After the death of Mrs. Adams, Maria's grandmother, and the completion of the burial, Maria found herself facing a new chapter in her life, which she termed "the new beginning." She moved in with Mrs. Ivory Katherine, who had promised Mrs. Adams to ensure Maria's well-being in the United States until she was old enough to take care of herself.
Maria had never traveled away from her late parents and grandmother. She wondered how she would cope and what kind of life awaited her on the other side of the world. Would she be able to adjust and forget her past full of sadness? Would this change of environment bring peacefulness or even more sorrow?
"I'm not used to traveling, and this time I am not even with any of my family members. I'm totally a loner. Is this the kind of life God has really chosen for me? This is so unfair," she said, blinking back the tears welling up heavily in her eyes.
Maria picked up her belongings while Mrs. Ivory Katherine waited for her at the door, watching her closely.
"Is that all your belongings you would love to take?" Mrs. Kate asked.
"Yes, I guess so," Maria responded.
"Well, I think you are missing something. This picture of your beautiful family and yourself. I'm sure it skipped your mind, dear. You might regret not bringing it later, so here, take it," Mrs. Kate continued with a faint smile.
"Thank you. I would have felt really bad if I hadn't brought it with me," Maria replied, her voice cracking as she walked up to her.
"Sure, you are welcome, dear. Shall we? We are running late; the taxi is already outside waiting," Mrs. Kate quickly chipped in.
"Yes, I am ready," Maria replied.
On their way to Mrs. Kate's home, Maria slept throughout the six-hour journey, while Mrs. Kate watched her sleep peacefully. It seemed she hadn't slept a bit since her grandmother's death. Of course, who could sleep while going through so much trauma and grief?
Upon arrival, Maria admired the clean environment and settled into her new home with Mrs. Katherine. She couldn't help but feel a sense of displacement and loss. Everything seemed unfamiliar—from the surroundings to daily living. Amidst the chaos of grief and change, Maria found solace in Mrs. Katherine's kindness and warmth.
Mrs. Katherine, a woman filled with boundless compassion, welcomed Maria into her new home with open arms. She showed her to the room she had prepared for her—a cozy space with a comfortable bed, sunlit windows, and a pink teddy bear.
Maria's belongings, which Mrs. Adams had carefully packed before her passing, were placed in the wardrobe, a tangible reminder of how life would have been easier with Granny by her side. As Maria unpacked and settled into her new surroundings, Mrs. Katherine stood nearby, offering words of affirmation and encouragement. She could feel the pain lingering in Maria's eyes and vowed to do everything in her power to ease the emotional pain and trauma she was going through.
"Thank you for letting me stay here, Mrs. Kate," Maria said softly, her voice filled with gratitude.
Mrs. Kate smiled warmly, her eyes twinkling with affection. "You don't have to thank me, Maria. It's my pleasure to have you here. Your grandmother was a dear friend of mine, and I promised her that I would take care of you in her absence."
Maria nodded, her gaze drifting to a photograph of herself and Mrs. Adams on her bed. She reached out to pick it up.
"I miss her so much," she whispered, her voice catching in her throat. "I still can't believe she's gone."
Mrs. Kate reached out and placed a comforting hand on Maria's shoulder. "I know, dear. Losing a person we love is turmoil in our hearts and is never easy, but we must take comfort in the memories we share with them. Your grandmother was a remarkable woman, and she loved you more than anything in this world."
Tears welled up in Maria's eyes as she thought of her grandmother's gentle smile, voice, and unwavering love. "I just wish there was a way to get her back. I needed to spend more time with her," her voice barely above a whisper.
"There are so many things I wanted to say, so many memories I wanted to create together with her."
Mrs. Katherine squeezed Maria's shoulder softly, offering silent support as the young girl wrestled with her emotions. "I understand, Maria. But always remember, your grandmother will always be with you in spirit. She lives on in the love and memories you shared; nothing can ever take that away."
Maria nodded, tears flowing freely. "Thank you, Mrs. Kate," she said, her voice choked with emotion. "Thank you for being here for me."
Mrs. Katherine pulled Maria into a gentle embrace, holding her close as they shared their grief and their love for Mrs. Adams. At that moment, Maria felt a sense of peace wash over her—a reassurance that she was not alone, that she had someone by her side to whom she could vent and cry whenever she felt pain or unhappiness.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows across the room, Maria and Mrs. Kate sat together in silence, reminiscing and drawing strength from each other's presence.
Over the coming days and weeks, Maria slowly adjusted to her new life with Mrs. Katherine. They established a routine: breakfast together in the morning, school or work afterward except on weekends, and quiet evenings spent reading, chatting, watching television, or playing video games. Weekends were meant for exploring the city and new places.
Through it all, Mrs. Kate was a steady presence by Maria's side, offering guidance and reassurance as she navigated the challenges of grief and adaptation.
Despite Mrs. Kate's best efforts, Maria couldn't shake the feeling of emptiness gnawing at her heart. The loss of her grandmother weighed heavily on her. She missed her way of life, her wisdom, her stubbornness, and her unwavering love.
Yet, despite everything, Mrs. Kate remained a beacon of hope and light in Maria's darkest hours. She offered a listening ear when Maria needed to talk, a shoulder to cry on when the weight of grief became too much to bear.
In time, Maria began to find her footing in her new environment. She made a few friends at school, began to explore the city with curiosity, and discovered small joys in her daily routine. Mrs. Katherine's home became a place of comfort and security, a sanctuary where she could begin to heal.
One afternoon, while sitting in the garden, Maria turned to Mrs. Kate and said, "I think I'm starting to feel a little better. It's still hard, but I'm finding moments of happiness again."
Mrs. Kate smiled, her eyes filled with pride and affection. "I'm so glad to hear that, Maria. Healing takes time, but you're strong, and I know your grandmother would be so proud of you."
Maria nodded, feeling a sense of warmth and love that reminded her of her grandmother. She knew the journey ahead would still have its challenges, but with Mrs. Kate by her side, she felt ready to face whatever came next.
The new beginning, which once seemed daunting and filled with uncertainty, began to unfold into a story of resilience, growth, and the enduring power of love and support. Maria learned to cherish the memories of her grandmother while embracing the new experiences and relationships that life had to offer.
And so, with each passing day, Maria took one step further into her new beginning, carrying with her the lessons of the past and the hope for a brighter future.