, I decided to stop by Pa Kevin and Matilda’s restaurant to say hello. I hadn’t forgotten their kindness and wanted to express my gratitude once more. Stepping inside, I was greeted by the familiar aroma of freshly cooked meals and the warm hum of conversation.

Looking around, I spotted a waiter arranging cutlery at one of the tables. “Excuse me,” I said with a polite smile. “Is Matilda here?”

Before the waiter could respond, I heard a cheerful voice call out my name. “Luna!”

Turning toward the sound, I saw Matilda standing by the counter, her face lighting up with a smile. I walked up to her, and she extended her arms for a warm hug.

“It’s so good to see you!” she exclaimed. “You’re looking great, Luna.”

“Thank you so much, ma’am,” I replied, returning her smile. “And you look splendid as always. How have you been?”

“Wonderful, dear. I've been busy, but I'm doing well. How about you? How’s your mom ?”

She's doing great,i replied

Where's pa kevin I asked, he just stepped out a while ago he'll soon be back.

We exchanged pleasantries for a while, catching up on life, when the restaurant door opened behind me. Matilda glanced over and smiled even brighter.

“Oh, here he is,” she said. I turned to see Pa Kevin walking toward us with a young woman by his side. She was beautiful, with sharp features and an effortless grace, holding Pa Kevin’s hand as they approached.

“Hello, Luna,” Pa Kevin greeted warmly, shaking my hand. “It’s so good to see you again. You look well.”

“Hello, Pa Kevin,” I replied. “It’s always nice to see you too.”

He gestured to the woman beside him. “This is my daughter, Claudia. Claudia, meet Luna. She’s the one I told you about when we first met.”

Claudia extended her hand with a kind smile. “It’s lovely to meet you, Luna. 

“Likewise,” I said, shaking her hand.

Matilda and Pa Kevin exchanged knowing smiles. “We’ll leave you two to get acquainted,” Matilda said, giving Claudia a light pat on the shoulder.

As they stepped away, Claudia and I found a quiet corner in the restaurant and sat down. She looked at me curiously, her warm expression inviting conversation.

“So,” she began, folding her hands on the table, “tell me about yourself, Luna. 

 “I was just in a tough spot, and your parents helped me when I needed it most.”

“Well, I just turned 21 a few months ago, and I’m currently working with my mom at her children’s clothing store,” I told Claudia.

“That’s sweet,” she said with a warm smile. “So, what are your hobbies?”

I hesitated for a moment, then replied, “Well, dancing, reading and 

“Oh, reading! That’s amazing,” she interjected enthusiastically. “Reading is one of my hobbies too. What kind of books do you enjoy?”

“Romance,” I answered, smiling.

“Same here!” she said, her eyes lighting up. “I’m such a sucker for a good love story. Anyway, I’m 22 years old and a model.”

“Wow, that’s amazing!” I said, my excitement genuine.

“Thanks,” Claudia said, beaming. “What about you? What do you do? I mean, aside from working at your mom’s store.”

I paused, unsure how much to reveal about myself. I didn’t want to get too personal, especially not after everything I had been through recently. “Uh…well…” I started, trying to come up with something vague yet honest.

Before I could answer, her phone rang. “Oh, excuse me for a moment,” she said, stepping away to take the call.

I waited at the table, feeling a bit relieved at the interruption. When she returned, her expression had changed slightly and she looked apologetic.