Chapter 25

After dinner, Zinnia slipped upstairs to make pills. Sofia was full of energy now, but constant anger wasn’t good for anyone. Zinnia decided to whip up more pills for Sofia.

“Jackson…” Zinnia murmured, her gaze fixed on Jackson as he climbed the stairs beside her. She bit her lip gently and called out.

“Huh?” Jackson turned, surprise and joy lighting up his eyes.

Zinnia hadn’t talked to Jackson much since arriving days ago. Now, hearing Zinnia call his name, he was over the moon. Suddenly, he wanted to tackle that stack of paperwork upstairs. That one word made him feel unstoppable.

“Why’d you give me this toy?” Zinnia asked, clutching the stuffed animal. She’d hardly let it go since she got it.

“You gave me the essence oil, so I wanted to give you something too,” Jackson said, chuckling softly. He was a bit thrown by her question. Then he added, “Plus, when I saw the toy at the store, I immediately thought you’d love it.”

He wasn’t great with girls, but his friends said they loved cute stuff. Zinnia was a girl, so he figured she’d like it.

“I love it. Thanks, Jackson,” Zinnia said, hugging the toy tighter. A warm feeling spread through her. Jackson bought the toy just because she loved it.

“Don’t mention it,” Jackson said softly. He really wanted to touch her hair. So, he gently messed up her silky locks. “Remember, I promised to look after you?”

Her hair was so soft. Jackson felt a fierce urge to protect her. “You’re safe with me,” he said firmly. “No one’s gonna hurt you again.”

Zinnia looked up when she felt his hand on her hair but didn’t pull away.

“Goodnight, Zinnia,” Jackson said, a smirk hidden in his smile as he left. Zinnia was finally dropping her guard.

“You should rest too,” Zinnia murmured. They went their separate ways. Jackson headed upstairs to work.

Zinnia went to her room and paced, deciding where to put the toy. The bed might squash it, and the couch was too far. She wanted it close.

After a few laps around the room, she placed it on the night table–close enough to touch and see.

She tested the spot by lying down and reaching out. Satisfied, she left the toy there, smiling at her new bedside friend.

Her round eyes glowed with warmth, all the coldness gone. For the first time in years, Zinnia felt real happiness–unexpected kindness and a small gift to cherish.

Zinnia took a breath to steady herself, then arranged the toy. She pulled her suitcase from under the bed, grabbed a box, and took it to the balcony. She then focused on making pills.

Over the next couple of days, Zinnia hung out calmly at the Lynn residence. School started tomorrow, so after waking up, she headed to the balcony to check on her pills. Once she confirmed they’d been fine, she popped them into a bottle.

She carried the bottle downstairs. Sofia hadn’t gone to her usual ladies’ lunch today. She greeted Sofia. “Grandma.”

“There’s my girl! Come sit with me,” Sofia said. She was watching TV.

“Sure,” Zinnia said, sitting next to her.

“What’s up, sweetie?” Sofia asked, smiling warmly.

Zinnia had gotten closer to Sofia. “I made these pills for you,” she said, handing over the bottle.

“You made these for me?” Sofia asked, her face lighting up. She took the plain bottle gently.

Sofia had heard Jackson bragging about Zinnia making him a bottle of essence oil for sleep. Though she’d acted like it was no big deal, she’d mentioned her own sleep issues to Zinnia—just in case.

The next day, Zinnia gave Sofia and Henry two bottles of essence oil. They were over the moon. They put the bottles on the night table and slept better–better than any sleep meds.

“You should check with a doctor, though,” Zinnia said softly.

“Nah! I trust you,” Sofia said, clutching the bottle. “So, how many pills a day? Before or after meals?”

Raymond had approved Zinnia’s medical skills. He still grumbled about not getting her as an apprentice.

Sofia was proud. Zinnia was the sweetest–show her a little kindness, and she’d pay it back big time.

“Once a week’s fine,” Zinnia said, smiling, her cheeks dimpling. “Before or after meals–doesn’t matter. You’re healthy now, Grandma. No need for daily pills.” It felt good to be trusted.

“Zinnia, school starts tomorrow. Jackson’s gonna take you shopping after his lunch meeting,” Sofia said, putting the bottle away. She was repeating what Jackson had said that morning.

A few days had passed, and school had started. The Shaws had come by once and then vanished. Sofia told them to make up their minds, but they couldn’t. She’d given up on them. If they didn’t want Zinnia, the Lynns would take her.

“Okay,” Zinnia said, a small smile playing on her lips as she thought of Jackson. For the past two mornings, he’d sent her two toys. She nodded, still smiling.