Eleanor heartland

3

The clock struck midnight when Eleanor  finally stumbled into her home, exhausted from her ordeal. After closing the door slowly, she tossed her keys onto the table without even bothering to remove her shoes, collapsing onto the only  couch where she was immediately enveloped in a cold chill, it was passed her bed time ages ago.

Her mother's voice cut through the silence, "Eli!? Is that you, honey? Elean..." But her words trailed off as she flipped on the living room light still standing on the doorstep of the bedroom, taking in the sight of her disheveled daughter fast asleep, fully clothed, which was completely out of character for Eleanor she never slept ou of her PJs.

One of Eleanor sibling who stirred quickly moved out of the bed to follow their mother, asked in a groggy voice "Mom, is Eli home!?" Her mother nodded, leaving the bedroom, her eyes filled with concern as she took in the state of her daughter.

She gently removed Eleanor's shoes, her heart swelling with pain as she saw how swollen her feet were. She sighed softly, trying not to wake Eleanor as she stirred in her sleep.

Her mother tucked a soft blanket around her tiny frame, shutting off the light as they retreated to the only bedroom in the small apartment.

the morning after, the sunlight streamed through the window, casting a warm glow over the modest flat, Eleanor slowly emerged from her dreamless sleep. The noise of their morning routines around her, gradually roused her from her slumber.

Her mother was already up and about, busily preparing breakfast in the compact kitchen. The sound of her two younger siblings, chatting and laughing as they got ready for school, added to the morning's din. She remembered coming in and out of consciousness
until she woke up again in a more calmer environment.

Eleanor sat up this time, rubbing her temples to shake off the remnants of sleep. For the first time in her life, she felt no urgency to rush to work. The events of the previous night still lingered in her mind, and she let out a dejected sigh as she recalled the way she had been treated by the woman she had been infatuated with. The realization that she had been so blind to the woman's true nature was almost too much to bear. It all seemed like a cruel joke now.

From the kitchen where she had been waiting for her to wake up, Eleanor's mother approached her, concern etched on her face, Eleanor couldn't help but feel a pang of guilt for worrying her. She did not thought of it the previous night, sleeping like this in the couch was bound to raise worries from her family.

She forced a weak smile, trying to reassure her mother that everything was fine, but the grimace that accompanied her attempt to stand up betrayed her true emotions. The pain that shot through her feet as she put her weight on them was a harsh reminder of the previous night's events, and she couldn't help but curse herself for being so stupid.

Her mother, Sandra, noticed the flash of pain on her daughter's face, but she chose to ignore it, instead focusing on the warmth and love that only a mother could provide. She smiled softly, her eyes crinkling at the corners, and asked,

"Baby, how are you doing? You came back pretty late yesterday." The gentle tone of her voice was what Eleanor's frazzled nerves needed to feel love, and she felt a lump form in her throat as she struggled to hold back tears.

Eleanor took a deep breath, trying to compose herself, and replied, "Mama, don't worry okay? You already took your breakfast? Where are the two angels?" She forced a bright smile, trying to deflect her mother's concern, and Sandra played along, nodding and smiling as she replied,

"Yes, pumpkin, they went to school a while ago. They told me to say they love you. I knew you started today at 10, I didn't want to rush you. I made your breakfast though."