The Sound Of Your Heart

TWENTY-ONE

ERIN

As I went about my morning routine, my mind couldn't help but drift back to the strange absence of Clark's usual morning text. It was unlike him to miss even a single day of showering me with his sweet, albeit slightly annoying, gestures. I tried to push the thought aside, convincing myself that maybe he was just preoccupied with something else.
 
I took a deep breath as the lukewarm water cascaded down my body, washing away the remnants of another sleepless night. The steam filled the bathroom, creating a hazy veil around me as I stood under the showerhead. I reached for my phone, unable to resist the urge to check it once again.
 
No new messages
 
I let out a sigh of disappointment, feeling a mix of frustration and longing swirl inside me. He had promised to stay in touch and be there for me. But as the days turned into a week, his messages became sporadic, his presence in my life fading like a distant memory.
 
I shook my head, determined to rid myself of these thoughts. Today was a new day, and I refused to let disappointment weigh me down. I turned off the shower and stepped out, grabbing a fluffy towel to dry myself off. As droplets fell from my skin, I felt a renewed sense of hope blossoming within me.
 
Drying myself briskly, I took meticulous care in selecting my clothes for the day. A simple yet elegant blue dress caught my eye, and I quickly slipped it on, appreciating the way it hugged my curves. Determined not to let my disappointment overshadow my grand plans for the day, I squared my shoulders and zipped up my bag.
 
Heading down the stairs, the creaking wood beneath my feet reminded me of the countless memories I had in this house. Yet I couldn't help but feel a twinge of loneliness in my heart as if a vital piece of the puzzle was still missing.

Stepping into the kitchen, the aroma of freshly brewed coffee wafted through the air, filling my senses with a familiar warmth.
 
"Good morning, sweetie." Mom greeted me as she came up to me, hugged me, and looked at my face properly. There was a warmth in her eyes, a love so deep that it seemed to fill the entire room. I smiled back at her, feeling the comforting embrace of a mother's love.
 
"So gorgeous," she said, smiling at me. My heart skipped a beat as her piercing eyes met mine.
 
"The two gorgeous ladies of my life," we heard Dad say from the kitchen counter, holding his cup of coffee, his voice filled with love and admiration.
 
"Thank you!" Mommy and I said it together, so we laughed. My parents are really like this; every time they see me, they never stop praising me. They believe I possess extraordinary talents, and their constant encouragement fills my heart with warmth.

After a while, the three of us ate breakfast together and left the warm confines of our cozy home. It was a routine we had come to cherish, a simple yet precious tradition that brought us closer as a family. Dad, being a police officer, was often whisked away in the early hours of the morning to serve our community. Today was no different.

As we finished our breakfast, the faint sound of approaching sirens gradually grew louder, signaling Dad's imminent departure. Moments later, his co-worker's police car pulled up to our driveway, its flashing lights casting an ethereal glow on our front porch. Dad stood up, kissed Mom on the cheek, and exchanged a quick goodbye with me before heading towards the car.

I watched them from the kitchen window as Dad settled into the passenger seat, his uniform crisp and his resolve unwavering. It always amazed me how he could uphold justice with such unwavering dedication. The police car's door closed with a solid thud, and it roared to life, echoing through the silent morning air.

With one final wave, Dad disappeared down the road, leaving behind a void in our little home. However, I knew he would return, as he always did, bringing with him stories of heroism and moments of humanity that reminded us of the good in the world.

Once Dad was gone, Mom and I gathered our belongings and walked outside, the chill of the morning air nipping at our skin. Our family vehicle, parked beside the police car, was a stark contrast to its powerful presence. A red sedan, it had witnessed countless family adventures and sentimental journeys.