Beside me sat Luka and Quincy, their faces easing with relief as soon as I stirred.
“Talia, you’ve suffered too much all these years. The doctor said you’re severely malnourished. Stay here and rest for a while.”
Quincy’s voice softened, as if she too remembered, this used to be my home.
“Where are my parents?” I asked, ignoring her words.
“In the six years you were gone, your parents searched everywhere for you. After three years, when even the police had no leads, they went abroad themselves. It’s been three years since then, and we’ve had no way to reach them.”
I pressed my lips together as a wave of helplessness swept over me.
“Talia, just stay here and rest. You can stay as long as you need. Coming back was already so hard.”
Luka held my hand, a hint of heartache flickering in his eyes.
Quincy noticed, but said nothing. She lowered her head and quietly slipped out of the room.
“Luka, do you still love me?”
I looked straight into his eyes.
His gaze faltered, shifting away, avoiding mine.
“Talia, my head is a mess right now. Can you give me some time? These days have been filled with wedding preparations, and then you suddenly appeared. I honestly haven’t had the chance to process it all.”