Love Unspoken

Completely worn out from a day spent scrubbing dishes, Quinn fell onto her bed the moment she stepped into her bedroom. Her gaze fell upon her fingertips, raw and peeling from the day's labor.

Thoughts of Abigail's messages filled her mind, and she found herself slipping into a daydream. A knock at her door yanked her back to reality. Standing in the doorway was Juliet, her frame hunched and weary. She regarded Quinn with a look of concern. "Are you hungry, dear?" she asked.

Pushing herself up from the bed, Quinn moved towards her, surprise evident in her gesture. "Why are you still awake at this hour?"

"I was waiting for you," Juliet responded simply.

"You shouldn't have. You should get your rest," Quinn advised, concern tingeing her voice.

Juliet merely shook her head, a soft smile gracing her lips. "Sleep doesn't come easy at my age. Haven't had your dinner yet? Let me fix something for you."

warmth spread through Quinn as she took in Juliet's caring gaze. The thought of being cared for, being considered, felt incredibly precious. It was like finding a safe harbor for her heart, a place where she belonged, a home. Leaning on her cane for support, Juliet shuffled off, returning shortly with a comforting bowl of oatmeal and a plate of homemade treats. At the table, Quinn attacked her

Juliet chided gently. "There's plenty more. What did you do

Alexander and Getty on the television screen. A pang of sorrow rose

in her bowl. Juliet served her another helping. Accepting the bowl from Juliet with a soft smile, Quinn couldn't help but return the older

Alexander descended the stairs, arriving in time to witness this tender exchange. There was something different about Quinn's smile when she was with Juliet. It was genuine, full of warmth, as if her eyes were shining with happiness. Alexander watched them

she pushed open the door, she heard the sound of running water from the bathroom. The hazy silhouette of a

wrapped in a towel, his hair still wet. "Did

was about to enter, a hand grabbed her arm. She turned in surprise, her eyes meeting his. Droplets from his hair dampened her sleeve as he held her gaze. "You didn't grab a change

fetch her clothes, but Alexander didn't let go. She tried to pull away, but his grip only tightened. In the next instant,