The Smothery Clouds

With my shaky hands, I was trying to find the lock of a door, by touching it through senses, just like a blind person does. I was not feeling good, like__ as if some bad vibes were approaching me. I could feel it.

My hand finally reached for the door handle as I let out a small sigh of relief. I curled my fingers tightly around the handle as if I knew my survival was dependent on it. I attempted to open the door. It didn't open. I again pulled down the handle several times, simultaneously pulling it but sadly, the same thing happened that I always fear about it.

The handle let loose and fell to the floor with a resonating clang. That voice made my heart thud against the chest. It throbbed intensely against the chest but more forcefully. It was precisely paralleling that voice of what just happened between the time of my heartthrob and the handle that I was holding.

"Amanda?"

I called out her name as I realized that I was stuck inside. She had told me she would be outside the washroom, waiting for me, that I needn't worry. She was not my friend; instead, she became just by today.

I called out her name again with hope. But, no response.

"Amanda, are you there?" I shouted, banging loudly on the door this time.

I found myself breathing with extreme fear. There were violent shivers in my fearful breath. But still, no one was there outside-pin drop silence. My mind constantly reminded me that I had to believe that I was trapped.

"Is anybody there!?" I yelled. And then I heard the mall's announcement in a female's voice.

"Customers, please leave this area as the mall will close by 8:30 PM..Thank you."

Hearing this, I felt terrified. I started screaming at the top of my lungs, knocking hard on the door. I began to cry, my throat going dry from shouting for help. I let out a loud gasp as I heard the lights suddenly getting switched off. Now I was taking long and deep breaths, but loudly.

"Anyone-"

I struggled to breathe and clawed at the wall, desperately attempting to get air into my lungs, but I ended up slowly crumbling to the floor. I labored to breathe. And it felt like the kind of breath, which was near to death.

1

Waitress

Working as a waitress drained the energy out of me, leaving me super tired by the time I reached home after my shift. As soon as college hours ended, I immediately had to run for the job. I'm not fond of it at all, but at least it's the most normal thing in my life. If it weren't for that day, I would still have enjoyed my time with my family. Instead of spending quality time and hitting beautiful spots for picnics with family, I gained a lot of stress due to my load as a waiter.

I let out a small sigh of awe as I gazed up at the split sunset, drowning beneath the sea, leaving a trail of silky, orange clouds in the sky. I smiled as the summer breeze slithered through my hair. I shifted my focus to what I was doing: getting the tables ready and in top shape before the restaurant opened for the evening customers.

My workplace was somewhat new: the infrastructure was significant and state-of-the-art, with half of it built over the sea, which was one of the reasons for its popularity. The waves from the mighty ocean hit against the massive wooden beams that supported the more significant part of the restaurant. The cool breeze from the sea would make the foundations shudder and creak, adding to the thrill of the whole dining experience. The restaurant gave the feel of one sailing on an ancient ship. The actual dining area was out in the open space, under the sky, with tiny lights dimly lighting the whole place up and further adding to the aesthetics. It looked spectacular at night, giving off a dim, amber glow to the sea. No wonder celebrities and elite class people came here.

Most of the time, it was hustling and bustling with customers. It was slowly getting dark, and the customers steadily trickled in.

I was always nervous working there. But it was growing on me now. I was gradually getting used to it.

I noticed some people standing beside the railing, enjoying the view, while some were busy with their conversations. There were others taking pictures of the seagulls and the dolphins that would jump from the sea from time to time.

The only thing I liked about my job was the beautiful view of the sea, and luckily today, my task was to serve and take orders from the customers in the outdoor dining area. Since our manager was all about taking care of the customer's needs, they trained us to ask them if they needed anything every five minutes. It was so annoying because we always had to plaster a smile on our faces and BE POLITE-my God, what a hectic life.

However, to my surprise, the customers were giving back good responses. Some of them were pretty friendly, cracking jokes, which lifted the restaurant's mood in general.

At 9:00 pm, it was almost time for customers to leave. People were going while talking and laughing as if they had a great time there. The workload for me was getting reduced. I was feeling relieved.

I was standing away from the Terris, where I could look at the dark sea, a reflection of the sky. The bright moon glistened down the sea. Its white light reflected on it, making a picturesque scene; the burbling of water was an ASMR for me.

I was looking ahead with a slight smile on my face, holding hands behind my back. My brown-haired pony dangled as the light and cool breeze passed through it.

At one table in the outdoor area, in the corner of the left side, I saw a large family sitting near the sea; their laughter after every second drew my attention.

A bald man was entertaining them, who I assumed to be the father. They were all enjoying the food, and their loud laughter could be heard from the indoor dining area. They seemed to be an elite class family. As they looked like egoistic people. I guess so. As I could gauge them from their faces along with their gestures. I smiled at them.

It's because the bald man seemed sweet and jolly observing from the way he talked, and he reminded me of my dad before marrying another woman and leaving us without saying anything. To this day, mom and I have no idea of his whereabouts. I was only 8 years old.

I walked gracefully towards them, to which I later realized that it was not right for me to ask. I bent down a little as a manner of courtesy, "Is everything alright, Sir?" I asked, but I didn't get a reply. Maybe he didn't hear me or if he had deliberately ignored me. I felt a bit embarrassed as not even the family members said anything to him or responded to me. Except few members of that family were looking at me. As they have sensed my feelings.

"Um... Sir, is everything alright?" I asked again. And I found my voice getting trailed off when he stopped chewing and turned his head towards me, giving me an intense glare, making me realize that I've messed up, and now everyone at the table was looking at me.

Great! My luck! I mentally threw my hands in the air.

"I guess we are eating if you can see with your eyes." He insulted me.

I quickly forced an apology before the matter got worse. At that table, an infant threw up, and her mother quickly grabbed a napkin and started to clean it up with it.

"Give that to me." The man ordered while looking at me with that same intense glare. The woman looked up and slowly handed it to him, confused. He snatched that napkin rudely from her hand.

"Yes, we need your help." He threw the napkin at me, which landed on my white uniform, leaving a barf stain. "Wash this!" He spat in disgust. Rolling his eyes, he resumed his conversation and laughter while eating, which the rest of the family could not do, stunned by his behavior.

That is why they say; you should not judge a book by its cover. Some people may look kind and sweet from their faces, but eventually, they turn into heartless jerks out of nowhere.

I slowly turned back and walked straight into the kitchen, feeling utmostly embarrassed. I entered the kitchen as I stood in front of the basin and sighed, looking ahead, feeling awe-full, as I wiped off my tears. I turned up the basin handle and began to wash off the stain. Another waitress came with a stack of square-shaped plates, kept it near me, and went away. I then took those square-shaped plates one by one and began washing them.

From the parallel vision, I noticed that someone was slowly walking towards me as if they wanted to say something or say other pathetic things for me. I didn't bother to look at them. I just want to avoid them. I kept on washing plates.

"I am sorry.." A kind and polite voice with an apologetic tone shifted into my ear through the water gushing down from the basin. That voice was only meant for my ears. I turned my face and saw them. A mother in a black full sleeve dress with brown silky straightened hair. She looks young. She was holding the infant as well. "No, it's okay.." I replied as I smiled at her and then continued washing it. "Actually, my husband is like that," She said, but I didn't say anything, which later allowed her to speak a bit more, which was connected to reality as well. "But, don't worry, time will make him realize." At this, we both chuckled. "Right.." I smiled while nodding.

And then she stood there for a little while. "Um...This girl had to say something." "Yes, what is it?" I replied politely. She then took a slight step closer towards me. And then I felt that someone had kissed my cheeks.

"You are so pretty." That little girl said after kissing me.

I looked at her, "Thank you, cutie pie." I smiled, "She does it to those who she finds pretty or beautiful. So.. out of habit." Her mother jokes, and at this, we both laughed a little. "Okay, so I am going, otherwise my husband will get mad at me; basically, I made an excuse that I forgot my essentials . Otherwise, I am not like that."

I chuckled, to which she accompanied me. "Okay, by, take care."

"By," I said, and then they left. That little girl's sweet kiss and that woman's behavior of kindness slightly lifted my mood. "Seems like she became your friend." One waitress said to me while cleaning the counter. She smiled approvingly.

"Yeah, I think so." I said to her,

But, as soon as I said this, it reminded me of something. I immediately bent down the basin and wiped off my cheeks with plenty of water because I remembered that the infant had puked earlier.

In the lane of the residential area, where the roads were almost clear, I was walking in the cold night, crossing my arms to keep myself warm. The temperature dropped to 10°C. I was just two steps away from the house. One week ago, I submitted my book for publishing. Which goes by the name of 'Heal thy self." Writing a book on healing someone makes me feel good. Too good, like any other thing. For me, I would signify this as the world's best feeling. This too, was growing me elated. Just then my home came into view.

I then reached near the door and put the key inside the lock as I turned it to open "Charlotte!! Charlotte....!!" my mom shouted with zestiness as she quickly reached down the stairs. This almost made me startled as I immediately turned back after locking the door.

As my mom stood in front of me with a huge ear to ear smile on her face.

"God mom, you scared the hell out of me." I said, closing my eyes in relief, placing my hand on my chest.

"Look what your mom got for you!!" And then my mom showed me a book that made my day. 'Heal thyself.' by Amy Whisperer. This was my pen name.

"Oh my God...!!!!" I exclaimed loudly, as I covered my mouth with both hands.As I shouted to which mom also accompanied me. We hugged each other tightly and began to jump. Tears fell from my eyes. "Can't believe it!" I exclaimed.

"I am proud of you Charlotte." Mom encouraged me. She then handed me a book

"Go, get fresh, I am laying out your favorite dish."

"Great!" I said, and then I headed towards the stairs.

After dinner, we decided to play our favorite game, Pictionary, so we moved to a lounge and sat on a rectangular table. We sat on a maroon carpet around that table. Mom and I were sitting in front of each other. A lamp in the corner gave an amber glow to our room. We would both usually play games after I'd get back from my shift, and her drawings always made me laugh. Which made my day. Basically I love to play with her.

"Okay, you start," I said to mom, suppressing my laughter by pursing my lips.

"Fine.." She said as if she had given up and knew that her daughter would laugh at her, which is true.

Mom took out a card from the stack of cards. She took out the blue one. And gave a quick read of it. "Okay...all of them are hard...she flipped the card back to see if she could find an easy one, and I guess she found it.

She grabbed a copy and pencil beside her, and I kept the pink-colored hourglass in front of her, and she began to draw on it.

"A basket?" I guessed.

And she nodded with a small, challenging smile.

And then she started to draw something inside the basket, which I didn't get. "Are you trying to make a cat..?"

She shook her head. She was also using sign language for me for a short time, and then she used to draw. After a couple of seconds, I realized she was trying to make a chimpanzee. She was giving too many tries, making the weirdest creatures that I hadn't seen in my life. It made me burst into laughter as I failed to control it.

"Okay...I know...my drawing is pathetic." She said, feeling awkward and that I could gauge on her. "Please stop laughing...I am trying my best.." But I was unable to control it. The more I laughed, the more she felt embarrassed, but instead, she was also smiling. It seemed like she was also suppressing her laughter. The way I was laughing made it hard to control her laughter as well.

I laughed till I got cramps as I leaned myself back on the foot of the lounge sofa. I laughed like crazy until my mom made it, "done!" Her voice was as if her biggest mission had been accomplished. Finally,

"A chimpanzee in the basket," I said when my laughter died out.

"Correct.." She said in a complimenting way, pointing her finger at me.

Just then the doorbell rang. "Who is it?" Mom asked, knitting her eyebrows down. "Let me check," I said as I scrambled to stand up and walked towards the door, which was located in the middle in between the dining table and lounge.

I opened the lock by the handle and opened the door,

"Hey!" They exclaimed. Ebba and her brother Adam were standing. "Hello!" I said, and I hugged both of them. "What a pleasant surprise!"

"Well, your house full of cheerful laughter draws us back here," Ebba said as she smiled and shrugged. Like my laughter bound her to come here.

"Oh, didn't know, my laughter could be that loud." I was surprised by this fact.

Ebba has black wavy curly hair. And Adam has messy black hair. He is a bit chubby and healthy, but it doesn't look bad.

Ebba has a cute, charming face, And has some bangs on her forehead. But for me, many people say that I am attractive, charming, and pretty with rosy pink lips. My brown hair is silky and lovely. Everyone says that I have a cute, polite, and adorable smile.

But I don't think so. Or I guess I have never noticed it. Because I believe that personality matters the most than beauty. Otherwise, it gets sidelined. And I always be careful, keeping in check with my deeds. Not hurting someone by any means.

"Come in..come in," I said joyfully, giving them space to enter inside. Standing on the left side of the entrance, holding the door. When Ebba and Adam entered, they both greeted, "Oh hello, Aunt Lula.",

Their presence suddenly enhances the environment and my feelings inside me. I felt like it was Christmas.

What the bald man said, how he behaved. How he embarrassed me. All vanished from my mind as if someone had vacuumed it. And sprayed the lavender with an aroma. Because to me, they are party people. They are a source of joy.

"Hello." She waved. "Come join with us,

"What are you guys playing?" Adam asked in a babyish way.

"You know what guys, you came at the right time, we were playing Pictionary," I said, facing them while heading towards the kitchen.

"Wow, this is my favorite game!" He exclaimed. As he was reaching towards that lounge's table with Ebba. Ebba was coming behind him.

"To me, it's not...." Ebba said.

"I haven't asked your opinion, though." He replied arrogantly. Ebba gave a short glance at him.

As he sat down on a carpet, so did Ebba.

"She is just telling her opinion," My mom said to him. Trying to neutralize it.

Meanwhile, I was coming back from the kitchen, holding a tray of two glasses of refreshments as I kept it on the table in front of them and sat along with them, crossing my feet.

Ebba And Adam would often come to our place for a game or two. Ebba and Adam were my close friends and neighbors; you could say we had known each other since infancy.

We met each other for the first time in the fall when they and I shifted into this street. It was one rare coincidence.

In pictionary we enjoyed it to the fullest. Laughing. It seemed as if a party was going on. After that game, we decided to play another game. And that game was introduced by Adam. He saw it from the internet. He said that we had to close our eyes in this game, and one player would say a sentence, and the other players would have to write it down. And the one who gave the sentence will compare how they have written it.

It was not all about writing down a sentence. We can also draw by hearing what the speaker describes. And this game was new for all of us.

"Okay, now I want you to write it down....umm.." He thought, "Yeah, write, Adam is the best." Adam said quickly but enough for us to understand it. That sentence made us giggle. We all wrote it down.

After writing it down, we all opened our eyes and saw it. Mom and Ebba's writing was like they had written another language, and I was surprised to see mine. I had written it perfectly well! I should count this as my hidden talent, I thought to myself. "Nice try." He nodded in approval. "But you all are losers!" He taunted. "Why? How come?" Ebba was shocked and a bit confused.

"That's because it's written in this way," He grabbed my copy, and he wrote it down: "@dam is the best."

"Hey, that's your Facebook profile name!" Ebba protested. Adam laughed mischievously.

"You are so mean!" Ebba playfully shoved him as we all were laughing. "Since it was very clever of him to trick us that way." Mom appreciated it and laughed joyfully.

Now it was Mom's turn. And she said, "Charlotte the lioness." I felt a bit weird and quirky because Adam always teases me that I am a freak and thinks that, but I don't know what he is trying to imply. So Adam was about to laugh but managed to control it by keeping his fist over his mouth.

We ignored him. While we were writing it down, Ebba's phone beeped, "Oh! Hold on." She received it and turned the loudspeaker on. She used to do it every time, out of habit.

"Hey Shampain," Ebba greeted.

"Hi, Ebba! I won't be able to make it today because our family has planned to go to a carnival set up near your street." At this, Ebba looked at us, happily surprised. We all looked at her excitedly.

"Also, my cousins are visiting us, they are coming from abroad."

"Wow! When did they come?"

"Yeah, yesterday."

"Great!"

"Okay, so see you tomorrow."

"No... see you today." As Ebba winked and ended the call. This made us all crack up. "Good one Ebba," I said to her,

*******************

"Charl have you read that story called 'Behind the Curtain?" Ebba asked as we were sitting in the car and Mom was driving, heading to the carnival. I was sitting in the passenger seat.

"No," I said, turning to look at her.

"You haven't?" She knitted her eyebrows as if she was surprised to know that. As if she might think I am dumb or I am not into what's going on in the world.

"I have read its novel." I nodded approvingly. "It's quite good."

"It's also adapted into a movie. You have to see it, dude. It's an amazing movie. It's become quite popular." She said in appreciation.

"Oh!" I got inspired by this knowledge she gave me. Who are the main characters? I judge movies by their character's acting."

"Most of them are new, and some you might know. Well, the main lead roles are Denver Reckon and Leena Russel."

"Oh, I haven't seen Denver Reckon before, but I know Leena Russel."

"Can you guys just shut up!" Adam snapped as he was sitting with crossed legs. "You guys talk so much!"

"You listen to your favorite Metallica songs. Yuck!" Ebba said in disgust. "At full volume. Enough to explode your ears."

I shook my head, rolled my eyes, and faced forward-thinking they would never stop fighting.

"Never ask for your advice." Said Adam sarcastically. He lit a cigarette and started to smoke, curling his hand around the cigarette.

"God Adam! Quit it!" Ebba shouted frustratingly. As if she is tired of his behavior.

"Stop being a phony drama queen and roll down the car window," Adam said, looking out of the window. Moving his foot, which bobbed up and down.

Ebba shook his head, rolling her eyes.

"Just tired of his act.." She muttered.

"Here we are!" Mom exclaimed joyfully as if she was a teenager. She killed the engine and we stepped out of the car, and as soon as we got out, Adam's friends came high-fiving and hugged him as if they were waiting for him. They went for a hangout. Mom, Ebba, and I were left deciding where to go and who was going with Mom, Ebba, and me. So we decided, as mom wanted to try things alone; so she went the other way and left us.

We both entered through the gate. Before that, a ticket collector took our tickets.

A vast open area was occupied by different colorful stalls and rides. The haunted house, where screaming of people and creepy voices were coming out from it. Game and food stalls, a stage for a concert was set up in which a guy was hosting. Pop music was on the deck. Blaring out of it. "That's my favorite music!" Ebba said to me. Many people were there. It was crowded.

At first, we tried all sorts of stalls, mostly game stalls, and then we sat on different rides; we also sat on a drop tower where we screamed at the top of our lungs, followed by laughter. It was extremely thrilling. I wanted to try more rides, but it was enough for Ebba.

We calmed down our nerves and decided to check out food stalls. Mostly, we were trying tidbits. It was yummy and delicious. We enjoyed it to the fullest. We were also laughing as Ebba was good enough at cracking jokes. Furthermore, we also had an encounter with mom at a cookie and bakery item stall.

It was 10:45 pm, as it was getting late. I was feeling fatigued. After all, I had a long, hectic day. "Ebba, can we go home now? I am feeling exhausted." I said in my weak tone. As if I am out of energy. "Oh...well, haven't we decided to get a tattoo?"

"Oh right." I realized it. "Okay, then after that, we will go home."

"Okay... okay.." Ebba said considerably.

Ebba pulled out a pamphlet from her jeans pocket and unfolded it. It took a couple of seconds to see where it was. As it was marked among millions of different stalls.

"Can't find it?" Ebba said. By that time, I searched and looked for it, and then my eyes caught on it, just right across us.

"But she is making tattoos over there near the photo booth area," I said, looking at a girl with a hijab, who was making it on a girl's hand in a corner.

Ebba looked up.

"But not with machines. A narrow cone-like thing." She said, confused, biting her lips.

"Let's check it out," I said, looking at her.

"Okay."

We walked towards there and gazed for a few seconds at the magnificent art she made on a girl's hand.

"What is it?" Ebba asked.

"It's called henna." That girl said.

"Henna?" Ebba was confused by this new word.

"Yeah it's a henna, it is a form of body art originating in ancient India, in which decorative designs are created on a person's body, using a paste, created from the powdered dry leaves of the henna plant."

"Oh..." I frowned my eyebrows in an aspiring way, and I knew Ebba would be feeling the same.

"What do you think of, Charl?" She asked me. Making her mind to try new thing we haven't tried before.

"Try something different then," I said to her,

Ebba nodded slowly.

When that customer left, we both sat on a small wooden chair. Beside us, on the left side, there was a wooden coffee table where silver-colored thin-shaped henna cones were kept.

Ebba and I told her to make an elegant design, a kind of flowery bracelet attached with a ring that looks dainty. I decided to put it first, then Ebba.

"Hey, you guys putting henna?" Mom came while eating Khaosan.

"How do you know that?" I said to her, while that girl was putting henna on my hand." My sister is in India, so she used to put it there." She said, taking a bite of Khaosan.

"Some people also put them here too." Mom said as she took another bite of Khaosan.

"Let it dry and wash it later. It will leave a beautiful red brown color." That girl said.

*****************

Coming back from the carnival, I went upstairs to my room and grabbed a laptop on the table right on the left-hand side corner near the opened window.

Even though I was tired, my feelings still provoked me into excitement to watch that movie. So, I decided to watch a film called Behind the Curtain. I quickly reached towards the bed, slumped on it, and lifted the screen lid of the laptop as I sat in a slouching position.

In google, I quickly typed the name of a movie. And I found it in the first link, with the rating of five stars. I then brought the cursor to that link and clicked on it. The black screen appeared in view. And it started to browse. As it took a couple of seconds to do so. By that time, I laid horizontally straight, keeping my hand on the side of my head, supported by an elbow.

After browsing, the movie began. At first, the opening credits were shown. And finally, the movie started through fade-incision.

At first, it was slow and tedious. I was getting tired as I yawned. I looked at the clock, and it showed 2:30 am as if giving me a loud warning to sleep, so I decided to close the laptop, choosing to watch tomorrow, but when I was about to close the computer. As my hand was on the top of the laptop screen. Later, Denver Reckon as Amos Trotter gave an entry on the screen, to which I refused to close it.

It was like the movie saved me from repentance.

"Holly molly...." I mumbled in inspiration; this guy is so gorgeous. A gorgeous person on this existing planet. I thought. Black hair with a tinge of brown swiped right in a decent way complimenting his tight jawline, pale skin with gray-blue eyes. Wearing a charcoal shirt made his features more prominent. And he deserves all the attention, as his charm makes every girl's heart drop. His character and appearance made his features quite attractive. I guess he was new to the film industry. But I admit his acting was quite remarkable. Maybe he has worked in other movies too. Those movies that I didn't watch. That's why I wondered why Ebba was blushing when speaking his name on the way to the carnival.

Unconsciousness

His beauty and charm made me obsessed so much that it stimulated me to watch more of his. So after watching the movie, like any other fan, I quickly typed and searched for the Denver Reckon interviews. My heartbeat raced million times per second due to the extreme stimulation and excitement. His beautiful smile made me blush hard.

It was 3:15 am, and now I was watching his movie blooper, and from that, I went to the google search bar and typed his name; I eventually moved my cursor on the image and clicked on it. The images flowed down on the screen. I started scrolling through all of his pictures on the internet.

His smile was the best because it made me want to smile. And I guess I have a crush on him.

I hoped I would meet him one day. I hope so.

On Sunday, I grabbed some new magazines from the shelf; those magazines just came out 3 days ago. Thinking there must be a picture of his, and yes, my guess goes right. Spending my whole day shamelessly staring at his photos in a magazine and casually reading his biography, I quickly skimmed the pages, and I reached a cover where he was holding an Oscar, while on the cover on the right, it was a selfie with his castmates. It got too late until my stomach growled loudly for food. As if it can't bear any more. I then closed the magazine and went out of my room.

At night, lying on the bed before sleeping, I kept watching his pics on my mobile until I got sleepy. I became his craziest fan. The craziest of the crazies...

On Monday, I was in a deep sleep as I always took a nap after school. I had a peaceful sleep, as if I didn't have to go to work. But luckily, my call became an alarm for me. A piece of unexpected information by a restaurant manager seemed like my heart had been embellished with beautiful fairy lights of happiness. Butterflies flutter in my stomach.

I tried to settle down the butterflies in my stomach when my manager told us that night that a large mob of celebrities would come to Uranus Restaurant tomorrow evening.

After his call ended, I shrieked in elation. As I started jumping. Suddenly, my mother then came into my room as the door creaked. I turned back, and my mom was all dressed up like she had to go somewhere. Dark glasses were hung on her head. "Honey, what happened? Is everything okay? You screamed."

"Umm...no, it's okay.." I suddenly composed my feelings. "Where are you going?"

"Honey I have to go somewhere urgently, for some kind of important work, if you are okay can I drop you off at a restaurant."

"Why didn't you tell me before?" I asked, mixed with perplexity overlapping with a bit of shock.

"I will tell you later." She said, and then she went away, leaving the door open. I felt a bit sad. I headed towards the washroom to get changed. White uniform with a black skirt. Wearing black short height heels. Part of the uniform.

After getting ready, I put some blush on and applied bright red lipstick. Giving the final touch to my appearance. I went down the stairs, did breakfast. And we both stepped out of the house. Mom took out her car, and I sat inside.

While driving, She told me that today the call came from a boss that she has to go to Eser town for some sort of work, she didn't bother to say to me.

Before getting out of her car, she said to me, "Have a nice day." As she kissed my cheeks. That was the only kiss she warmly gave me. Better than all of her kisses. And in addition to that, she gave me a warm, beautiful hug which melted my heart just like as if my heart is made up of soft, melty chocolate already but enough to keep it above the fire to get liquidy,

"I don't know when I will come back, but I will come. I hope you will manage yourself well. Okay?" She ensured.

"Yes...mom." I smiled at her, and so did she. "By.." I said as I stepped out of the car. She gave me the last wave, smiling at me, the smile I loved the most. I waved at her, smiling. And then she drove ahead, I gazed at her car until it took a right, and then I couldn't see as there was a blind corner. It was getting a bit emotional for me. I have no idea why my feelings were getting deepened and dark. I sighed by peering down and turned back to head towards the restaurant.

It was 5:30 pm. The restaurant's atmosphere, the afternoon sunlight reflecting on the sea, making it glisten, the gentle waves and the cool breeze, all resonated with my feelings which overlapped my grief.

It was my lucky day; I could feel it. I couldn't wait to see Denver Reckon in person. That was the only happiness I was waiting for. Absolute happiness. But thoughts of my mom's journey were also nagging. Maybe she might be having a safe journey.

I made sure that the staff and I had everything prepared for the guests as soon as they entered the restaurant in the evening.

Soon when the evening took place. I recognized a few celebrities entering the restaurant. "Oh my gosh!" I said silently, filled with extreme joy. One actress was wearing blue-tinted glasses, coming with her husband, whom I also know. Because he was also an actor.

Time passed, and the whole restaurant was soon filled with celebrities by night. My duty was indoor dining.

I attended to all their needs while keeping an eye out for the time.

I couldn't help but be excited as I chatted and took orders from the celebrity guests, but my heart slowly started to sink into disappointment when I couldn't locate Denver Reckon.

"It's okay Charlotte, it's okay, he might be late." I thought to reassure myself.

I continued taking their orders, joining in on their conversations a little while getting back to my work from time to time. I finally got the chance to collect all the plates, glasses and load them all on a tray, making my way towards the kitchen. My pony was dangling as I walked.

I was slowly adding all the cups and glasses on the counter, and just as I was adding the last one, my phone started to ring. I shifted the wine glass onto a tray and took out my phone, knowing that it must be my mom, most likely telling me that she got home.

"Hello,"

"Hello, is this Charlotte Nicole's number?" asked a deep voice, the voice of a mature man.

"Yes," I quickly replied, my heart starting to pound faster in fear.

When he spoke again, I felt as if everything was going in slow motion, unable to breathe due to the shock.

I started to gasp for air as I slowly fell to my knees, losing the balance of the tray and the glass shattering into a million pieces.

My eyes were half-closed, seeing familiar faces gathered around me while feeling the unconsciousness slowly pulling me in. Suddenly I felt someone pick me up, running, shouting for an ambulance. I wanted to tell them to lower their voice, but my eyes were falling to a close.

"Mom"

I opened my eyes weakly as I was discharged from the hospital, thanking Ebba and her brother Adam for bringing me to their home. The same dreams would come every night for the last two weeks. It felt surreal that I began to sleepwalk, quickly trying to make my way towards mom, who had her arms spread out to hug me.

"Mom"

My heart sank in even more disappointment when Ebba woke me up, and I realized that it was all a dream. I couldn't help but cry the whole night, thankful that Ebba was there to console and give me emotional support.

One night it got so bad to the point where I cried until I got an asthma attack. I had no air going to my lungs, and for a second, I thought I was going to meet my mother, but luckily Adam and Ebba tried their best to save me.

"Charlotte, it's going to be alright," assured Ebba as she held me in her arms, gently patting my head. I let out a small mutter of approval. After a few minutes, Ebba lifted my head off her shoulder and looked me in the eyes, her fingers straightening out my messy hair, "Are you feeling a bit better?"

I nodded tiringly, letting out a small yes.

Ebba gave me a warm smile, pulling me in for another comforting hug,

"Life can be hard, but it shows mercy towards you sometime later by giving you an unexpected beautiful thing, something you wouldn't have dreamt of." At first, I couldn't make a sentence out of it. Maybe Ebba is saying what she has experienced. But I didn't know how much I could be so wrong. Ebba then made me lie on the bed. Holding me tight into her arms so that I wouldn't feel alone and feel protected, but still, I was in grief; I was still missing my mom, my ever fun-loving mom. Who used to erode sadness in my life. I was feeling dark and hollow inside.

The sun was slowly rising up, replacing dusk. The gradual light rays of the sun were coming into the room through an opened window. My eyes automatically flew open. It was not because of sunlight. I could feel no arms were wrapped around me as Ebba was tossed to the right side of mine. I got up, crossed my arms and walked towards the kitchen to make breakfast for myself. Feeling extremely glum, facing the worst side of my feelings. The kitchen was almost clean. As if they don't work here. I looked for something to eat but couldn't find it. I looked around everywhere. And then I saw a box of cornflakes and a pack of milk at the top of the fridge. I grabbed it, took a bowl and spoon from the culinary shelf, and sat on a table.

While eating, I thought that I should go home. As I don't want to be a burden on them. Just then, Ebba entered the kitchen. "Hey, good morning," Ebba said with her groggy voice and sleepy eyes. "Good morning." I quickly smiled. Ebba walked towards the table. "How are you feeling?" She asked holistically as she pulled out the chair right in front of me and sat on it.

I nodded, "Good."

"I don't think so." She protested.

"I want to go home."

"Hey, what made you say that?"

"I just don't want to burdenise you."

"Absolutely not. Your health is my priority, okay?"

And then a soft, polite, and ever calming voice of my mother echoed in my mind. "Your health is my priority, dear." This was when I was applying for my job in Uranus Restaurant.

"Okay, I will stay for two three days,"

"Aww...My bestie." She stood up and reached towards the back of my seat, wrapping arms around me. At this, a flashback came. This is precisely what my mom used to do. Ebba's grip on me was the same as my mom. This again gave me a slight pang of sadness.

*****

A few days went by, and I felt slightly more stable; the grief was slowly becoming numb. "Can I drop you home?" Ebba asked while packing up my things in the suitcase. "No, I can go by myself," I said, closing the cupboard. "I don't know why I am finding myself uneasy." She reached me and held my hand, giving me a warm squeeze. "I am feeling worried about you." I thought for a second about what to say, how to convince her. But I only found this collection with the words, "It's okay, you don't have to be worried." I said, keeping my hand on her hand. I guess I might have delivered my lines as convincing as I was. Ebba made a face of slight disapproval as if she was still not satisfied. "Okay... But do keep in touch with me. And, I guess, I will visit your house more often."

I nodded, to which she pulled me into a warm hug. After that, I started packing, which Ebba accompanied me. At 3:45 pm, I was all set to leave her house. I stood near the door, holding the handle of a suitcase. Ebba walked and opened the door for me. "Do take care of yourself." She smiled. I nodded, "By." I said as I hugged her and then I left.

Ebba's house and my house are just two or three steps away from each other; it was within walking distance. So I reached my house quickly. I reached my house door and pulled out keys from my jeans pocket. And then I opened the door, inserting a key inside the keyhole. The door creaked open as I entered inside and locked the door.

"Hey Charlotte, have you reached home?.. where were you, dear?" I abruptly turned around. "Mom," I spoke with desperation, with hope. And then I realized that the voice was echoing in my head__ so clear and surreal, another pang of strong emotion whirled around my heart. It was so intense. The feelings deepened, and it was getting dark. It was like my soreness; my pain had refreshed. Her laughter, her way of talking, From my childhood to these days, each and every voice of those joyous moments were echoing inside my head. I took one step forward. "Come here, Charlotte." At this, I got alarmed. "Mom," I followed where the voice was coming from. Maybe what I heard about her death is not valid. Perhaps she could be saved from that accident. "I am here," And I followed where she was calling me. "Mom, stop playing hide and seek with me. I am not a kid anymore." I declared.

But, the weird thing was that whenever I followed those voices and reached that place, another same voice could be heard from a different area, in another direction. As a result, I rummaged around every corner of my house, but I couldn't find her.

Suddenly the voices inside my head stopped. Now I was standing in mom and dad's room; her voice brought me here. Every picture of my parents from my childhood days to these days hangs on the wall. Among those pictures, there was one picture, which almost melted my heart in grief. I saw mom and dad were making me walk for the first time.

And the second picture was of Mom holding me when I was 2 years old.

"I don't know when I will come, but I will come as soon as possible...." My tears trickled down my eyes.

This was the last sentence I heard inside my head, which almost made my lips quiver, eyes glistened with tears, and later I burst into tears, kneeling down on the floor. I was virtually sobbing into tears. I am alone now. My life filled with flowers has been wilted forever and forever.