When Two Words Touch
897 Words
The house was unusually quiet.
Aaira sat on the floor of her room, legs crossed, surrounded by her tiny universe. Colorful blocks were stacked into uneven towers. A soft teddy bear lay beside her, wearing a tiny watch on its paw. Papers were scattered everywhere, filled with sketches—flowers with faces, houses with smiling windows, and a girl holding hands with a bunny.
Aaira hummed to herself.
La-la… no, wrong song, she whispered seriously, shaking her head.
She picked up a blue crayon and spoke softly to the empty air.
Mr. Cloud says today is a happy day, she nodded, as if someone had replied. But Mama is sad… so maybe it’s half happy?
She frowned, trying to understand.
Aaira’s mother lowered her voice, though Aaira was busy on the floor, talking to her teddy bear as if it were listening very carefully.
Why him? She whispered. This man Elias, you said he would help us. He’s wealthy, powerful… from a completely different world. Fashion, business, influence. Why would he help our Aaira?
Do you remember, he said, “fifteen years ago… the boy I told you about?
She frowned, searching her memory.
The one who came to me with nothing but an idea and stubborn eyes, he continued. He had left his home because his father tried to destroy his company.
Used every connection he had to make sure he failed. No investors. No support. Everyone told him to give up.
His wife’s eyes widened slightly.
You invested in him, she said slowly.
I did, he nodded. Not because I thought he would succeed. But because no one else believed in him.
He exhaled.
That boy was Elias.
Silence settled between them.
When he became CEO, he went on, he came back to me. Said, Sir, I owe you everything. I’ll do anything.
His wife swallowed.
And you never asked?
I told him I needed nothing,” he said. That if one day I ever did… I would come to him myself.
She looked worried now.
You’ve only met him twice.
Yes, he admitted. I don’t even have his number. I had to take an appointment through his secretary. I only told them my name. That was enough.
She hesitated.
You’re sure he remembers you?
He is our only hope. It’s him, we only have him.
I can’t ask for help from those people I know through business, because the moment I do, they will know about Aaira. In this world, some would even try to trap her with marriage proposals or money. I can’t risk that.
I only have faith in this men.
He is a self-made man, with enough power and wealth of his own.
And he is the one I once helped.
His wife’s eyes filled with tears.
What happens when we’re not here?
She asked suddenly. Who will protect Aaira when she asks the wrong questions? When people lie to her? When they pretend
kindness and hide cruelty underneath?
He followed her gaze.
Aaira was sitting cross-legged on the floor, holding her teddy bear close.
Teddy says he’ll go to university with me, Aaira announced proudly.
She leaned closer to it.
But Teddy doesn’t like exams.
Her parents laughed softly, weak, fragile laughter.
Mr. Armstrong reached for his wife’s hand.
Next DAY
The building was too big.
That was the first thing Aaira Armstrong noticed as she stood outside the glass tower, clutching her father’s coat with both hands. The building touched the sky, shiny and sharp, like something from a storybook but not a friendly one.
Aaira tilted her head back, squinting.
Daddy… is this the superhero’s house?
Her father smiled, though his eyes were tired.
Something like that, Aaira.
This is where Elias Blackwood works.
Aaira blinked.
He lives here?
No, her mother said softly. He works here.
Aaira frowned.
Why would anyone work in such a big house?
Her parents exchanged a look. This right here was what scared them. Aaira’s questions were simple, innocent, untouched by the sharp edges of the world.
Inside, the air felt colder. The floor shone like a mirror, and people walked fast, speaking in low, serious voices. Aaira shrank closer to her mother, overwhelmed by the sound of heels clicking and phones buzzing.
A receptionist looked up.
May I help you?
Her father cleared his throat.
We have an appointment with Mr. Blackwood.
Aaira leaned forward, whispering loudly,
Is he the superhero?
Her mother gently pressed a finger to Aaira’s lips.
Shh, Aaira.
The receptionist’s eyes flickered briefly to Aaira, just a second too long. That look. The one her parents knew too well. Curiosity mixed with judgment.
Yes, the receptionist said finally. You may go in.
Inside Elias’s Office
Elias Blackwood didn’t look up when they entered.
He was standing near the window, phone pressed to his ear, posture straight, and voice calm and sharp.
No. Push the launch date forward. I don’t care about excuses.
He ended the call and turned around, and that’s when his eyes landed on Aaira.
Elias paused.
The parents noticed it instantly. Not shock. Not pity. Just… assessment.
Aaira, however, noticed something else.
The watch.
Her eyes locked onto Elias’s wrist like it was glowing.
It was silver, clean, and expensive. The kind of thing Aaira loved, not because of money, but because it ticked, moved, lived.
Aaira gasped softly.
…wow.
Elias raised an eyebrow.
- Writer
