All Hope is not Lost

Remember when we first met

MAY 17 2015 

the sun is shining. the weather seems hot, and the sound of birds chirping could be heard. I grabbed my scarf and slid it around my neck. Combing the short curly hair. 

''Neh" 

hearing a low voice from behind me I turned my head

"yes, mama?"

you forget that we have to go to the supermarket. remember it's your birthday tomorrow? she said while patting my head

Nope I'm getting ready 

The sound of giggling could hear from afar. A pure smile. I was ten years old. sliding my fingers in my mother's hand. wearing that Hawaii hat. just like a princess walks, and shines on her holidays. no sign of storms no fear of conflicts. feels like heaven. 

Entering the market we brought candles, and other items. 

"hey mama"  I grabbed her arm and said 

look here is a park I wanna play there

she scoffed 

"No, we don't have time for it," She said while pulling me with her

" Oh hey, Karan! "

she turned her heels to see who was calling her. There was a woman and a boy. 

"Oh, Jane! it's you if I am not mistaken? "

both of them hugged each other. I smiled at her. 

"Is she your daughter?"
she pinched my cheek. she seems so sweet. she had brown silky hair, big eyes and a white skin tone she was so pretty. Both of them started to chat and my eyes drove on the figure of the boy. He had brown curly hair and a bag with a toy piano in his hand. He seems older than me. I smiled at him but he turned his head the other way.

"Here meet my son vaiz" she looked up at her son.

"He grew up so fast I saw him years ago before you moved abroad, ad" mom said.
"Tomorrow is Neh's birthday Her father arranged a family gathering You two should come as well" she continued

"We will, I'm so happy to meet you again Karan," jane said

The boy seems quiet. unbothered by all conversation maybe he doesn't like talking? After saying goodbye we went off and spent all the time at home.

Next Day

at the event. All of us were greeting the guests. Dad and mom were busy with friends, and relatives. I was playing with my friends

"Hey Neh Your headband is so cute"
My friend said. I giggled at her compliment she started running. Suddenly I spotted a boy sitting on the chair alone. I took a close glimpse it was vaiz... aunt jane's son.
"You wanna play?" I asked while pouting. He shook his head as "No"

"Why? you don't like running??"
He didn't answer.
"Do you like playing with toys? I have so many–

"Don't annoy me I don't wanna play with anything" He said
He makes me so angry. All kids like to play with is he an adult?

I scoffed at him and walked away with red cheeks angrily. He stared t me from behind.

"Hey Neh Happy Birthday" Aunty jane showed up and started to caress my head.
"Thank you," I said and give her a smile
Time passed and my father and mother called me to blow candles.
I pfft and All goes cheering. It was so mesmerizing.
There were a lot of gifts. I felt a hand on my shoulder and turned
"Happy Birthday," Vaiz said while handing me a wrapped box.
I frowned at him. He is acting in front of his mom.......well.
"Thank you," I said and took the box from his hand
"Thank you" I accepted the gift from his hands.
He looked at me shyly. And then our parents started to chat.

Days week passed and we got a call

"Hello?" Karan said
I tilt my head looking up at my mom's teary face.
"What How?" She said with her hitched breath.
Chills run down my body.
"Mama...???" I said

"Neh we need to go to auntie's house?"  She said and we left home

I can't believe it. The deadly smell of flowers was all around. Everyone was crying. Aunty Jane and her husband died in a car accident. My mom was with the others. It is so heartbreaking. She was such a good soul. She used to love me a lot. I saw a little figure leaning against the door crying all mess. I feel bad for him.
"They will be heaven. a better place doesn't cry" I said while hugging him and wrapping my arms around him.
He look at me and cried.

(to be continued)