~Ahley's pov~
Strolling down the streets to the shopping mall to buy some ingredients, I decided to cook poridge which will replenish my dad's energy who is currently at the hospital.
After some time I arrived at my destination, as I looked up I tightened my fist in pain and I guess my once happy memories of this place has been turned to sadness and pain but I still went inside.
With a shopping cart made way to the place they sell poridge ingredients, just then I saw my best friend making way towards me.
My eyes lightened up instantly and I seem to forget all my worries. "Mia!" with delight I called her named and enveloped her with a tight and long hug which she of course reciprocated.
" How are your doing Ashley, I really missed you and couldn't wait to come back home after I completed my exam abroad" she beamed at me as she asked about my well being. She didn't allow me to answer when she started inquiring about my dad and mom.
At the mention of my mom I seem to become a cry baby, even passers by would stare at me a minute or two before turning their faces away. " Mia, mia, my m...my...my mo..my mom" at that point my sobs grew louder attracting more attention from those around me. I swallowed a large lump in my throat before finally responding " my mom died in a car accident" I completed my sentence finally which was very hard.
With tears streaming down my face I watched as shock, regret and sorrow appeared on Mia's face before she hugged me again tighter than before as we cried in each others arm.
After crying our eyes out, I unfortunately missed the wicked smile that appeared on her lips before we pulled away. " I am deeply sorry to hear about your loss. My prayers are with you, and I pray her soul rest in peace. Could you please share me the date of her funeral? I would love to attend and pay my respects."
Amen.
We haven't set up a date yet Mia, the news really hit us hard."I'll see you later then" she said, hugged me once more then left.
I sighed softly as I continued my journey to buy the ingredients. Finally, I came out of that place that made my heart feel stuffy; it seemed that everything I saw there reminded me of my mom.
So deep In thoughts I didn't notice Mia my supposed best friend some distance away smiling menacingly and disgustingly cleaning her hands liked she touched some disease.
I decided to think of something that could cheer me up, my husband. Finally a smile made way to my lips. The smile that spread across my face was so wide, it hurt. Yet, the pain was a pleasant reminder of the joy I felt. And so, I decided to visit him a few days later.
Some minutes later I arrived home. *But was this still home* my subconscious mind asked me. I pushed the door opened and shouted "Mom!!! Am home" but I was only met with silence.
Internally, I cursed myself for being so foolish and forgetful and I found out that no matter who I think of, there is always a void in my heart. I turned my face away but was only met with our family picture.
I broke down feelings alone in this big house, big balls of tears rolled out of my eyes like rainfall, no matter how hard I cleaned it, it wouldn't stop. I sat down lifeless not understanding the meaning of happiness anymore, the death of my mother sinking into my bones, making me realize that my mother was truly gone. I could feel myself gasping and struggling for breaths as I now understood the depth of the situation but I gathered myself, I consoled myself and told myself that I shouldn't be too selfish after all my dad managed through and is currently saved and he is waiting for me to deliver his food, with that I stood up from the couch smiled at the family picture and went to the kitchen.
Yet, deep within us, we all intuitively know that some wounds linger, refusing to be erased, and that piling on additional burdens can push us to the brink.
Some minutes later..
As I gazed at the delicacy I'd just prepared, a smile spread across my face. But my momentary joy was short-lived; I hastily changed into fresh clothes, preparing to head to the hospital. Yet, just as I was about to leave, I froze, turned back inside, and donned a face mask. Before the mirror, I forced a smile, though my heart wasn't in it. Still, I knew I had to muster the courage to do this – for my dad's sake."
The smile I wore was a dismal thing, one that would surely send a baby wailing for a full day. I laughed at my own joke, the sound tinged with sadness, a melancholy echo that seemed to haunt me.
Then I left for the hospital.