LOST LOVE

BAKING DAY

**Catherine's POV**

I glanced at the clock on the nightstand. It read 8:30 a.m. I had stayed up late last night, and James still hadn't come home. Not that I was surprised. I went to the bathroom for a quick shower and then headed to the kitchen. The fridge was almost empty; it was time for some shopping, I thought. I managed to make do with what was left.

James arrived with a smile, but it faded as soon as he saw me. He was wearing a different shirt—one I hadn't seen before. He went straight to our bedroom and, after a few minutes, left again without a word. No "hi," no "bye." I felt invisible.

After breakfast, I occupied myself with the daily chores, trying to distract myself from my jumbled thoughts. Suddenly, a girl appeared behind me.

"Cat..." she said, trying to scare me and almost succeeding.

"Serena, you scared me," I said, breathing heavily. She was our neighbor, and she often dropped by unannounced.

"That was my intention," Serena smiled. I shook my head; I had chores to finish.

She took the plates from my hands and dried them with a cloth.

"What brings you here?" I asked, eyeing her suspiciously.

"Can't I visit just for fun?" she answered innocently.

"Of course you can," I replied, which made her smile.

"Did James go to the office?" she asked, looking around.

"Yeah," I answered slowly.

"Cat, let's bake some cakes today!" she suggested.

"Why suddenly?" I asked. I wasn't in the mood for baking. James didn't eat what I prepared, so it felt pointless.

"Tomorrow is my boyfriend's birthday. I want to bake a cake myself," she said proudly.

"Then go ahead and prepare it," I said, returning to my work.

"Cat, you know I'm terrible at cooking. How can I make a cake?" She stopped me from working.

I took the dish from her and asked, "So?"

"So, you have to help me," she insisted. "I'll help with your housework," she added, darting to the sink to start washing the dishes.

I laughed at her silliness. Serena was deeply in love with Derek. She had introduced him to me before, and he seemed quite friendly.

"Done," she announced. "Come to my house and help me," she said, pulling me along.

"Serena, let me close the door," I said loudly. She ran back to the front door and closed it.

Her house was next door, separated by a brick wall. If I cried loudly from my house, she could hear me.

Serena opened the door. Her house was neat—a rarity for her.

"You arranged everything?" I asked.

"Yeah," she replied. "If he wants to spend time here, you know," she winked at me.

"Hey, well planned," I complimented her on her thoughtful arrangements.

We spent the next few hours in the kitchen, baking the cake together. Finally, everything was set, and I sank onto the couch.

"Don't call me for this again," I warned her.

"Sorry, madam, I took up a lot of your precious time," she said dramatically, kneeling on the ground.

"Cat, what else should I arrange for his birthday?" she asked, sitting beside me.

"How would I know?" I didn't have an answer.

"Where is he now?" I inquired. Derek had been traveling a lot.

"He's with his sister," Serena replied.

"So you're not going to her house?" I asked.

"No. He won't like it. He'll be here in the evening," she answered happily.

"Okay. Then I'll head home," I said as I left her house.

I was genuinely happy to see her smile. It reminded me of my high school days. But now, responsibilities stood between us. Sometimes I wished we were still just friends, or even lovers before marriage—friends who supported each other. As life changes, so do people.

Approaching my house felt daunting. It was as if something inside was waiting to overwhelm me. If I closed my eyes, it would consume me.

I went to our bedroom. The bed was neatly arranged. I lay down and closed my eyes. When I awoke, my body was drenched in sweat. I had a nightmare about falling, only to be saved by two hands that weren't James's—someone else who seemed similar. Why wasn't it James? I couldn't understand why someone else appeared in my dream.

I picked up my phone and dialed my mom's number.

*Phone Call*

**Me:** Mom.

**Mom:** Cat, how are you? Wait—everything alright!?

**Me:** I'm fine, Mom.

**Mom:** Cat?

**Me:** I just had a bad dream.

**Mom:** Ha ha ha. It's alright, child.

**Me:** Do dreams sometimes come true in real life?

**Mom:** Sometimes.

**Me:** Mmm.

**Mom:** Cat, don't worry. Everything has a reason.

**Me:** I'll come to see you tomorrow.

**Mom:** Really?

**Me:** Yes.

**Mom:** That's great. It's been a long time since I've seen you.

**Me:** I miss you, Mom.

**Mom:** Cat, are you crying?

**Me:** No, Mom.

**Mom:** If something's bothering you, you can tell me anytime. Your mom is always here.

**Me:** Okay, Mom. We'll see each other tomorrow.

I couldn't continue the conversation. Tears streamed down my face uncontrollably. I didn't know what was troubling me. It had been a long time since I had laughed openly and heartily.

I needed to see Mom. Spending time with her and reminiscing would be comforting. I felt a bit relieved with a goal for tomorrow.

James came home from the office. I told him I would be visiting my mom the next day. He seemed indifferent, focused solely on his phone and often smiling at it.

---