Chapter 4 Will You Promise Me

Why is she raising that question now?

I opened my mouth, but before I could object, Mom held up her hand. "Will you promise me?" she whispered, her voice barely audible.

I stared at my hands, unable to meet Mom's eyes.

My birthday. Of all days, she chose my birthday to ask this of me. The irony wasn't lost on me. On the day that marked my beginning, we were talking about her end.

I wanted to tell her no, that this wasn't fair. How could she ask me to be happy without her? She was my home, my everything. Since Dad died, it had always been just us, so how could I bring myself to smile, to laugh, and pretend everything is alright without her?

"Y-you w-won't be leaving, right?" My voice cracked, betraying the fear I tried so hard to hide. Deep down, I knew the answer. I also knew that I couldn't live without her.

Her face bore the map of her struggles. Deep lines around her eyes, hollow cheeks, skin that had long lost its glow. But her eyes... her eyes still held that fierce love that had guided me through every storm in my life.

"I accepted my fate a long time ago," she said, each word carefully chosen. "But before I die, I want you to promise me you will be happy. That's the only way I can cross into the afterlife without worrying about you, Lily."

I bit my lip hard enough to taste blood, trying to hold back the sobs that threatened to break free. Mom didn't need to see me fall apart. She needed to see me strong, capable of surviving without her. I had to show her I'm tough as a rock, even if I have to fake it.

"I promise, Mom." The words felt like glass in my throat, but I forced them out. For her.

I kissed her temples, my lips touching skin that felt too fragile. Standing up took all my strength, every fiber of my being wanted to stay in that embrace forever.

The tension in the room was thick enough to cut with a knife until Celine, bless her heart, broke through it with her cheerful voice. "Happy birthday, Lily." She held up a cake, my favorite black forest, as if it were a peace offering. "Please make a wish now."

A wish. What could I possibly wish for that would change anything? It was pointless, but I still made a wish. I wished for Mom to be happy and healthy so I could be with her for a little bit longer.

"I prepared food downstairs. We must eat before it gets cold," Celine said.

"I'll carry Mom downstairs," I told her.

Celine went ahead. I turned to Mom. With ease, I lifted her into my arms and carefully descended the stairs. She felt so light, almost like a child, and I had no difficulty carrying her until we reached the kitchen.

"Thank you," Mom mumbled when I finally lowered her into a chair.

The enticing scent of food permeated my nostrils, making my mouth water. I suddenly realized I was starving. The food on the table was difficult to resist.

"This is your mom's idea," Celine said, pointing out the dishes-all of my favorites.

"But it was you who spent hours cooking these for Lily's birthday," Mom replied.

"But you were with me when I cooked these. It was your recipe," Celine chuckled, pulling a chair opposite mom.

"Both of you did wonderfully. I'm touched that you made an effort to prepare this for me. I'm really surprised." I pulled a chair and sat down beside Mom.

Both women grinned at me.

"Shall we pray so we can eat? My stomach is growling." It was Mom.

Celine led the prayer. When she finished, I served Mom a small portion before filling my own plate and starting to eat.

"How was your wedding anniversary celebration last night?" Celine asked, taking a bite of her food. Her attention was focused on her plate, so she didn't see the startled expression on my face.

She continued without looking at me. "I was in a rush because my niece had a fever, and I forgot to ask. I'm eager to hear the-" She finally raised her head and stopped upon seeing my expression. She didn't have to hear that whole story to tell that it went bad. My face told it all.

"I'm sorry, Lily. I shouldn't have asked," she blurted out. Regret danced in her deep blue eyes.

I lowered my eyes to my plate, pretending to like the food even though I had lost my appetite. But I could still see Mom looking at me.

Celine sensed I wasn't ready to share details. She didn't press further and let her attention wander back to her food. Mom did the same. Silence hung over the table until we finished breakfast.

"I will wash the dishes," I volunteered after we finished our black forest cake for dessert. But Celine quickly stopped me.

"It's my turn to wash the plates." Celine had already gathered the empty plates before I could object.

I bit my lower lip. "But it's not your responsibility," I protested, transferring the remaining plates to the sink.

"Silly. The food I eat is not your responsibility, either, but you always include me in preparing meals. I'm just returning the favor," she reasoned. "You still have to prepare for work. You will be late if you wash the dishes."

With a sigh, I surrendered. "You win then."

I turned on the television so Mom could watch her favorite talk show on the sofa before heading upstairs to my room.

Grabbing a bath towel from the wall, I marched to the bathroom but stopped halfway at the sound of my phone ringing. Thinking it was urgent, I picked it up and answered without glancing at the screen.

"Lily," Grey's voice came through, and I felt the heat rise in my chest like a boiling kettle. The nerve of him to call me so early and ruin my birthday.

"What do you want, Grey?" I snapped, trying to keep my voice steady but failing miserably.

"I just want to wish you a happy birthday."

"Oh, how considerate! After spectacularly ruining our anniversary last night, you thought you'd complete the package by ruining my birthday too. Two special occasions destroyed in less than 24 hours. That's a record."

"Lily, last night I-"

"Save it. I've got better things to do than listen to your nonsense."

My finger jabbed the red button, cutting him off mid-sentence. The phone lit up with an upcoming call. I rolled my eyes and ignored it.

I yanked off my clothes and stepped into the shower, letting the hot water blast against my skin. Even the steam couldn't wash away my annoyance.

After drying off, I wrapped myself in a towel and wiped the foggy mirror. My reflection stared back, eyes puffy and red. Great. Just what I needed on a workday.

Returning to my room, I pulled my uniform off the hanger and put it on slowly. First, the black dress, then the white apron.

While drying my hair, I could hear my phone ring in the background. I put on some light makeup to cover up the dark circles under my eyes. I had to look presentable for the customers.

I checked myself one last time in the mirror. The uniform was neat, and my hair was tidy enough. I looked okay enough to serve meals to strangers.

Even after all the preparation I'd done for work, my phone was still ringing when I finished.

Grabbing it, I saw 10 missed calls and 6 messages.

Without letting myself think twice, I pressed the block button. The screen went quiet. No more calls. No more messages. No more Grey.