Chapter 34: A Glimpse Into Tomorrow
Laura pushed the door open and stepped inside, but the moment she did, she stopped in her tracks.
Lily was glowing.
A soft, silvery light pulsed around the little girl, illuminating the room in a way that wasn't natural—but it wasn't threatening either. It was warm, comforting. Almost… magical.
Laura's instincts tensed. Her body screamed at her to react, but she didn't move.
The glow slowly faded as Lily blinked up at her with sleepy eyes. Then, in the most innocent tone, she mumbled:
"You're gonna marry Brother Ethan."
Laura's brain stalled.
"...What?"
Lily yawned, rubbing her eyes with her tiny fists. "I saw it," she mumbled.
Laura narrowed her eyes, stepping closer. "Saw what?"
"You and Brother Ethan," Lily said with absolute certainty. "You were holding hands and smiling and—" she scrunched her nose, "—kissing."
Laura just… stared.
Lily giggled. "It was kinda funny."
From the other room, Ethan had been resting on the couch, but the moment he heard his name—especially Brother Ethan—his super hearing honed in on the conversation.
He wasn't expecting what came next.
Laura exhaled sharply. "Kid, you must be dreaming."
"Nope!" Lily shook her head vigorously. "I see things sometimes. Like little movies in my head. And this one was super clear!"
Ethan nearly choked on nothing.
Did Lily just say she saw him and Laura—?
"When did you see this?" Laura asked, clearly thrown off.
"Just now!" Lily chirped. "Right before you came in! That's why I was glowing, I think. It happens when I see things."
Ethan, still frozen in place, fought the urge to grin like an idiot.
Laura sat on the edge of the bed, rubbing her temples. "Okay, but listen," she said carefully. "I don't even like Ethan like that."
Ethan, amused, leaned back against the couch. Let's see where this goes.
Lily gave Laura a long, knowing look. "Yes, you do."
Laura scoffed. "No, I don't."
"Yes, you doooo!"
"Do not."
"Do too."
Ethan had to bite the inside of his cheek to keep from laughing.
Laura groaned, covering her face with both hands. "I am not arguing with a child about this."
Lily giggled before her voice turned soft again. "It's okay if you don't believe me," she said, snuggling into her blanket. "But I know what I saw. And you looked really happy, Laura."
Ethan's chest tightened.
Happy.
That was all he had ever wanted for Laura. Even if she didn't trust him yet, even if she didn't see it now… someday, she would.
Lily yawned, her small body curling up. "Good night, Laura."
Laura didn't reply immediately. She sat there, staring at the wall, as if trying to process everything.
Ethan smiled to himself.
For the first time in a long time, he felt happy too.