10 After that, Dr. Gabriel and Little Star became regular visitors to the herb shop. They came by almost every weekend, staying for an hour or two. Star would curl up on the small couch in the corner, looking at picture books about magical creatures. Dr. Gabriel would browse through medical texts about supernatural healing, reading quietly next to her. Sometimes June would make them herbal tea. Gabriel always thanked her politely, while Star would chirp "Thank you, Auntie June" before going back to her books. On a beautiful sunny Saturday, Gabriel suggested taking Star to the local festival. "You should come with us," he said, adjusting his glasses with that sincere look. "Star's been talking nonstop about wanting to go with you." June almost said no, but Star's excited face made her cave. The festival was loud and colorful, with music and laughter everywhere. Star ran around holding Gabriel's hand on one side and June's on the other. They played games, ate cotton candy, and rode the small Ferris wheel. When they got to the top, Star suddenly pointed at the sky. "Mama and Papa are up there watching me." June's heart clenched. Gabriel gently pulled Star into his arms and said softly, "They're in the spirit realm now, keeping you safe. The want you to be happy every day." Star nodded, then looked at June. "Could you be my new mama?" Everything went quiet. June didn't know what to say. Gabriel quickly stepped in: "Star, that's not how it works." "But I'm not being silly!" Star's little face got all red. "I love you! And you love me too, right?" June looked at the determined expression on Star's face and couldn't help thinking about Cora-who used to be just as stubborn when she wanted something. "Of course I love you, Star," June said gently. "But having a mama is special. No one can replace the one you had." Star nodded like she sort of understood, then snuggled back against Gabriel. On the drive home, Star fell asleep in the back seat. Gabriel kept glancing at June in the rearview mirror as he drove. "Thanks for today," he said quietly. "She hasn't been this happy since... well, since her parents died." June shook her head. "I had fun too." Outside, the sunset was painting the sky in gorgeous shades of orange and pink. June lifted her hand to block the glare, and her sleeve slipped down, showing a nasty scar on her wrist. Gabriel's eyes caught it for just a second before he looked away. But for the rest of the drive, his forehead stayed wrinkled with worry. A week later, Gabriel showed up at the shop by himself, carrying a thermos. "I made this calming tea blend," he said, handing it to June. "It might help you sleep better." June looked surprised. "How did you know I have trouble sleeping?" Even though she'd left her old life behind, the nightmares still came-too many nights of waking up in a cold sweat. Gabriel adjusted his glasses, his eyes warm and concerned behind the lenses. "I'm a doctor, remember? And care about you... I mean, we're friends now, right?" June automatically pulled her sleeve down to hide her wrist. 'Sorry, I didn't mean to pry," he said quickly. "It's just... as a doctor and as someone who cares about you, I want to make sure you're taking care of yourself." June was quiet for a moment, then smiled, her eyes getting a little misty. "I appreciate it. Thanks for the tea. I I ever need help, I promise I'll ask." After that, Gabriel started coming by more often, sometimes with Star, sometimes alone. He always brought little gifts-wildflowers from the forest, homemade cookies, or new tea blends he'd created June got used to having them around, and sometimes when she watched Gabriel and Star reading together in her shop, she'd think that this was the kind of life she'd always dreamed of-simple, peaceful, full of real love. One stormy night, June was organizing her herb supplies when the door bell chimed. Gabriel stood there completely soaked, holding a feverish Star in his arms. "I'm so sorry to bother you this late," he said, his voice shaking. "Star's been asking for you all evening... she says only your voice can make her feel better." June quickly let them in. She took Star, who was burning up with fever, and her heart broke seeing the little girl's flushed cheeks. She held Star close and whispered, "Auntie June's here, baby. You're safe." That night, June sat by Star's bed, telling her soft stories about moon magic and forest spirits. Gabriel sat in the chair nearby, watching them with this look of pure tenderness. When Star finally fell asleep peacefully, the storm outside had passed. Moonlight came through the window, making everything look silver and magical. "Thank you," Gabriel whispered. June shook her head and tried to stand up, but her leg had fallen asleep from sitting so long, and she Chapter 10 stumbled. Gabriel caught her immediately. When he steadied her, they realized how close they were standing. They both blushed and looked away, but neither of them stepped back right away.