Im a tiny being in a humongous earth

Those Left Behind

She sat on a rock and plunge her feet once again to the cold stream. Her eyes was focused to something far away. Lena, once again will fall to a deep abyss of her own hatred. "Tatay" was the name she called her father when he was still with them. She remembered happy times with him especially when he braid her hair and called her princess. She loved his cooking, his sunny laughter and those strong hands that used to lift her high in the air. She always imitated his actions, her favorite was drawing. He used to take her to lakes, forest and mountains much to her mother's disagreement. They were partners in crime, an inseparable duo. He thought her strokes, lines and mixing color. He told her his dreams and visions. He imparted her his principles and inspiration. She loved him. He left her.

"Did you know?" Lena looked at them. "That no matter how big the house you built, if the posts were to be taken or vanished without a trace the house will collapse." She said.

Ludwig and Claire waited patiently for the continuation of Lena's story.

"The house was my dreams, my goals. I trusted him but he failed me, worst, he failed mom." Lena said with a blithe tone. She didn't felt distaste from her mouth when she talks about him anymore, she just felt exhausted.

"Are you mad?" Claire said while looking at the same place where Lena is staring.

Lena laughed with minimal emotion. "It's strange, 'cause I don't feel anything at all. I just feel...." She tilted her head and looked for the right words. "Mundane?"

Ludwig smiled down at Lena. He lifted his head towards the sky and closed his eyes. "I know that feeling kid. You're just tired."

"About?" Claire asked.

"You're tired of hating, being angry and blaming" Lena smiled at him. Someone understands. That's new. She thought.

"Lost something?" She asked

"Same. Dad problems." Claire looked at them. She saw something she never thought could see on other people. Remorse. Shadows of sadness was evident in their eyes. Everyone was carrying a different burden.

"Yeah it's such" Lena stretched. "A little problem compared to world hunger and other shits that's going around this damn world."

Claire walked towards to Lena and lifted her hand. Lena thought she's going to plummet her heavy hand to her head again. Lena closed her eyes for impact but she was surprised to feel her soft hands patting her head.

"Thank you for telling us. I finally understand people's remorse and people's emotion much more."

"Huh?" Ludwig and Lena stared at her. She wasn't smiling nor did she looked remotely thankful but they felt her sincerity.

"Another thing Lena," Lena's eyes widened as Claire said her name. It was the first time she heard her say her name. "Another thing I realized when I see you. In my opinion, People have their own share of pain, it may be different than mine or Ludwig's but it has the same effect. If it's bothering you it's worth listening to." Lena's tears suddenly pricked her eyes, she felt a heavy torn struck in her heart was lifted. It was okay, okay to feel empty to be tired. She loved her dad and her father left her alone with his big dreams and his haunting memories. She felt hatred recede from the depth of her heart and now replaced by sadness and missing the first man she ever loved, his prince charming that warded of her monsters and pushed her to dream. She let her tears drop. It's okay.