The leaves were turning brown and falling off the trees. Fall was making its way to the graveyard. The leaves scattered around the ground and the feeling of crisp air surrounding Amy as she stood in front of her sister's grave. She placed the flowers over the gravestone and knelt to the ground as her hand reached closer to the cold marble, the sorrow and remorse visible in her eyes as she took in the words written on the marble.
'Ayla Iris Moretti' (1989-2016)
A loving daughter, sister, fiancee, friend, and honorable officer.
When she heard the death of her sister, it was as if someone buried a knife into her heart. It was raw agony and what made it even worse was the fact she was solely responsible for all this. She grazed the cold marble with her fingers
"Hey A-Ayla " her voice came out like a broken sob
" It's been more than two months since you left us, mom is still in a coma but doctors are hopeful that she will be awake soon". She takes a deep breath before continuing with a hoarse tone
" I m-missy-you Ayla, everything in home reminds me of you, every corner is filled with our memories. You were always the peacemaker yet brave and bold. You always fought for me, stood beside me, and helped me when I got into trouble because of my insolence." She cracks up dryly
"You were supposed to be here Ayla, getting married, living the life you intended to with the person you cherished." Eventually, a tear falls from her eyes as flashbacks start showing up in her mind of how she died igniting a fire within her. She wipes her tears severely
" I promise you, Ayla, I will your murderer even if I have to go to the pits of hell for that." Amy brushes her fingers softly over the headstone memorizing the detail if it was for the last time, there was a smile on her face as she stood up and glanced at the marble stone encircled by orchids. The massive graveyard reflecting the misery of many other people who lost their loved ones. She takes a final glance before whispering " Rest in peace Ayla and say hello to dad." Smiling sadly she walks out of the cemetery and settles in her car. The past two months have been hell for her, she had to put all her cases on hold and thankfully people understood her situation. She mostly spends her time with vahide who was gradually recovering. No matter how much strength she believed she had, she couldn't make herself stay at home for long. It was painful not to see vahide in the kitchen greeting her or Ayla ranting about her work and Emir. Silas and Daniel also stood by her side but she knew how much it was inflicting their work especially Daniel, so she made them leave promising to update now and then. Emir also came to visit her twice although both acted as strangers and the tension was still between them, Emir decided to let go of it for the moment because vahide was also like a mom to him. Her train of thoughts came to end when she reached the hospital. She went inside only to see a nurse running towards her causing her to panic.
"Ms. Moretti Thank Goodness you are here, we have been looking for you for an hour now." She informs inhaling
"What happened, is mom okay," Amy asked with a dread-filled voice.
"Yes, your mom is fine, you will be happy to hear that she woke up an hour ago" the nurse states smiling. Without any response, Amy runs towards her room immediately opening the door. Vahide is laying on the bed weakly as she stares at the ceiling with tears sliding her eyes but hearing the intrusion, she looks in the opposite direction and smiles sadly at her daughter who is trying to catch her breath as well as the fact that her mother is awake.
"Amy, my daughter." She says in a frail voice. Amy runs towards her side and carefully held her mother. They both sobbed holding each other in silence basking in the presence of each other for a while.
" I am so happy to see you awake mom," Amy said heartily wiping her tears. Vahide smiled at her daughter
" I am sorry for leaving you alone when you needed me the most," she responded holding her daughter's hand which she clasped tightly in return.
"Don't be sorry mom, you are here now awake and alive with me, that's all that matters," Amy replied feeling thankful to hear her mom's voice once again. The doctor entered disturbing their little moment.
"Mrs. Moretti it's good to see you awake, your vitals are good but we still have to keep you under observation for two days, as you were in a coma for nearly two months." The doctor informed.
"Thanks, the doctor is there anything else we need to know about her health," Amy questioned.
"Yes! I would like to advise you to avoid any kind of stress and tension as it will lead to stroke and other problems." The doctor warned.
"Don't worry doctor I will make sure of that," Amy reassures him.
" Very well, then I must leave you guys to have your time." The doctor smiles politely before leaving. Amy turns to her mother rubbing her hand softly.
"You scared me, mom, for a moment I thought you left me like Ayla," Amy whispers the last part softly. Vahide takes a deep breath closing her eyes for a second and then opening it only to be glistening with unshed tears.
"When your father left us, it broke me, Amy. I was young with no family to support me, for a while I thought I couldn't survive but when I saw both of you I realized I had a purpose to live and that was to protect you and Ayla but I failed, I failed Amy " she sobbed. Amy shook her head kissing her mother's hand.
"No mom, don't ever think that you failed. It's because of you, we learned to be strong and independent. You told us how to love and be loved in return. You protected us, worked hard for us, and gave your attention and love to us. If anyone is to be blamed t-thats m-me." Amy says shakily still not getting over the fact.
" Amy, if it wasn't my fault then it's not yours either, maybe your dad missed her and wanted one of his daughters with her," Vahide says smiling sadly while Amy chuckles dryly.
"Mom, we will be okay, I know it wouldn't be the same but we both have each other, we will pass through this together," Amy said placing her head on Vahide's stomach. Vahide gently places her hand in Amy's hair.
"Life is so unpredictable my child, you can never tell what is going to happen next. Just a few months ago we were planning Ayla's wedding and now she is no more with us. I am afraid for you Amy" vahide says making Amy lift her head and frown.
"What do you mean Mom." Amy questions
"My condition is not the same as before, I don't even know how long l am able to----". Amy interrupts her
"Mom just, please! Don't say such things, you are going to be alright and we will live through this," Amy reassures her mother. Vahide smiles sadly at her daughter
" Amy, if I ask you to do something will you do it for me," Vahide said looking directly into her daughter's eyes. Amy gave her a confused look but nodded nevertheless,
"Of course, mom"
"Get married." She lets out with a serious expression. Amy just gaped at her mother, her mouth opening and closing as no word escaped. Was it for real? She thought looking at her mother. For a moment she thought her mother was having a side effect of medicines she was taking but the expression on her face faded away the thought from earlier.
"Mom, where did that came from," she asked still looking gobsmacked.
"I know it's too much to ask for at the moment but staying in a coma for the whole months made me realize how temporary this life is and I don't want to leave this world with you sitting alone," Vahide stated. She knew at the moment that this was the most absurd thing to do but being in such a state made her think about her now only daughter's life.
"Consider this as my last wish." She says softly looking at her daughter with restless eyes. Amy retreats her hand back from hers and sits properly facing the wall.
'Mom, please enough of this death talk, and marrying me now is not the right thing" she retorts uncomfortably.
"You won't understand Amy, I already lost one daughter and I don't want my other daughter to mop around. Just for my contentment get married," she says looking at her daughter with hopeful eyes. Amy doesn't know what to reply, it's not that she didn't want to get married. But right now when everything was a mess, the issue between Silas and her was still hanging, Ayla's case was also there. Amid this chaos how can she get married and play the happy house? But she also knew that her mother was being protective of her, she would maybe do the same thing if she was in her shoes. Amy turns towards her pale mother who was looking at her with a slight smile. No, I can't lose her either, if it makes her happy then she would do anything even if it meant getting married. After all, it was because of her that this situation occurred. Sighing and still contemplating, Amy holds her mother's hand and intertwines their fingers.
"I will get married mom." She promised.