Within The Solitude The Sunflower Blooms

Nightmare

When I woke up today, the first thing I saw was my girlfriend, Eliana. Eliana is a vision of warmth and kindness. Her soft, wavy hair cascades down her shoulders, framing her delicate face. Her eyes, a deep, soulful brown, always seem to shimmer with a gentle, caring light. She was dressed in a simple but elegant white dress that featured her graceful figure perfectly. She greeted me with a warm "Happy Birthday" and put some roses on the table by my bed. The bedroom was cosy and warmly lit by the morning sun streaming through sheer curtains. The bed was a large, inviting space with rumpled sheets and a soft comforter. On the bedside table, a vase of freshly picked roses by Eli added a touch of vibrant colour and a sweet fragrance to the room. She tried to hug me, but I jerked her hand away as I glanced at the clock on the wall ticking steadily, its hands creeping closer to the time when I must leave for work. I was really going to be late for my office. I could see the disappointment on her face, but she tried to hide it with a smile though slightly marked by disappointment, radiating genuine affection and hope and said, "Please try to come home soon, okay?"

"Mmhm," I mumbled in response, not sure whether my words even reached her.

"I'll be waiting for you."

When I headed downstairs, I saw that my mom made my favourite dessert. The kitchen was the heart of the home, filled with the aroma of freshly baked desserts. The walls were adorned with family photos and colourful artwork, adding a sense of warmth and history to the space. A large wooden table sat in the centre, laden with various breakfast items and a centrepiece of my favourite dessert, lovingly prepared by my mom.

"Happy birthday, my dear son. Look what I made! Come and try it," she said.

It's nothing new, instead more like a ritual. She will prepare it every year on my birthday. My mom is a kind-hearted woman in her fifties with a nurturing presence. Her hair is streaked with silver, adding to her dignified yet gentle demeanour. Her eyes, a warm hazel, are filled with love and concern for her children. She wore a floral apron over her comfortable home attire, an evidence to her role as the family's caregiver.

"Sorry, mom. I'm already late. I'll try it when I come back," I tried to explain.

Mom appeared disappointed, but I had to rush to work. Emilia, my older sister, chimed in, "Come on, Rio. Mom made it especially for you." Emilia is a poised and confident woman in her early thirties. She has a sophisticated aura, with neatly braided hair and a sharp, piercing gaze. Emilia was dressed in professional attire, ready for her own day at work, yet she always finds time to support our family.

Alicia, my other sister, agreed with her and said, "Yeah, she worked so hard." Alicia, the middle sister, is in her late twenties. She has a cheerful and down to earth personality, her face often lit up with a bright smile. Her casual, simple attire reflects her warmth and friendly nature. She is always the peacemaker, trying to maintain harmony in the family.

I replied impatiently, "I told you, I'll taste it when I return. Now, let me go," as I hurriedly left the house. My little brother Leo wanted to wish me for my birthday, but I pushed him away because I didn't have time for that. I was already running late. Leo, the youngest sibling, is a lively and energetic boy of around thirteen. His eyes sparkle with mischief and innocence, and his unruly hair adds to his playful charm. He looks up to his older siblings, especially me, and is always eager to share his love and excitement with me.

As expected, I was late, and on top of that, I had a busy schedule that day. The office is a bustling environment, with phones ringing and keyboards clacking.Desks are always arranged in neat rows, each one cluttered with stacks of paperwork, coffee mugs, and personal knick-knacks. The fluorescent lighting casts a stark, cold glow over the workspace, contrasting with the warm, natural light streaming in through the large windows. My desk was cluttered with stacks of paperwork and my computer screen displayed countless open tabs and emails waiting for my response. A few moments later, my mom called to know if I had reached my office safely. She would do it every day. Then I got busy with my work, diving into reports and meetings.