AZALEA-
I got off the car and to my surprise, dad's car entered the next moment. He is home early today, it means we could have lunch together!
I waited for him in excitement to come out of the car but he didn't. He was talking to someone on the phone. he gestured for me to go in. I nodded silently. I hugged mom as soon as I entered the living room, she was busy reading some books.
"Mom! I missed you today" I whined.
"Yea right honey, I know you are hungry, go freshen up and let me set the table"
"Yes!!"
"Dad is here too," I said while going upstairs.
"He is??"
"Yup!"
I saw a frown rise on her forehead but wasn't she supposed to get happy if he is home early once in a blue moon?
~
We waited for dad but he didn't show up. I ate my food while mom went to check on him. Meanwhile, I texted Mia if she was free from her part-time job. I didn't get the chance to meet her since that day. I got no response; means she was busy. So I had to wait for her. I sighed in frustration now waiting for both of them. why is mom taking so long? I stood up and was about to leave when I heard screams. I stopped dead in my tracks when I figured out who it was.
Mom!
I ran downstairs as fast as I could. On my way, I stumbled on many things. The screams were coming from the lawn. I rushed there. My steps came to a halt, looking at the sight in front of me. Mom had her arms around dad tightly while he was consoling her. I slowly walked toward them.
"W..what happened??"
Dad hugged me too instead of answering me. My heart started beating faster. I clenched my hands on his shirt.
"W..what is it D..dad?" I said panicking. But he whispered something in my ears rather calmly.
"I want you to be brave okay dear!... Mia…" my mind couldn't register what he said.
"Mia? what...what is wrong with her?"
And I stared at him blankly.
"she...passed away" he whispered the last part.
He patted my face and nodded.
And that was the moment I felt as if someone snatched the soul away from my body. I couldn't stand firm anymore and I collapsed to the ground.
"No noo!! This can't be true. I must be dreaming. Wake me up.. ss. om..some.. one.. wakee..mee..upp" I suddenly felt my chest tighten and I couldn't breathe. I felt my head spinning and then, darkness hovered over my eyes.
~
"Azalea... Mia is going to be with us now. She is your sister. And sisters share everything. I will buy you more dolls if you share your toys with Mia. Alright?" I nodded in return with a smile. The thought of Mia as my sister made me so happy. I rushed towards mom where she was helping Mia with her things. I took her hand and made her follow me, saying "come 'sister' " I took her to my room and showed her my toys. She smiled.
~
It was my 4rth birthday. Everyone was here but the person I was looking for was missing.
"Ayz, darling. Cut the cake everyone is waiting dear!" Mom told me.
"Mom...Mia?!" I exclaimed.
"Ohh... she is not feeling well." she patted my cheeks.
"why?" I pouted.
"Dear, you can ask her when you get back to your room. Okay? Now cut the cake as everyone's waiting." I nodded in return.
After the celebration, I rushed to my room in order to check on Mia and found her crying in a corner. I didn't know what to do so I hugged her and that made her feel a little better. later I came to know that it was the same day she had lost her parents. After that day, I avoided my birthday celebrations so Mia wouldn't feel bad about it every time.
~
I was running on an empty road, I didn't know where it led but I kept on running. The road seemed never-ending. Suddenly a bright spark in the front stopped my tracks. I put my hand in front of my eyes and squeezed them due to the intense light. Soft giggles unbolted my eyes, and there she was smiling at me. I didn't know what to do but tears started filling my eyes. but for some reason, it didn't feel real. It was a sorrowful feeling of happiness. I wanted to run to her but I couldn't even walk. I just couldn't lift my feet up. I tried hard but couldn't. I looked up to Mia for help but she was nowhere to be found. It suddenly was dark now. I couldn't see anything. However, I could now hear distant voices. it came as whispers.