Reunion

Chapter 7: Reunion

It was a calm Monday morning. Lyra woke up before her alarm rang, for a moment she lay still staring into space.

Today felt different.

She sat up slowly and rubbed her eyes, her body felt heavy and weak.

Lyra got off the bed and walked into the bathroom. The cold tiles met her bare feet, sending shivers up her spine.

She turned on the shower, allowing the water to fall over her shoulder.

As the steam filled the room, her thoughts wandered.

Her first week at Serenity health clinic had not been easy . The work itself was what she loved doing, but her colleagues were hostile to her. And Bella, she never for once hid her hatred for her.

Lyra sighed and reached for the soap.

Just get through today, she told herself.

After her shower,she dressed up wearing a black corporate shirt and pants.

Lyra moved to the kitchen, she swiftly made coffe and toasted some loaves.

As she was eating her phone buzzed.

She picked it up, it was the staff group chat. Her eyes carefully read through the message.

IMPORTANT NOTICE:

All staff are expected to be on their best behavior today. The Thorne family will be visiting the clinic. Punctuality and professionalism are mandatory.

Lyra frowned.

The Thorne family?

The name sounded strange to her.

She scrolled through the replies. Excited emojis,nervous messages. Compliments about the Thornes from her colleagues.

Lyra lowered the phone.

Not thinking too much about it,she grabbed her bag and left her apartment earlier than usual.

The streets were quiet at that hour, the air cool against her skin. As she walked, she tried to shake off the growing pressure in her chest.

When she arrived at Serenity Health Clinic, the building looked the same as always. But inside, everything felt tense.

People moved faster,voices were hushed.

Lyra clocked in and headed toward the staff area.

That was when she saw Bella.

Bella stood near the counter, arms crossed, her heels tapping lightly against the floor. Her eyes landed on Lyra immediately, sharp and assessing.

“Well,” Bella said, her lips curving into a tight smile. “You’re early.”

Lyra nodded politely. “Good morning.”

Bella’s eyes flicked toward Lyra’s clothes, then back to her face.

“You do know today is an important day, right?” Bella asked. “Very important people are coming.”

“Yes,” Lyra said calmly. “I saw the message.”

Bella leaned closer. “Good. Then you’ll understand why it might be better if… certain people stayed out of sight.”

Lyra blinked. “Out of sight?”

Bella smirked.

“Let’s be honest,” she said softly. “First impressions matter. And I don’t think today is the day for mistakes.”

Lyra’s fingers curled around her bag strap.

“I’m not a mistake,” she said quietly.

Bella’s smile tightened.

“We’ll see,” she replied. “Actually, why don’t you help in arranging files today?”

Lyra met her gaze.

“I was assigned to the children’s wing,” she said.

Bella scoffed. “Assignments can change.”

Before Lyra could reply, Bella turned and walked away, heels clicking sharply against the floor.

Lyra stood there, she wasn't going to listen to Bella this time.

She took a deep breath and walked toward the children’s wing anyway. The soft sounds of toys and gentle music greeted her. The space felt safer than the hallway she’d just left.

She began organizing supplies, her hands steady even though her heart wasn’t.

Time passed slowly.

Lyra didn’t hear the announcement, but she felt the shift in atmosphere. The sudden silence, footsteps echoed. She perked out carefully.

A man walked in first.

He was tall and dressed neatly. His eyes moved constantly, taking everything in.

Beside him was a little boy.

Lyra’s breath caught.

The boy walked slowly, his shoulders slightly hunched. His hand clutched something close to his chest.

A teddy bear.

Her heart skipped.

It’s him.

The same boy from Saturday.

The same lost eyes.

Marcus bent down slightly. “We’re here,” he said softly. “You’re safe.”

The boy didn’t respond.

Then his eyes lifted.

They moved across the room.

And landed on Lyra.

Everything changed.

His body went still and his grip tightened.

For a moment, he simply stared.

Then he moved slowly.

“Wait Leo!” Marcus called, shock clear in his voice.

But the boy didn’t stop.

His small feet carried him straight toward Lyra, his eyes locked on her as if she were the only thing he could see.

Lyra froze.

Before she could react, Leo reached her and wrapped his arms tightly around her leg.His small body was clearly filled with excitement.

The teddy bear slipped from his hands and fell to the floor between them.

Whispers filled the room.

Lyra’s heart pounded loudly in her ears.

Slowly and carefully, she knelt down.

Her hands shook as she rested them on his back.

“ Hey little friend,” she whispered. “We met again.”

Leo clung to her harder.

He brought out his notepad and wrote “Aunty bear,” he showed Marcus the note.

Marcus stood frozen.

His eyes moved from the teddy bear… to Lyra… then back to Leo.

Understanding dawned slowly.

His breath caught.

“This is… her,” he whispered to himself. He remembered seeing Leo with the lady on the day he got missing.

The room buzzed with whispers.

Bella’s face drained of color.

“No,” she muttered. “This can’t be happening.”

But Leo didn’t move a bit.

He stayed with Lyra, his small hands gripping her clothes, as if afraid she would disappear if he let go.

Lyra knew one thing was clear,she was cooked.