The Unveiled Rose

It was only then that I really took a good look at the man standing before me.

He had the kind of looks that could rival any movie star, but his aura was even more aloof.

Just standing there, he exuded an air of unapproachable authority, like he belonged to a world far above the ordinary hustle and bustle.

If I had known him, I'm sure I would have remembered.

But try as I might, I couldn't place his face. "Do I know you?"

Eager to clear any misunderstanding, he quickly explained, "The day before yesterday, you fell down the stairs. It was us who rushed you to the ER." Until he mentioned it...

I had always assumed it was Leander who had been following me, heard the fall, and then took me for emergency care.

I looked down, feeling a bit foolish.

So, it wasn't him after all.

I looked back up at the man. "Thank you for saving my life. I mean, that's no small thing."

Of course, mere words of thanks weren't enough.

"I really don't know how to repay you both."

A smile touched the man's eyes. "Actually, I could use your help with something right now."

Ever since I had Nigel, I had decided to stay home to take care of him and my husband, fully embracing the life of a stay-at-home mom.

Though at that time, I never anticipated that it would lead to today's situation.

In the eyes of many, I was already out of touch with society, let alone capable of helping someone else.

I looked at him, somewhat taken aback. "Me?"

He nodded, then said, "Let me introduce myself properly. My name is Reuben Harris."

He crouched down to introduce the quiet girl standing next to him, who looked as pretty as a porcelain doll. "This is Joyce Harris."

I also crouched down, extending my hand towards the little girl. "Hello, I'm Amara Jensen."

Joyce looked back at Reuben as if seeking reassurance.

Reuben encouraged her with a look.ConTEent bel0ngs to Nôv(e)lD/rama(.)Org .

Then Joyce tentatively took my hand, saying shyly, "Nice to meet you."

Her hand was as soft and delicate silk.

I smiled back, saying, "Same here."

As soon as I finished speaking, Joyce quickly hid behind Reuben, peeking out at me.

"Arlo." Reuben evidently wanted to keep our conversation private from Joyce. "Why don't you take Joyce out for a bit?"

"Sure thing."

The middle-aged man who had been guarding the door picked up Joyce.

Joyce clung to Reuben's arm, clearly reluctant to leave with Arlo.

Reuben soothed her gently. "Joyce, you understand why we came to see Amara, right?"

Joyce hesitated, then nodded.

Reuben continued, "But what I need to talk about isn't for children's ears, so you go with Arlo for a little tour, okay? Just five minutes, and I'll come find you, alright?"

With Reuben's promise, Joyce finally let go and obediently followed Arlo out of the room.

Once the door closed behind them, Reuben began, "I'm Joyce's uncle. Her parents died in a car crash two years ago. She was there, saw everything, and since then, she's refused to talk to anyone."

"It's been two years without a word from her. The doctors said she has severe autism. They advised us to encourage her to communicate."

I listened patiently.

Reuben seemed to feel a bit awkward asking for help so directly. "We've tried everything, to no avail, until..."

"That day, at the preschool, your child mistook another woman for you and followed her home. When Joyce got home, she suddenly said she wanted the mother Nigel didn't want. She said you seemed like a kind mother. She really wanted you to be hers." Reuben paused, looking at me earnestly. "For you, she was willing to speak to me. I'm relieved, even hopeful that maybe if you spent more time with Joyce, her condition might improve."

He chose his next words carefully. "So, I'm here to boldly ask you, Ms. Jensen. Would you consider coming to help look after Joyce at our place?"