Chapter 12

“Zinnia, why don’t you stay with us a while longer? The new term doesn’t start for another week. We can figure out moving closer to campus later, okay? I missed you terribly,” Sofia said, her eyes soft with hope.

Seeing Zinnia’s hesitation, Sofia quickly modified her request, suggesting Zinnia simply stay until the new term began in seven days. It was such a short time–certainly not an unreasonable request.

“Alright.” Zinnia pressed her lips together as she met Sofia’s hopeful gaze, then turned to Henry’s expectant expression.

She found herself unable to refuse them. They had always treated her with kindness, and she knew Henry’s health wasn’t ideal.

While his nighttime headaches and insomnia might appear minor now, Zinnia understood the potential risks if left unaddressed. The week before school would give her enough time to prepare herbal remedies–both to help him and repay their kindness.

She made a mental note to restock her supplies tomorrow, keeping the plan to herself for now. She figured there was no need to worry them when his condition was still manageable.

Across the room, Jackson and Charlie exchanged relieved glances, shooting Sofia a discreet thumbs-up.

Sofia shook her head in exasperation, thinking to herself, ‘None of you can do anything right. As usual, everything falls to me.’

Evening came late in the summer, the sun still glowing as Zinnia sat talking with her grandparents.

They did most of the asking, she most of the answering–but they didn’t mind. If anything, watching her quietly respond only deepened their affection.

As the conversation wound down, Zinnia rose to head upstairs–only for Jackson to stop her. “Zinnia,” he said, pushing to his feet, “I fixed up a room for you on the third floor. Let me show you.”

Zinnia was new at the Lynn residence. She had no idea which room was meant for her, so she quietly followed Jackson up to the third floor, with Charlie trailing behind.

“Zinnia, I had this room prepared for you this afternoon,” Jackson said, watching her reaction carefully. “If it’s not to your liking, just say the word and I’ll have it redone immediately."

“Our bedrooms are all on this floor. Charlie and I are right next door. Just shout if you need anything. Grandparents stay on the second floor.”

When they opened the center door, Zinnia was met with a soft pink glow.

The room looked like it had been plucked from a fairy tale—a princess bed with sheer drapes, plush carpeting, and carefully arranged stuffed toys. Delicate beige curtains framed the window, which Jackson opened to reveal a garden of pink roses below.

Zinnia paused at the threshold, taking in the scene. This was clearly designed for someone’s idea of a perfect princess. She hesitated, almost reluctant to enter.

Truth be told, Zinnia never cared much about comforts–not what she ate, what she wore, or where she slept.

When she first came back to the Shaw residence, Betty had stuck her in the worst room on the second floor–the one farthest down the hall. At night, the broken AC would clatter nonstop, while cold winds blew right through the drafty windows.

Even when Lucas tried to fix things, they’d break again by morning- sometimes getting him in trouble. Eventually, Zinnia told him to stop trying.

The room was simple but livable, which suited Zinnia just fine. She had no intention of staying with the Shaws permanently–once her master returned, she would leave.

Arguing over things like this was pointless. Even if she voiced her opinion, the Shaws wouldn’t take her seriously.

But Jackson saw his little cousin differently. To him, she was like a storybook princess–and every princess deserved a proper room.

“Zinnia, you don’t like it, do you?” Jackson asked when she hesitated in the doorway. Her pause made him think she was disappointed. “If it’s not to your taste, we can get people to redecorate it. You can choose any style you want.”

‘Yeah, we kinda threw this room together in a hurry. No surprise if Zinnia’s not thrilled,’ he thought to himself.

“Absolutely. We can change everything if you’d prefer,” Charlie chimed in.

Zinnia nodded as she looked around. “I like it,” she said softly. The room was actually quite nice. She met their eyes and offered a small smile.

“As long as you do, Zinnia, that’s the most important thing," Jackson responded.

After all, Zinnia was still just a kid. Back in that small town with her master, life had been hard. Getting meat every day alone had been a luxury. She’d never even imagined a room this beautiful.

Her master used to tease her about building her a pink castle someday. She’d always called him a liar. Turned out she was right–there was no pink castle, and her master was gone.

That familiar ache settled in her chest. Zinnia missed him all over again.

He’d always said they were poor, that he couldn’t give her much. But he’d never stopped trying–working himself to the bone just to put meat on her plate. He was the best man she’d ever known.

If given the choice, Zinnia would return to that small town without hesitation. Fancy houses and pink castles meant nothing to her. She had no interest in the Shaws‘ luxurious lifestyle. All she truly wanted was to be with her master again.

“Zinnia?” Jackson had to call twice before she blinked back to the present.

“Yes?” Zinnia looked up, blinking in confusion.

“You want to look around the room?” he asked gently. “Just tell me what you’d like changed, and I’ll make it happen.”

Zinnia shook her head. “No need. It’s perfect as it is.” The princess-themed room was beautiful–far more than she could have expected. Compared to her old room at the Shaw residence, this was many times better.

Jackson’s expression softened with relief. “As long as you like it, that’s all that matters,” he said gently. “But if you ever want anything adjusted, just tell me. I’ll take care of it right away.”

A quiet smile curved his lips as he watched her reaction. He had skipped work that afternoon to oversee the renovations himself, unwilling to accept anything less than perfection for Zinnia.

“You should rest now,” Jackson said, his voice warm but concerned. “We’ll let you be. Call if you need anything.”

Zinnia still appeared worn out, her pale face and colorless lips making her look painfully fragile. The brothers exchanged a glance, knowing she needed proper rest.

Charlie gestured to the room beside hers. “I’m right next door,” he added. “If you need anything at all, just knock. I’ll be there in seconds.”

Charlie had planned to return to the research institute that afternoon, but Zinnia’s arrival changed everything. Something told him he shouldn’t leave until his little cousin had fully recovered, so he arranged for time off.

“Okay.” Zinnia nodded.

After the brothers left, Zinnia stepped into the room by herself. She closed the door behind her, toed off her shoes, and slowly sank her feet into the plush carpet. It felt like walking on warm clouds–all the chill from her old room was instantly forgotten.

Her gaze fell on the SpongeBob plush tucked in the sofa corner. A spark of delight lit her face–she’d always loved soft toys.

She moved to cradle the bright yellow figure in her hands, its plush surface seeming to embrace her like an old friend.

She buried her face in the toy, smiling properly for the first time since arriving. She liked this room.