Fragments Of Affection: A journey of Healing

In a bedroom, a girl was curled up in a corner, head buried in her legs, back against the wall. Sunlight filtered through closed curtains.

Soft knocks and the girl's sobs were the only sounds that could be heard in the room. Outside, a woman softly asked the girl to open the door, but the girl remained silent, continuing to cry.

" Please open the door" A soft voice came from outside the room followed by a soft hiss of a woman who had been standing there for a while now.

" Clara, I know you can hear me... please open the door" the woman pleaded again with the same soft voice; however, the girl didn't move as she continues sobbing silently on the floor

Outside the room, Mrs. Alice retreated her hand from the door with a heavy heart, her mind swirling with concerns about her daughter Clara. The previous evening, Clara had arrived home in tears and went straight to her room without explaining anything to her. And when she tried finding out what was wrong with her, she found the door locked.

She had called Lyla, Clara best friend, to know if she knows what happened to Clara, but she isn't picking up.

" Clara, please stop crying, remember if you get sick I won't be happy" She said before leaving for her room

Back in the room, Clara kept on crying non-stop, her face was swollen. Her head hurts, but the pain in her heart hurts more.

She couldn't believe what happened yesterday, everything that happened felt like a nightmare.

The two people she trusted betrayed her. If she was told that this will happen, she will never believe.

Clara continues to sob as her mind flashed back to yesterday.

I plan to give my boyfriend Kevin a surprise visit. I went to the store and got some food ingredients because I plan on also cooking for him.

From my house to Kevin house took just one hour and some minutes. The moment I got to his house, I happily walk out of the car.

She walked to Kevin apartment carrying a heavy bag on one of her hand. On getting to his door, she wanted to knock, but she immediately changed her mind. She gently pushed the door open.

Immediately she step into the room, her whole body froze, a shiver run down her spine. She felt she was being crushed to dust. It felt like a dream, but it was real.

Her man was kissing another girl, not just another girl but her own best friend. Her eyes couldn't believe what just happened In front of her.

A tears roll down her cheek.

Both Kevin and Lyla were shocked, they were surprised seeing Clara. They immediately stand up and start getting dressed.

" Babe, am sorry... please it not what you're thinking" Kevin said as he tries to hold her hand, but she took a step back avoiding him.

She looks towards Lyla, the person she called her bestie, the person she shared anything with.

She ran out of the room without saying a word.

Kevin run after her before he could catch up with her, she had stopped a car, enter and it drove off.

" Why did he cheat" she asked herself

She wasn't that beautiful, but she is pretty, she had always tried her best to be a good girlfriend. Doing whatever he asked her to do without questioning or arguing with him.

So why???

They have dated for five years, and he had promised to marry her. She as always believe In him, never, for once, have she ever dream that Kevin will cheat on her.

" Lyla" she said as more tears flows down her eyes

I still find it difficult to believe that Lyla, my bestie could do this to me

All those laugh, hugs were never genuine, and I had trusted her for years.

I smiled and get up from the floor. I stagger with my eyes so heavy. Everything around me felt strange.

I walk to the bathroom, took off my clothes and let the running water take control of me.

FLASH BACK _________ fifteen years ago.

In a heart-wrenching scene, a young girl was witnessed clutching a pristine white teddy bear, seeking solace in a corner as she bore witness to her father's abhorrent act of violence towards her mother.

Overwhelmed with a conflicting mix of fear and a deep desire to intervene, the child found herself paralyzed, tears streaming down her face as she implored silently in her tender heart for divine intervention to halt her father's onslaught.

As if in response to her silent supplication, the assault ceased abruptly, the father callously delivering a parting blow before departing from the harrowing scene, leaving behind a trail of destruction and terror in his wake.

The young girl, driven by a mix of love and courage beyond her years.

Hastened to her bloodied mother's side, apologizing softly and attempting to offer what comfort her small hands could provide, the anguish etched in her mother's broken but resilient gaze betraying the immense suffering she had endured.

" Mummy sorry" she said as she uses her little hand to clean her tears

The woman smiles, trying to hide the pain, but one could see the pain in her eyes.

" Mummy is fine, I thought you had sleep" the woman said.

" No, mummy is in pain" the little girl cried

" Mummy, I hate Daddy... all men on earth"

" Shh... Stop. You don't have to hate your daddy. He is your father nothing can change that. And you don't have to hate all men on earth, they are not the same. Do you understand"

The little girl nodded her head in agreement of what her mother said.

After completing my bath, I gently wrapped a soft towel around myself and exited out of the bathroom.

Sitting before the mirror, I gazed at my reflection, my eyes appearing reddened from shedding tears, and my complexion seeming pale and drained.

After some time, I applied body cream, put on a gown, makeup, and left the room.

"Clara," Mrs. Alice called.

"I want to take a walk, Mummy," I replied, quickly leaving without waiting for her response.

" A bottle of whiskey" I spoke swift and ran my hands through my blonde curly hair. " Mix it with the strongest drink you have".

" Coming right now" the man said and shuffled off

I have never drunk alcohol before, but today I decided to try, maybe it will reduce the pain and sadness I feel inside of me.

The belief that getting drunk could alleviate pain and sadness seemed to resonate with me at that moment, leading me down a path of indulgent that I had not anticipated.

Shortly, the man came back and handle me the shot of whiskey

I collect it from him, twirl it around before I chug it down and request for another and another until I lose count and drown myself in the alcohol.

" I want more" I yelled I was drunk.

The man gave me another shot as I was about to drink, someone collected it from me.

I looked up to know who was that," Mum... what are you doing here" I asked

" I should be asking you that, what have come over Clara. Please let's go home" she cried.

" No, I'm not going anywhere.... Please give me more drinks" I shouted.

After so many struggles, I later give in and obediently followed her home.

Immediately we got home and I went straight to my room and sleep off.

The following day, upon awakening, I found myself engulfed in discomfort due to a massive headache. Struggling to recollect the events of the previous day, fragments of memories resurface - a visit to a bar, indulgence in excess alcohol, and the poignant image of my mother exerting herself to take me back home while inebriated. The wave of guilt that washed over me at that moment was profound.

With a heavy heart, I mustered the strength to rise from my bed, a silent vow taking root within me to learn from this regretful episode. Proceeding determinedly toward the bathroom.

After taking my bath, I came out of the bedroom and I stood before my reflection in the mirror.

A mix of emotions swirled within me, compelling me to confront the repercussions of my actions with a newfound sense of accountability and a commitment to strive for better choices moving forward.

I smiled sadly and put on my clothes. I sit at bed, pressing my phone.

Countless messages from Kevin, I sighed and dropped my phone on the bed.

Just then a knock came from outside, I got up and slowly opened the door. It was mum, she was carrying a tray full of food and a glass of juice.

Greeting her with a soft voice "Good morning," I couldn't help but feel a pang of guilt within me, knowing that my actions had caused her unnecessary worries.

She walked in and sat at the edge of the bed, Without uttering a single word, and I joined her, silently contemplating how to express my remorse.

Mrs. Alice didn't speak a single word, she filled a spoon with pasta and handle it to Clara to eat.

After she was done eating, Mrs. Alice gave her medicine, which Clara drank immediately.

Unable to contain her emotions any longer, I finally whispered, "Mom, I'm sorry," the weight of my regret evident in my voice. As tears streamed down my face, I vowed to her that I would never repeat my mistakes.

Mrs. Alice hugged her tightly, as she's gently wiping away her tears. " It alright, can you tell me what happened? "

Clara started telling her bit by bit of what happened, each word accompanied by a torrent of tears.

" Why did he have to cheat? Why ?, wasn't I enough for him, "I asked.

Mrs. Alice couldn't believe that Kevin did such an extent. Ever since he started dating Clara, her daughter, she had prayed that they should end up marrying.

She felt pity for her daughter, she knows the feeling of being betrayed.

" It alright, he doesn't deserve you" she said as she pat her

After crying so much Clara slept off. She woke up after a couple of hours when she heard some voices.

Clara stepped out of her room and was surprised to see Kevin there. The surprise was swiftly overshadowed by her anger as she demanded to know his purpose in being there.

" What are you doing here" she asked angrily

" Bby, just listen to me. I still love you" He pleaded.

The word Love sounds so funny In the ears of Clara.

"Love" she chuckled

"Please just hear me out" Kevin said

Clara looked at her mom and asked for some privacy. Mrs. Alice hesitated but eventually agreed.

"Clara, I'm sorry for what happened. I don't know what came over me. I love you so much," Kevin started.

He paused, hoping for a response from Clara, but she stood in silence.

"I understand that it's difficult for you to forgive me, but for the sake of our love and what we shared, please believe me. I love you, and I promise it won't happen again," he continued pleading.

It felt like my heart had turned cold. His words didn't seem to move me. If he truly loves me as he claims, then why was he chatting with someone else? Why?

" Babe, please say something. Don't tell me you want to break up with me. It just a mistake"

I did not reply, I went to my room and came out with a necklace. I went closer to him and gave him the necklace. The necklace was a gift from him.

" Clara..." he called

" Am not a fool, you can continue your love with Lyla" I said and started walking back to the room.

He ran after me and Kent down held me feet" please babe, I promise it won't happen again. I love you"

I pulled him away and ran to my room. I sit on the bed thinking if I really want to do this.

After so much thinking, I decided to move on. I picked up my phone, went through my contacts list and blocked both Kevin and Lyla.

A week has elapsed since the unfortunate incident occurred, and I have actively embraced the journey of moving forward with my life. I have consciously allowed the turbulent waves of the past to ebb away, paving the way for a brighter future.

One fine morning, my phone suddenly rang, and to my surprise, the caller was none other than my cousin, Hanna, who resides in New York with her family. It had been more than a decade since our paths had crossed.

"Hello, Hanna. How are you?" I answered the call.

"Thank goodness you still remember my name. You've forgotten about your cousin," Hanna teased.

I chuckled and replied, "I apologize, I've been busy."

Hanna interrupted, "How busy can you be that you can't even call or text?"

Realizing my mistake, I pleaded, "I'm sorry. Please forgive me."

Hanna continued, "No, not until you promise to come stay with us in New York, even if just for a month, Clara."

I hesitated, unsure of what to say.

"Please, Clara. I want you here. Please, please, please," Hanna implored.

"I need to speak with my mom about it first" I responded.

" Okay, thanks" she replied

After concluding my call with her, which lasted approximately an hour, I proceeded to the kitchen to prepare breakfast. Being alone at home as my mother was at work, I cooked noodles and brought them to my room. I comfortably sat on the bed, enjoying my meal while listening to music.

After my breakfast, I returned to the kitchen to clean up, then in uh a couple strolling hand in hand. This sight triggered a flood of emotions within me as memories of Kevin and our past flooded my mind.

Recollections of the promises he had made and the moments we shared brought tears to my eyes. The pain of reminiscing felt as if my heart was being squeezed.

Despite my efforts, to forget about him and move on. Memories persist, entwined within me.

The winds tousle my hair, and I yearn for them to carry away these haunting recollections.

I wipe my eyes, reach for my phone, and investigate ways to overcome a painful past. Amidst a plethora of suggestions, one particular answer caught my eye-the idea of relocating to a new environment to facilitate healing and growth.

That's it, I have to move to another place if I want to forget the past. I will talk to my mom about it when she returns.

Mrs. Alice, a hardworking woman, returned home from a long day at work. After cooking dinner for herself and her daughter, Clara. They eat their food in silence.

"Mom, I would like to discuss something with you" Clara broke the silence

"What's that ". Mrs. Alice asked as she cleaned her mouth with a napkin.

" I intend to go to New York to stay with Aunt Aria" she announced

" What? "

"Mommy, I will just stay there for a month" I said

"Clara you know I can't stay without you, I will be lonely Mrs. Alice said sadly

I understand her feelings, ever since I was born, I haven't been away from her. I did not say anything again. I low my head and silently continue with my meal.

That night Hanna called me, I told her what my mom said. I could sense the sadness in her voice. After we spoke, I ended the call and went to sleep.

The following morning, a gentle knock at the door roused me from my slumber. With heavy eyelids, I made my way to the entrance and met my mother. Greeting her with a warm voice "Good morning,"

I walked back to my room and sit down on the bed

" Did you slept well last night" mommy ask as she sits beside me on the bed

I nod my head In response

She did not say anything for a while, just sitting down, staring at me.

" Mommy" I called giving her a question look

" Clara, I have agreed that you will go to New York" she announced

I was surprise for her sudden agreement. I don't know if I should be happy or sad.

After a moment of silence, I asked Mom why she had suddenly agreed for me to go to New York. Tears streamed down her face as she said.

"I believe you will be happy there, although I am going to miss you"

I hugged her tightly. "Thanks Mommy, l love you" I whispered.

The following day, I made my way to the airport to collect my ticket for my upcoming flight scheduled in just two days.

Excitement filled me as I returned home. Upon returning home, I meticulously organized my belongings and packed my bags in preparation for the trip.

I called Henna to share the news of my coming to New York. Her joyful reaction was palpable even over the phone as she exclaimed, "I am so happy, Clara! I can't wait to have you here."

Moved by the way she was happy, I responded warmly, "Me too," before bidding her farewell.

It was the evening before my scheduled flight, and as I was preparing to retire for the night, my mother entered the room.

"Mommy," I called.

Observing my readiness for sleep, she questioned, "Are you about to sleep," I confirmed her assumption with a nod.

"Yea, have to sleep early because of my flight tomorrow" I added

She smiled and move closer to me, "I have something for you Clara"

She brought out a bracelet from her pocket and handle it to me

Receiving the bracelet from her hand, I gently placed it on my wrist, taking a moment to appreciate its intricate design. Expressing my gratitude, I uttered, "It is beautiful, thank you so much, mommy."

With a warm smile, she responded, "You are most welcome, Clara. Please take care of it as it holds sentimental value. It was a gift from your late grandmother to me." Moved by her words, I promised to keep it safe.

Before bidding me good night, she gently kissed me on my forehead, turn off the light before returning to her room.