The morning sunlight crept through the curtains, casting soft rays over Siyana as she slowly stirred awake.
The events of the previous day came rushing back, fresh and raw. She took a deep breath, bracing herself against the waves of hurt and disbelief that threatened to consume her.
As she shifted, she noticed the slight indent in the chair beside her bed and an extra blanket folded neatly at the foot of the bed.
Sid had stayed with her through the night.
Uncle Mu had quietly arranged for Sid to stay close by, understanding that Siyana might need someone nearby.
Sid, without a second thought, had settled into the chair beside her bed, keeping a silent vigil over her in case she needed anything.
Every few hours, he would gently check her temperature, making sure she was comfortable, even as he fought off his own exhaustion.
He had slipped out just before dawn, heading back to his own home next door to change his clothes and refresh himself. Despite the early hour, Sid hadn't wanted to risk her waking up alone.
After a quick shower and a change into clean clothes, he returned to her house, ready to be there for whatever the day might bring.
A soft knock on her door interrupted her thoughts. "Miss Siyana? Are you awake?" Uncle Mu's voice was gentle, as though he understood the weight she carried.
"Yes, Uncle Mu. You can come in," she replied, mustering as much calm as she could.
Uncle Mu entered, carrying a tray with her favorite breakfast—a comforting, traditional spread of rice congee, warm tea, and a side of pickled vegetables.
The gentle steam from the congee carried a familiar, soothing aroma, and he placed the tray gently on the table beside her bed, offering her a small, reassuring smile. "I thought a bit of breakfast might do you good this morning."
Siyana gave him a small smile, fingers brushing the edge of the teacup. "Thank you, Uncle Mu. This is perfect." She could feel his concern, but she didn't want pity. "I'm alright," she added, though she knew the words felt hollow.
Uncle Mu's gentle gaze didn't waver. "Miss Siyana, you don't have to be alright right now. Heartbreak takes time to heal. But remember—you are stronger than this pain. And you're not alone."
Siyana's eyes welled up, but she quickly blinked away the tears, nodding. "I know. I just… I don't want to feel like this forever." Her voice was barely a whisper, the vulnerability raw and open.
Uncle Mu reached out, patting her hand gently. "Healing takes time. You'll find your way, and you'll come out of this stronger."
Just then, the door opened quietly, and Sid stepped in, freshly dressed but visibly tired. He offered Siyana a small smile, relief evident in his expression as he saw her awake. "Morning, Siyana," he greeted her, his voice soft but steady. "How are you feeling?"
Siyana managed a faint smile. "Better, I guess. I'm just… trying to understand everything."
Sid nodded, his gaze filled with empathy. "You don't have to have it all figured out right now. Give yourself the time you need."
Siyana sighed, glancing between the two people who had shown her unwavering support. "I don't even know where to start," she admitted, frustration creeping into her tone. "I feel so… deceived. I gave him years of my life, and for what? Just to feel like a fool?"
Uncle Mu spoke up, his voice calm yet resolute. "You're no fool, Miss Siyana. You loved with a pure heart, and that's never something to regret. It was David who lost something precious, not you."
Sid added, "You gave him your best, and if he couldn't see that, that's on him—not you. You deserve someone who appreciates every part of you, Siyana."
Siyana looked away, feeling the weight of their words. "I want to believe that," she said quietly. "But right now, I just feel… broken."
Sid moved closer, his gaze serious but warm. "Then let's start there. Let's pick up the pieces, one by one. I'm here for whatever you need—whether it's a distraction, a friend, or just someone to sit quietly beside you."
A small, grateful smile appeared on her face. "Thank you, Sid. And thank you, Uncle Mu. I don't know what I'd do without you both."
Sid leaned back, giving her space but staying close. "We're not going anywhere, Siyana. And when you're ready, we can start making plans for the future. Whatever that looks like."
She took a deep breath, steadying herself. "I don't want to sit around moping. I want to get back to work, back to my life. Maybe… maybe that's how I'll find myself again."
Uncle Mu's eyes shone with pride. "That sounds like the Miss Siyana I know. Resilient and determined."
A faint laugh escaped her, though it was still tinged with sadness. "I might not be there yet, but I'll get there. And when I do, David will be nothing but a distant memory."
Sid's expression softened, admiration clear in his gaze. "Then let's make that happen. Step by step."
As she sipped her tea and took a spoonful of the warm, comforting congee, the weight of yesterday still lingered, but it felt lighter in the presence of Sid and Uncle Mu. They reminded her that she was more than the heartbreak, more than David's betrayal.