The Life of Eniola (rewriting story)

Chapter 21

My energy levels are extremely low to start the day, but I must do my best to make it through. I reluctantly get out of the bed, walk slowly to the bathroom and get into the shower and brush my teeth.

As I go to work, I don't think I will even have the energy or the motivation to do anything, given that I have to go to my mother's graveyard in memory of her after work. After I turned on the computer, I sat in my chair and just stared at it.

Kianna's POV:

Kianna notices Elena's body language unusual because she believes this is different from her normal behaviour; therefore, she approaches her to learn what's wrong. Pulling out a chair, she sits next to Elena.

"Elena, are you alright?" She asks, concern written all over her face.

There is a moment of silence between them.

"No, I not." She says. She looks down at her fingers.

Kianna figures that Elena does not want to explain much further so she chooses not to ask her any more questions out of respect. Kianna asks her to go outside for some fresh air to make her feel a bit better. They sit on a bench and she takes out her spare earphones to share with Elena and they lean on each other. Kianna picks a playlist from Spotify and starts to play it.

"I specifically chose this playlist, for me listening to sad songs can be beneficial. As an example of mood regulation, sad music facilitates the listener's ability to disconnect from distressing situations and focus on the beauty of the music. There are times, I feel, where the lyrics resonate with your personal experience. Do you know what I mean?"

There is a nod of agreement.

                                                                                        *****

Elena's POV:

It takes an hour and a half to reach the location. She takes the flowers with her and walks to the graveyard. There she locates the grave of her mother.

"Mum, I am here." Her tears flow uncontrollably.

"I r-r-r-really miss you." Her voice breaks between sobs. A handkerchief is retrieved from her handbag and she uses it to wipe away her tears. Standing up to dust herself and leave, she places the flowers on the gravestone and looks back at it once before leaving the graveyard.

"OMG, is that you, Elena?" Someone exclaimed out of nowhere and she turned around to see where the voice came from.

"Oh, hey Tapiwa.How are you doing?"

I used to work at the same school as Tapiwa, who I consider a close friend and former colleague. Before heading off in separate directions, Tapiwa and Elena exchange contact information.

When she reaches home, she feels drained and exhausted that she cannot be bothered to cook a full dinner, so she prepares noodles topped with hot sauce and cheese.

That night, Elena cried herself to sleep.