"So how did you feel when you first heard of it?" Emil's sudden question caused Daniel to look at him perplexed.
"Feel what?" Daniel asked the question that was visible in his eyes after couple of seconds of being silence.
Emil leaned in the sofa, "When you first learned of Mummy's illness? he said with his eyes closed.
It was as if he needed a confirmation. A confirmation to understand his feelings.
Its like that sometimes for every individual. We sometimes want to know how others feel in order to understand our feelings better. It could be of love, hate, sadness or happiness.
But is it really necessary ...?
"I don't remember exactly how it felt. But one word I can use to describe my feelings then is, AWFUL."
Daniel looked at Emil who still had his eyes shut and continue to say. "I don't feel any better now. Its as of I just learned of it. Feelings doesn't matter how long it's been and it definitely doesn't go away as they say. " Time heals all wounds." Time doesn't do the healing, its rather the other way. We as individuals need to make efforts so we could somehow forget and heal."
"Its the process of adapting to certain things and changes." he said the last sentence in a whisper. It was as if he talking to himself.
Emil softly chuckled as he opened his eyes while turning his head to face his brother who has suddenly turned into a counselor. He weakly curved his lips up, "Should I create a space here in the company for you ? You will be a great counselor you know." he said teasingly
Daniel felt his heart pain when he saw his brother's weak smile. "Let's be there for Nanny as much as we could. There are some fates we can do absolutely nothing about. Take my cancer for instance ..."
"Daniel ?" Emil held his brother's hand and shook his head indicating for him to stop. He didn't want either of them to recollect that painful moment.
....
Minutes later, a knock sounded on the door from outside.
"Come in"
Assistant Luke walked in with his long legs and stood a few paces before the brothers who were still on the sofa. He bowed in greeting before extending his hand towards Emil.
"The job is done and this here contains the video from last night." he said as he handed a small card over to Emil.
"Was it the manager?" Daniel asked
"Yes, the manager together with some employees helped her." Ass. Luke answered.
"Useless employees ! Give them an inch and they take a mile." Daniel sneered irritatingly.
"Okay, you can go."
The assistant strode to the door, about to open it when Emil's voice was heard.
"Am not available today. Take care of anything that may crop up." he firmly said before gesturing for the assistant to leave.
"Have you told sister in-law about last night incident?" Daniel suddenly asked right after the door was closed.
" Not yet" Emil though startled with the sudden mention of Yvonne replied.
"Its better she finds out from you than finding out from others. You don't trust that Mum won't make this go viral, do you?"
"I know. She's that selfish." Emil said with a distance look in his eyes.
Yes, their mother love them very much. But her way of loving is equivalent to being selfish. She plans the 'best things' for them. But has she for once even ask them what they actually want?!
"So,I advice you tell sister in-law before things gets out of hand."
"I want to, but ..." 'But he was afraid to. what if...'
"But..?" Daniel repeated his last word with worry clearly visible in his eyes.
" Do you think she will believe me ? She might not want to have anything to do with me after ..."
"Brother, just trust in your love. And also please don't belittle sister in law's love for you. Mmm?" Daniel squeezed Emil's hand to assure him.
" Mmm" Emil nodded and stood up. He strode to his work table and picked up his phone. He first went to his call log, and tapped on the contact saved 'My precious'. But before he pressed to make the call, he swiftly exited from the call section and went to his message box.
"Precious, can I call you now? ---Or just let me know when you're free, so I can call you. Love you" he typed these words and sent it to Yvonne.
Seconds later, the phone beeped alerting him of a new message. He looked at the screen and saw that the message was from 'My precious'. His heart skipped a nervous beat.
He tapped on the message and read the full content.
"I will be free in thirty minutes time, let's talk then. I have a lot to say to you." Yvonne had sent.
He almost lost his balance when he read the last phrase. 'She has a lot to say ? What could that be ?'
Emil read the last line over and over again. He wanted to be sure he didn't leave any word out. His heart pounded heavily with fear.
Daniel saw his brother's expression and slightly frowned. He stretched his hand and took the phone from Emil to read the message.
When he read the last line, he slowly understood his brother's reaction. He extended his arms and hugged Emil.
"Don't put too much words into it. It could mean a totally different thing from your understanding."
Emil slowly calmed down. ' Yes, he's thinking too much' he thought.
....