It was 4 am and my phone kept ringing, disrupting the tranquility of the early morning hours. I groggily reached for the phone, wondering who could be calling at such an ungodly hour. As I fumbled to answer the call, my mind raced with thoughts of what urgent could demand such attention at this time.
With a mix of curiosity and annoyance, I finally managed to answer the call. "Hello?" I mumbled, my voice still heavy with sleep. On the other end of the line, a familiar voice greeted me. Lo and behold, it was Aunt Marie.
Aunt Marie is my mother's younger sister, a radiant woman in her prime. with a magnetic presence that draws you in. A true reflection of beauty and eyes that sparkle like emeralds, filled with warmth and wisdom beyond her years. Her smile, oh her smile! it lights up the room and brings joy to anyone around her. Every step she takes exudes confidence and poise. She has a kind heart that knows no bounds. Always there to lend a helping hand or offer a comforting word. Grandma brought her to stay with us after she was done with High school, she never left until a few years ago when she got married to Uncle George.
"I've been calling you for five days now, I could not reach you," I said to her.
Oh dear, I misplaced my phone, got it last night and saw your messages. WHAT HAPPENED TO YOUR MUM? I could hear the pain in her voice. She could barely hide the fact that she had been crying. I texted her the same day my mum passed.
The silence that occurred afterwards answered the question and that also gave room for more tears. She wanted to know how I was keeping up, where Dexton was, and if I could come to spend some days with her till the investigation was over. Speaking of Dexton; he would be coming back from school today and I've asked him to stay at a friend's till the investigation is over. "Oh no, Anise, you and your brother can come stay at my place. George and the kids are at their grandparents, there's enough room for everyone. You have to be careful, your mother's killer is still out there" she said and hung up.
Aunt Marie is one person I trust, one of the few persons I call family. She has always been on my side from day one. I could recall vividly of her and mum throwing tantrums because she never liked the way mum made it known Dexton was her Favourite. She wanted fair game and Mum was not always being fair and this made her pick me over Dexton. Aunt Marie always had my back. You could call me her "little sunshine" she calls me this too.
I've been at the Russel Motel for five days now since the death of my mum. Each day, as I wake up. So many memories of my mum flood my mind. The stillness in the air reminds me of her absence, and the silence feels heavy.
As I walk through the hallways of the motel, I can't help but feel a sense of emptiness. The walls seem to echo the laughter and conversations I used to share with my mum. The familiar scent of her perfume lingers in the air, bringing both comfort and sorrow. I never believed the death of my mum could hurt this way despite not being a big fan of hers.
I found solace in the simple things that reminded me of her. The sound of raindrops tapping against the windowpane takes me back to the cozy evenings we spent together, sipping hot coffee and sharing stories. The softness of the motel bed reminds me of her warm embrace, a place where I always felt safe and loved.
In the room, I found myself surrounded by photographs, each one telling a story of love and cherished memories.
In the lobby, I encounter other guests who are going about their lives, unaware of the pain that consumed me. Their laughter and chatter, though distant, serve as a reminder that life goes on, even amid grief.
As I think about Aunt Marie's house, I realize that I need some new clothes for the extended stay. It's a chance to freshen up and maybe find a sense of normalcy amidst the chaos. I decided to make a trip back home to gather the things I needed. However, I was met with a grim reality when I arrived. My home has become a crime scene. A place filled with caution tape and investigators. The once-familiar walls now hold a sense of foreboding, and the memories of my mum seem distant and out of reach. No one was allowed to go in, and I was left feeling helpless and disconnected from a place that used to be my sanctuary.
Detective Jake was at the entrance of the gate asking some neighbors questions, walked up to him, my heart pounding with a mix of nerves and determination. I explained to him just how important it was for me to go inside the house; the crime scene where my mother was found dead. I pleaded with him, my voice filled with urgency and a desperate need to gather my thoughts and belongings. Detective Jake looked at me with a mix of empathy and caution. understanding the weight of the situation, After a moment of contemplation. he nodded, recognizing the importance of my request. With his guidance, we entered the house together, stepping into a world forever changed by tragedy.
As I walked through the rooms, memories of my mother flooded my mind, both happy and bittersweet. It was a difficult journey but in that moment, I knew I had to face the truth head-on, to find the strength to move on and seek justice for my innocent mother.
Detective Jake stood by my side, offering support and reassurance as we navigated the painful remnants of the life once lived. Together, we embarked on a journey that would test our resolve, but also bring us closer to uncovering the truth behind my mother's untimely demise.
Passing my mother's room, I could not help but feel a wave of emotions wash over me. However, something caught my attention — Detective Jake was engrossed in a phone conversation just outside the room. A mischievous thought crossed my mind, and I decided to seize the opportunity to sneak in. I tiptoed, careful not to make a sound. Inside the room felt heavy with memories and unanswered questions. I glanced around, searching for clues that could shed light on what had happened to my mother. Every little detail mattered as I was determined to uncover the truth. As I rummaged through the room, I knew I had to be discreet, as Detective Jake could return at any moment. With each passing second, I felt closer to finding the answers I desperately sought. My eyes scanned the familiar surroundings. And there, on the top corner of the dressing table, I spotted something that caught my attention—a flash drive. It was the same flash drive as the one I saw Mum give Kevin; the IT guy who lives downtown. Mum had documents on it that needed to be deciphered and Kevin was the right guy to do so. It seemed oddly out of place amidst the personal items and trinkets. My curiosity piqued, and I reached out and picked it up, feeling the smooth surface in my hand. I looked at it and remembered just how important it was to mum. I knew I had stumbled upon something, maybe; a potential clue or it could be just a flash drive that contained her work documents. Little did I know, this daring act would set in motion a series of events that would change my life forever.