A Reborn Bride Pearl Emerging from Dust

"Are you sure you want it?" Mavis asked, flashing an awkward grin. "That thing's huge. It'd be such a pain to lug around."

"It's not a problem. I'll carry it for you," Norton replied gently. "I'm your big brother, after all. Even if you wanted to haul an elephant home, it's my job to help you out, right?"

Mavis blinked, a little taken aback, watching Norton. Her own family had never treated her kindly. Back home, she was pretty much surrounded by emotional vampires, always demanding her help, never once stopping to ask what she wanted.

Whenever they went out shopping, she was the one paying, and they'd stroll ahead chatting, while she trailed behind like a pack mule, arms loaded with bags. No one had ever looked out for her.

Norton, who barely knew her, was the complete opposite of her so-called family. So this was what it felt like having someone care about you? Was this really what having a big brother was supposed to be like? Someone who'd just naturally want to help you, no strings attached?

She stood there, stunned for a moment.

By then, Norton had already walked over and handed her a stick of chocolate- covered strawberries.

"These looked pretty good," he said. "Wanna try one?"

"Thanks." Mavis took the treat, and even before she tasted it, she already felt a little sweetness inside.

She took a bite. The chocolate shell was crunchy, the strawberries cold and juicy, and the whole thing was just sweet enough.

"Is it good?" Norton asked.

"It's delicious," she replied, glancing up at him. "Norton, thank you. You're really kind."

"Hey, that's what I'm here for," he said, grinning. "You can just think of me as your real big brother now. Oh, by the way, Callie told me we're supposed to act like siblings. What do I do?"

Mavis paused, a little surprised. "You're doing great. Just... like this is perfect."

"Just like this?" Norton frowned, as if he didn't understand. Wasn't this just how people normally got along?

But since Mavis seemed happy, he didn't press the issue.

They kept walking until they reached a carnival shooting booth. Norton bought a handful of tokens and put down their stuff.

"Let me win you something," he said. "See that giant bunny up there? Want it?"

Mavis nodded.

"Alright, I got this. You just enjoy your

Cambwberries and watch r I win it for you, and thenet can have a try."noveldrama

Norton stepped up and started shooting.

you

Mavis stood off to the side, munching her treat, eyes glued to him. Bang! Bang! Bang!

He was quick and precise-every shot popped a balloon dead center.

The booth owner, who'd been

a around looking bored,

Burgerly

sat up straight, eyes wide

as Norton kept nailing the targets.

A small crowd began to gather, drawn by his impressive aim.

Uriah came over just in time to catch the scene Mavis standing next to Norton watching him like he was the coolest guy in the world, while Norton effortlessly won the biggest stuffed bunny at the booth

When Norton handed the bunny to Mavis, she broke into a real smile.

"So, what do you think? Like it?"

"Am I awesome, or what?"

"You're amazing!" Mavis beamed at him, her eyes shining. "Thank you, I really love this bunny!"

She'd never had a plush toy like this growing up, but she'd always wanted one.

Having someone else win it for her just made it even more special, like a childhood dream come true.

She finished her strawberries and hugged the bunny tightly, glancing down at it every few steps.

Uriah watched the scene unfold, a little dumbfounded.

Seriously? It's just a silly bunny. Why's she so happy?

He never realized she liked bunnies so much.