𝐚𝐝𝐦𝐢𝐫𝐞 ||| 𝐰𝐚𝐲𝐯 (𝟐)

[ 𝟏𝟔 ]

"Mingxia! Dinner is ready!" My mom called.

I placed a bookmark in the book I was currently reading: Douluo Dalu by Tang Jia San Shao. As I got off the sofa and sat down at the dining table, the aroma of spice entered my nostrils. My mom placed two bowls on the table and I thanked her as I reached out for my chopsticks. With the first bite of the noodles entered the savory and spicy flavor.

"The food is delicious, Ma," I glanced up and watched her eat.

"You know, it was your father's favorite food," she replied, her small voice breaking the silence.

Some part of me knew that it was my father's death anniversary today, but I didn't want to acknowledge it. My eyes lowered to the bowl, the Dan Dan Mian triggered a picture of my dad in my mind. Slightly shaking my head, I continued eating and so did my mom until she excused herself. My eyes were fixed on her back as she climbed up the stairs, her head hanging low and her shoulders drooping. I blinked a couple of times, unsure of what to do, so I resumed my dinner. But the taste of Dan Dan Mian became dull with every next bite. I placed my chopsticks aside and glanced at my mom's unfinished bowl, then mine.

8 years ago, my mom and I sat at the same dining table placed in a larger living room. The lights flickered dim white then, unlike the warm yellow ones over my head. Back then, there were three plates in total--one for each of us--and the food gathered in the middle of the table. I still sat across from my mom, but her hands were shaking at the time. Her voice was frantic as she spoke on the phone followed by her dainty fingertips that turned off the phone and placed it on the table. I clearly remember her quivering lips as she told me about how dad died in his office that got on fire. The next thing I remember was her arms wrapped around me, both of our tears flowing.

Following my gut, I walked upstairs and peeked into my mom's room. She kneeled in front of her nightstand, her head still low. She sniffled every few seconds as if she was trying to hold back her tears. When I sat down next to her, she swiftly turned her head. I wrapped my arms around her, laying my head on her shoulder.

My mom is a strong woman. She has always been strong. But sometimes, everyone needs to let out their feelings. Crying isn't a weakness, it is a way to express that you care.

After a few minutes, we sat next to each other, letting the silence pass the time. My eyes followed her gaze to the small photo frame she placed back on the nightstand. (describe the family photograph). A quiet voice filled the room once again as my mom cleared her throat.

"After your father passed away, I realized that I would be taking care of you as a single parent. But after we moved to Hong Kong and you began fourth grade, it really hit me that you would be living with a single parent. I tried to make your life as complete as I could, but I know I couldn't have done everything that two parents together could do. I hope that I have taught you well these past years and I hope that you are happy. Obstacles are going to come and go, but don't lose hope. Find the rainbow even in the stormiest of days," she placed both of her hands on my shoulders and looked into my eyes. "Your Pa and Ma will always be there for you. If not physically, then in your heart."

Tiny bubbles had formed in my mom's eyes, and I clenched my jaw to hold back my tears. However, when I felt her gentle fingertips on my eyes, I couldn't help but sob and bury my face in her chest.

After a while, I pulled away and whispered, "Let's go back and finish dinner."

"Wait, I have something for you."

I watched my mom reach out for a small box wrapped in light blue paper. I thank her for the gift and open it right away, surprised at the phone inside.

"I believe it is time you need this. You'll be going away to college soon so keep this carefully and make sure to stay in touch with me, okay?" her voice cracked. "I'll miss you a lot"

The you