Edric nodded in agreement and said, "Yes, if you don't like it, just throw it away. We can always buy a new one for you."
Later that afternoon, after finishing her music practice, Rosetta received a call from Elliot. He invited her to the mall, suggesting that they take her shopping so she could pick out the gifts she actually liked.
Though Rosetta initially did not want to go, she hesitated. However, if she declined, she was worried that they might notice something was wrong. The decision to leave was already made, but she did not want any more troubles or complications before she left.
What she did not anticipate, however, was the sight that awaited her in the mall. It was not just Elliot and Edric standing there. There was also Sierra, who was standing between the Sinclair brothers.
They appeared to be engrossed in some cheerful conversation, their joy so palpable that it seemed as if no one else could belong at that moment with them.
Rosetta paused in her tracks, standing still as she watched them. It was Sierra who noticed her first and greeted her, "Rosetta, you're here."
Elliot and Edric turned their heads in unison.
"Come, let's see what you'd like," Elliot said first.
Edric added with a nod, "We're running low on a few things for the book arts, so feel free to look around. We can buy double copies of anything that catches your eye."
"Thank you, Edric," Sierra said in a soft voice.
At that moment, Rosetta could not help but let out a small laugh.
"What's so funny?" Elliot asked, noticing her reaction.
Rosetta quickly shook her head. “It’s nothing. Everything's pretty good."
As they continued shopping, Sierra picked out a variety of items such as bags, jewelry, cosmetics and clothes.
Meanwhile, Rosetta was not interested in anything. Her indifference was so obvious that Edric finally took note of her odd behavior. "Rosie, what do you want?"
"I don't want anything. I don't need anything."
"Then let's go somewhere else," Elliot insisted, his tone firm and resolute.
Rosetta, feeling weary and not wishing to engage further, shrugged and casually said, "I'm tired. You can buy anything you guys want. I'll head back first."
With that, she began to make her way toward the exit.
However, before she could take even a single step, Elliot reached out to grab her hand while Edric positioned himself in front of her, blocking her path.
"We'll go back together after dinner," Elliot said, his voice low and unwavering, leaving no room for disagreement.
"Yes, Rosie, don't you love dishes at La Lumiere Restaurant? We're going there today," Edric added.
Before Rosetta could respond, Sierra, who had been quiet up until now, suddenly answered a phone call. Her face shifted with concern as she tugged at Elliot's arm.
"Elliot, Edric, my grandmother accidentally fell! I need to go home right now!"
The moment Elliot and Edric heard her distress, their attention was immediately diverted, leaving Rosetta standing alone in the middle of it all.
"Don't panic, we'll go with you right now," Elliot said softly.
Edric added, "Yes, don't worry, Sierra. Everything will be fine as long as you're with us."
"Let’s leave right away."
Without another word, the three of them left together, disappearing into the distance as Rosetta stood frozen, watching them fade from view.
Anyway, it was not the first time they had chosen Sierra over her. She remained there for a long while, watching them walk away before she finally turned and left the mall.
Rosetta made her way to the Sinclair Family's old house.
Since the tragic death of her parents, the Sinclair Family had always been kind to her, treating her with warmth and care in every possible way. She had never forgotten their kindness and felt a deep sense of gratitude.
Now that she was leaving, it seemed right to return for one last visit.
"Rosie dear, why did you come here all of a sudden? Where are Elliot and Edric? Aren't they with you?" Elliot and Edric's mother, Linda, asked. Her voice was laced with concern as she took Rosetta's arm and led her to the sofa.
