Weeks passed and the semester was in full swing.

Paula and Timothy’s friendship had grown even stronger, their bond deepened by shared experiences and countless study sessions.

They were inseparable, always seen together on campus.

But one day, Timothy was noticeably absent from their classes, and Paula felt a strange emptiness without him by her side.

As the day went on, Paula’s concern grew.

During a break between classes, she approached a mutual friend, Jake, to ask if he had any information.

“Hey, Jake, have you seen Timothy today?” Paula asked, trying to keep the worry out of her voice.

“Yeah, I heard he’s sick. High fever and fatigue or something. He’s at home resting,” Jake replied.

Paula’s heart sank. “Do you know where he lives?”

Jake gave her the address and Paula thanked him, determination in her eyes.

She couldn’t bear the thought of Timothy being alone and unwell.

After her classes ended, Paula headed straight to the address Jake had given her.

When she arrived, Paula was taken aback by the grandeur of Timothy’s house.

It was a sprawling mansion, far more luxurious than she had imagined.

A security guard stood at the entrance, eyeing her curiously.

“Can I help you, miss?” the guard asked, his tone polite but firm.

“I’m here to visit Timothy Corpuz. He’s my friend, and I heard he’s not feeling well,” Paula explained.

The guard checked a list and then shook his head. “I’m sorry, but I can’t let you in. His parents aren’t home and I don’t have any instructions about visitors.”

Paula’s shoulders slumped. “I understand. Can I at least leave this present for him?” She held out a small package wrapped in cheerful paper.

The guard nodded. “You can leave it with me, and I’ll make sure it gets to him.”

“Thank you,” Paula said, handing over the gift. She left the mansion, feeling a mixture of frustration and hope that Timothy would appreciate her gesture.

That night, Timothy and his parents, Allan and Lucy, returned home from the hospital.

As they walked inside, Lucy noticed the present on the table.

“What’s this?” she asked, picking it up and examining the tag. “It’s for Timothy.”

Allan grinned, nudging his son. “Looks like you’ve got an admirer.”

Timothy’s attention was piqued. “Who’s it from?”

“The maids said a girl brought it for you,” Lucy said, her tone cool. “I’m assuming it’s one of your friends?”

“Just a friend, Mom,” Timothy said quickly. “Paula’s probably worried because I missed classes today.”

Allan chuckled, but Lucy didn’t seem pleased. “You’re too young to be thinking about relationships, Timothy,” she said sternly. “Focus on your studies.”

“I know, Mom. It’s nothing like that,” Timothy assured her.

“Bring it to his room,” Lucy instructed the maids, handing over the gift.

Timothy and Allan exchanged a glance, understanding Lucy’s protective nature.

They headed upstairs, and Timothy went into his room. As he unwrapped the present, he found a simple yet thoughtful gift: a book he had mentioned wanting to read and a get-well card from Paula.

He smiled, touched by Paula’s gesture. The card read:

Dear Timothy,

I heard you weren’t feeling well. I hope this book keeps you company while you rest. Get well soon!

Your friend, Paula

Timothy felt a warmth spread through him.

It wasn’t the gift itself but the thought behind it that made it special.

Paula had gone out of her way to show she cared, and it meant more to him than he could express.

As he settled into bed, Timothy kept the book close, feeling a renewed sense of gratitude for having Paula in his life.

Despite his mother’s concerns, he knew that Paula was a true friend, someone who cared about him deeply.

Outside, the wind whispered through the trees, carrying the promise of healing and the unspoken bond between two friends who were destined for something extraordinary.

And as Timothy drifted off to sleep, he dreamt of the day he would thank Paula in person, cherishing the simple yet unforgettable gift she had given him.