Chapter 2 A Stranger's Sympathy

The phone call was brief but shattering, sending Sabrina's spirits into a downward abyss. Today was a parade of calamities for her: her heart was first trampled by her boyfriend and best friend, and now she learned her grandfather, her lifelong guardian, was gravely ill. Her grandfather and her brother were her last remaining family. Hearing about her grandfather's illness felt like the sky falling down on her. "Barry, don't worry. I'll find a way to raise the funds to get Grandpa well again," she reassured her brother. "It's my fault. If only I had tried harder, I wouldn't have needed to call you for money," her older brother, Barry Roth, admitted with regret. He was the older sibling, yet it was his sister who had to step up in a time of crisis like this. Both siblings sat in silence, emotionally battered by the news. Sabrina ended the call and wrapped herself in her blanket, seeking a warmth that never came. An icy chill seemed to fill her, making her teeth chatter. Knock, knock, knock. Startled, she opened the door without even peering through the peephole. Standing at her doorstep was a man of striking beauty, tall and seemingly touched by a play of light and shadow. His presence radiated an inner glow, as if he carried his own source of illumination. "Hey, I'm Curtis Walton from next door. Thought you might need some help," he introduced himself, his eyes and voice lacking warmth, hinting he was not really there for selfless reasons. Sabrina, taken aback by the sudden appearance of this stranger, mustered a cautious smile. "Thanks, but no thanks. I'm okay." She wasn't ready to trust someone she barely knew, especially after what had just happened. As she was about to close the door, an elderly voice reached her ears. It was Daniel Walton, her elderly neighbor, who bore a striking resemblance to her own grandfather. Whenever she looked at him, it felt like she was gazing into her grandfather's eyes. "Poor dear, Sabrina. This is my grandson, Curtis. You seem like you're having a tough day. We have some hot tea ready at home. Would you care to join us?" Daniel's warm smile tugged at Sabrina's heart, reminding her of her beloved but ailing grandfather. Tears welled up in her eyes, and she nodded without hesitation. Yet, as she followed Daniel and Curtis into their home, she couldn't shake the feeling that she was imposing. "You look like you could use some warmth. Here, this cup of hot cocoa might help," Curtis offered, handing her a steaming mug. "Thank you," Sabrina replied, taking a sip of the cocoa and feeling its comforting warmth spread through her. Taking a seat beside her, Curtis cradled his own cup of cocoa. "I overheard what happened earlier. You've been really kind to my granddad, so I thought I'd check in on you to make sure you're okay." Sabrina shifted uncomfortably, not expecting her personal troubles to become public knowledge. But Curtis continued, "Your boyfriend and best friend really did a number on you, huh?" His sympathetic gaze made her uneasy. Her life was in turmoil, and she didn't need a stranger's pity. "Poor girl. No wonder Grandpa sent me over," Curtis remarked, his well-intentioned eyes suddenly appearing to mock her situation. Sabrina's voice took on an edge that surprised even herself. "Are you making fun of my pain? I didn't ask to be betrayed, but they went behind my back and did it anyway." "Look, I appreciate Daniel's hospitality, but I won't stand for your snide remarks!" Sabrina snapped, setting her cocoa down with a thud. She had no desire to rehash the pain of the day, especially not with someone she barely knew. Curtis thought he was simply stating the obvious and hadn't meant to hurt her. But Sabrina's fiery response gave him pause, causing him to rethink, maybe even sympathize a little with Aaron. "Relax, you're just making yourself look worse," he said. That comment was the last straw for Sabrina. How could a bystander grasp the weight of her personal agony? "Curtis, what are you doing? Don't drive my guest away!" Daniel emerged from the kitchen, his face displaying a stern expression as he reprimanded Curtis. "Sabrina's had a rough day. I thought you'd be helping, not making things worse." A heavy and awkward silence filled the room. Sabrina saw through Curtis's feigned concern, and Curtis seemed equally unwilling to comfort this emotionally wounded stranger. "Daniel, thank you for the cocoa. It was lovely and it really helped calm my nerves. I think I'll head home now. You should get some rest too." Sabrina politely excused herself. Before Daniel could say more, she had shut the door behind her. Daniel was furious, and he looked at Curtis as if he wanted to throw a plate at him. "Sabrina's a kind soul. Who wouldn't be emotional after going through such a betrayal? Where's your compassion?" Unmoved, Curtis replied, "This just confirms she's not the kind of woman I'm looking for. I need someone who's better at handling her emotions." Shaking his head, Daniel said, "You're wrong, Curtis. You barely know her, and you're already passing judgment? If you really got to know her, you'd never say such a thing." "Well, I'm glad I don't," Curtis responded, getting up from the couch. He added, "Look, Grandpa, I get that you're eager for me to settle down, but I'm not interested in a wife who's an emotional wreck. Sabrina clearly doesn't check my boxes, so can we please put this to rest?" Curtis was known for his stubbornness. Without waiting for Daniel's reply, he exited the room, leaving his grandfather seething on the couch. Those who were familiar with Sabrina would vouch for her kindness and beauty. Unfortunately, his grandson was blind to these qualities. But Daniel believed that with time, Curtis would come to regret the words he said today.