The Cold Reaper

Chapter 1.1. - made with love

Grief was all around. Since Lillia's parents recently died in the accident, far away from London, everything felt like chaos. Sitting curled up on the window ledge she stared out onto the busy street. Nothing was out of the ordinary, cars passed, people waited at the traffic lights to cross over, customers entered and exited stores, people coming home from work. A pidgeon landed on the roof across the street. Lillia felt empty. How, how could that have happened. How could they just be gone now? They always were so protective and well thought, they always kept greatest care that I am safe and happy. Also they were always prepared for any situation. They never were in debt, always carried reserve fuel in the trunk of their car, even a backup generator in our basement for the case of an electrical fallout was just ordinary for them. They never took any risks. They were obsessed with safety, not in an intrusive way, but they never left anything up for chance. And now they are just.. dead?
Lillia curled up more on the window ledge.

Her 20th birthday was about to come in a couple days. Lillia thought a lot what to do about it. A party might have been a really good distraction, but in her current state interacting with people felt nothing more than a duty or even a burden. Her parents said that they planned something big and exciting but they didn't get to tell her, and no one else knew about it either. What a shame, they would have been so happy.

Lillia leaned her head against the cold window as she remembered her birthdays and how fun they always were. Her dad, Greg, always knew how to celebrate. But not just that, he was a genius in every imaginable way. He was full of ideas and always tried out new things. And Millie, her mom, understood people without hearing a single word from them and obviousy she also was an excellent negotiator. Talking with her sometimes felt.. strange, as if words didn't mean a lot, but at the same time every conversation with her was filled with an incredible warmth. It felt strange sometimes, but never uncomfortable. Greg and Millie always got along great. Lillia never noticed a single problem between them. They were like a clockwork, always working hand in hand. They rarely even disagreed with each other and when they did they always found a compromise within a short time.

Dark clouds started to fill the sky. A flock of birds passed high over the street. "Liiilliaaa, dinner is ready", aunt Olivia shouted up the stairs. After a last glance over to the pidgeon on the roof she dropped her legs off the window ledge and slowly stepped down on the floor. Her room was a mess, an incredible mess. It was so messy that it made her dizzy to just look at her room. Her small bed was full with clothes, shirts, pants, dresses and a lot more. Her room was way too small to fit in all her things she took with her when she moved in with her aunt and uncle from her mother's side. All over the floor were boxes filled with things she might need or just didnt want to leave at her old place where she lived with her parents. Some were closed others were opened and half empty. Things were laying all over the floor. The shelves in her room filled with trinkets that reminded her of better times, but at the same time they made her miss these. At least aunt Olivia and uncle Sid didn't mind. They were very nice and understanding people. They Always looked out for each other and everyone around them.

As Lillia went down the stairs she heard Olivia saying: "I hope she will pull through, she worries me a lot." "I'm sure of that, she got a lot from her parents," Sid answered shortly while reading his news paper. "I'm here," Lillia said quietly as she came into the kitchen. Olivia tried to smile, put Lillia's plate filled with delicious food on the table and sat down. "Did you think about your birthday yet?" Sid asked as Lillia sat down too, hidden behind his newspaper. "I don't think that I want to celebrate it, I need some time for myself I guess," Lillia answered silently. Sid lifted his head so he could see Lillia. "Are you sure?" he asked. "Pretty sure," Lillia answered. Sid folded away his newspaper as lillia started to eat her dish. She turned her head over to her aunt: "The food tastes great Livy." Her aunt smiled: "Sure it does, it's made with love."