WHEN YOU'RE CLOSER

CHAPTER 8

Years ago, I had a complete family. We were happy. We were so contented with everything we had. Despite that, I don't know where we went wrong.

Even if you have not planned it to go this way, it turns out unexpectedly. Happiness is nowhere to be found this time. One day, you are full of emotions that make you think that you are complete and you have nothing to wish for, but then, one day, you'll realize that everything does not feel right anymore. All you feel is emptiness that is so hard to fill. 

Life turns out disappointing, honestly. I was dreaming happily before. I was looking forward and I couldn't even look back because of the excitement I felt. However, things could surprise you unexpectedly and make you look back. Again, and again. 

"Drink this first, Aster," says Mina who handed me a bottle of water. "It's the only thing I had here," she chuckles. 

I laughed. "As expected, Mina. You are too old for any drinks except water." I shrug. 

"Don't make me look too old, Aster." She eyed me and pouted. 

"You're now getting sensitive, huh?" I teased. 

She rolled her eyes. "Old people thingy." 

"People may think you're my grandma," 

"Hey!" she scolded and creased her brows. 

"I'm telling the truth, you know that. Come on. Are you not happy to be my grandma?" I asked acting offended. 

"Don't make me feel bad, Aster. You can't fool me, okay? I am old but not that old." 

"Yeah, yeah. If you say so," I gave up and drank the water she gave me. 

"So, you said you have a cafe now," she asks randomly. "Is it doing well?" 

I exhaled and smiled. "It is. It's been five months and I could say it's surviving on its own. And it's quite successful, I guess?" 

She nods. "That's good. I'm happy that you are now living independently. And I hope you're happy and enjoying your life." She gave me a warm smile. 

"My cafe is doing well and that's all I could ask for, Mina." I smiled gently. 

"You think so?" she looks at me intently. Looking at her face makes me remember someone. 

"It's been years and all I did was to survive, Mina. If my cafe wasn't there, I don't think I could be in front of you right now." 

"That bad?" she asked me sadly, sympathizing. 

I nod slowly. "The feeling of drowning but your body is paralyzed. And even if your body is not paralyzed, you'll think about whether you'll save yourself or not. Up until it's too late to decide." 

"You did well, Aster. I am so proud of how you reached this far." She said and hugged me tightly but you can feel the gentleness. 

"Thank you for listening to my rants about life, Mina."  I sincerely smiled. 

"Well, thank you for sharing." She tapped my back. "You are always free to come here and say anything you want. I will listen intently and hug you if you need one. My time will always be free to you." 

"I'm still your favorite, huh?" I teased. 

"Shut up. You know you will always be." She rolled her eyes and jokingly hit my shoulder. 

"I'm overwhelmed." I smiled. "How come you've been living by yourself until now? Well, seriously, you are not in that age where you should do all the chores here." I explained. 

"I'm not that old. I can manage." She pouted. 

"I know, okay? But you have a huge house, Mina. You clean this all by yourself?" 

"I have a cleaner once a week. And I have someone who regularly checks on me every day. For my meds." She simply shrugs. 

"That's good to hear," I commented. 

"Sleep here for tonight, Aster." She offered. 

I shake my head. "Thanks, but there's no need. I still have something to do." 

"Well, then. Come back, okay?" she encouraged.

"Will surely do, Mina. Take care of yourself, hmm? I'll be back the next day."

"Looking forward to it, then." She hugged me for the last time as I went back to where Landon was. 

When I entered Landon's apartment, I saw him still sleeping. It was almost midnight when I arrived. Thankfully, he told me his passcode earlier so I did not need to call him to open his door for me. 

I checked his temperature when I got to his room and it's not that high now. I sighed in relief. I went to my apartment later on when I had nothing to do there. I just left a note saying he should drink his meds tomorrow morning. It's a tiring day yet overwhelming. I am happy that I finally dared to meet Mina after a year. 

All the time I need someone to lean on, Mina's there. She listens to my burdens. She'll hug me whenever I need it. Sadly, I had to go away because of my problem. The problem where there's no solution at all. 

"Thank you for taking care of me yesterday, love." Says Landon who's holding a bouquet of pink roses in his hands. "A thank you gift."

"No need to. I'm glad you're well now." I smiled softly. 

"It's because of you, though." He pouted and seated. 

"Shut up. Anyway, you're not busy?" I asked in confusion. 

"I filed a leave yesterday for one week." 

"That's good for you. You need to relax since you've been stressed out these past few weeks. You deserve some leave." 

"That's true. Can you come with me?" asked while smiling like a puppy. 

"What do you want?" I frowned, taking a hint where it would lead. 

He smiled innocently and puppy-eyed me. "Please?" 

"Maybe you forgot that I owned a cafe?" I asked sarcastically. "I can't come with you, I'm sorry." 

"A two-day trip won't hurt, love." Still trying to persuade me. "Please?" 

"Landon," I lowly said, warning him. 

"I could manage this cafe for two days, Aster." Said Loly from the counter. There's no customer as of the moment so she's not busy as of now. 

I gaze at Landon and say, "You persuaded Loly first, don't you?" 

He smiled awkwardly. "Loly said she could cover for you." 

"I'll think about it," accompanied with a look. "And Loly? How dare you?" 

She showed me a peace sign. "He said it will be good for you," she murmured.

"Don't give me that excuse, Loly. What's the deal? The real deal." Emphasizing the word real. 

"He'll pay for my day," she said, almost whispering. 

I sighed deeply and nodded. "I don't have an ally here, huh?" 

"Love," called Landon softly. "I just want you to enjoy it also, okay? I'm sure you haven't been on vacation since you opened this cafe. Right?"

"And when do you plan to go?" I asked while gazing at him. 

"Tomorrow morning, if that's okay?" 

I scoff. "As if I had a choice?" 

He smiled innocently. "Right. See you tomorrow, love!" he exclaimed and did a little jump. He didn't waste any time and went away.