A New Reality – Adjusting to Life Without Their Parents
The sun rose, but it did nothing to lift the weight pressing down on Mabel, Cecilia, and Phebe. The world outside moved forward as if nothing had changed, but for them, everything had. The house that once echoed with their mother's laughter and their father's deep voice now felt eerily silent. Their parents' absence was like a gaping wound that refused to heal.
For the first few days, visitors flooded in-family members, friends, church members, and even distant relatives they had barely known. The house was filled with murmurs of condolence, the scent of flowers, and the quiet, uncomfortable presence of people who didn't know what to say.
Mabel, as the eldest, bore the brunt of it. She was the one people turned to, the one expected to be strong. She answered questions about the funeral, made arrangements for legal matters, and reassured concerned relatives that they would be fine. But deep inside, she wasn't sure how true that was.
Cecilia, usually the outspoken and witty one, had grown silent. She stayed in her room most of the time, pretending to read but barely flipping a page. She had always been close to their father, sharing an interest in books and deep conversations. Now, she couldn't even look at his study without breaking down.
Phebe, the youngest, took it the hardest. She cried herself to sleep most nights, clinging to their mother's shawl like a lifeline. She had been their parents' baby, always doted on, always protected. Now, that security was gone, and she felt like she was floating in an unfamiliar, dark world.
The first real challenge came a week after the funeral, when the house finally emptied, and they were left alone with their grief.
The Silence That Screamed
Mabel woke up earlier than usual. She had barely slept since the accident, and when she did, her dreams were filled with memories-her father teaching her how to drive, her mother brushing Phebe's hair, Cecilia and their dad debating over a book.
She walked to the kitchen, expecting to see her mother making breakfast like she always did. But of course, the kitchen was empty.
The realization hit her again. They're really gone.
Taking a deep breath, she forced herself to start making tea.
Cecilia walked in, rubbing her eyes. She paused at the doorway, as if expecting to hear their mother's voice telling her good morning. When she didn't, her shoulders slumped.
"I'll make the eggs," she muttered, walking toward the stove.
Mabel gave her a small nod. It was the first time in days Cecilia had offered to do anything.
Phebe was the last to come in. She sat at the table, staring at her plate, pushing the bread around without eating.
"You should eat," Mabel said gently.
Phebe shook her head. "I'm not hungry."
"You barely ate yesterday."
Phebe clenched her jaw. "I don't care."
Mabel sighed, but she didn't push. They were all dealing with grief in their own way.
The morning meal was quiet, the silence between them heavier than words.
Responsibilities and Struggles
A few days later, Mabel sat in their father's study, staring at stacks of bills and documents she barely understood. Their father had been the one to handle finances. Now, it was up to her.
A knock on the door made her look up. Cecilia stood there, arms crossed.
"You've been in here all day," Cecilia said.
"I have to figure this out," Mabel replied, gesturing to the papers.
Cecilia sighed and sat across from her. "You don't have to do it alone."
Mabel hesitated. She wanted to be strong, to take care of everything. But the truth was, she had no idea what she was doing.
"Okay," she admitted. "I need help."
Cecilia grabbed some papers. "Then let's figure it out together."
Meanwhile, Phebe struggled with returning to normal life. She had to resume her NYSC soon, but the thought of leaving her sisters terrified her.
"I can't go," she told Cecilia one night.
"You have to," Cecilia said gently. "Mom and Dad would have wanted you to finish."
"But what if something happens while I'm gone?"
Cecilia hugged her. "Nothing's going to happen. We'll be okay."
Phebe wanted to believe that, but nothing felt okay.
The First Major Fight
Grief had made them sensitive, and soon, small things turned into big arguments.
One evening, Mabel came home to find Phebe watching TV while dirty dishes piled up in the sink.
"Phebe, can you wash the dishes?" Mabel asked tiredly.
Phebe didn't look up. "I will later."
"You said that yesterday."
"So?"
Mabel's patience snapped. "So, I'm tired! I can't do everything alone!"
"Then don't!" Phebe shot back, standing up. "You act like you're the only one who lost them!"
Cecilia walked in just as Mabel slammed her hand on the table. "I'm trying to keep us together!"
Cecilia put a hand on her forehead. "Can you both stop shouting?"
Phebe's eyes filled with tears. "I miss them."
Mabel's anger melted into exhaustion. "I do too."
Cecilia sighed. "Then let's stop fighting. We only have each other now."
It wasn't easy, but they apologized. The fight made them realize they needed to communicate better.
Moving Forward, Slowly
Weeks turned into months. The pain didn't disappear, but they learned to live with it.
Mabel took charge of managing the household. Cecilia went back to work, and Phebe eventually returned to NYSC, calling her sisters every night.
One evening, they sat outside, watching the stars.
"Do you think they're watching over us?" Phebe asked.
Cecilia smiled faintly. "I like to believe so."
Mabel took their hands. "No matter what happens, we'll get through it together."
And for the first time in months, they believed it.
Their parents were gone, but their love remained. And that love would keep them going.