Our beloved youth

2: Responsibilities

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PRESENT TIME

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"Emma dear, wake up~" Elina called gently as she tried to wake her daughter. Emma just wiggled a little, not wanting to leave her dreams.

"Emm—" Elina's words were cut off by the doorbell. She let Emma sleep a bit longer and went to open the door.

"Emma!!!!! Aunt Jiya is here!!!!" Jiya exclaimed excitedly as she stepped inside, her energy filling the room. Elina, standing by the door with her arms folded, shook her head at Jiya's childish enthusiasm.

"She's still asleep. You sit, I'll prepare some tea for you," Elina said, closing the front door behind her.

"Okay~" Jiya replied, plopping down on the couch and scrolling through her Instagram feed.

Soon, Elina returned with the tea and found Jiya still engrossed in her phone. She set the cups down and took a seat.

"You must stop getting so addicted to Instagram," Elina chided gently.

"What can I do when you've turned into such an old woman~" Jiya teased, setting her phone aside and picking up her cup of tea.

"Yeah, yeah~ I'm an old woman now~ I said that for your own good. You should know better as a doctor!" Elina retorted, taking a sip of her tea.

Jiya put her cup down and looked at Elina with a mix of concern and sadness. "You've changed so much..."

Elina laughed it off. "Oh gosh, Jiya. Just because I told you not to use Instagram doesn't mean I've changed that much."

Jiya shook her head and took Elina's hand, her expression serious. "No, Elina, you know very well what I'm talking about. Why don't you just try to—"

"No, I won't. Especially when I have Emma's responsibilities," Elina interrupted firmly.

"I used to think about trying to find about him, but I can't anymore," Elina said, her voice tinged with finality.

Jiya sighed, looking at her friend with sympathy. "Elina, it might sound harsh, but is it right for you to only think about Emma and not about yourself? I care about Emma, but I also care about you. You're my best friend, and I can't bear to see you this way."

"I know, but—" Elina tried to speak but found no words. Jiya continued, "But what, Elina?"

"What if someday she comes ba—" Jiya's words were cut off by a small voice.

"Aunt Jiya!!!!" Emma called, rubbing her eyes as she approached and hugged Jiya. Jiya gulped, quickly changing the mood as she smiled brightly. "Emma!!"

Emma parted from the hug and Jiya tucked her hair behind her ear. "How are you, Emma?"

"I'm fine. Where's Uncle Ross?" Emma asked as she sat beside Jiya. Jiya smiled softly. "He's at work, but I'll bring him next time!"

Emma mouthed an "O" and then exclaimed, "You know, yesterday I saw your high school pictures!" Jiya smiled. "Really?!"

"Yeah! You looked so cool, like a pop star!" Emma said, her eyes sparkling. Jiya laughed, and Emma continued, "Mom was telling me about everyone," she said, glancing at Elina, who seemed lost in her thoughts, her eyes brimming with tears.

What if Emma too leaves me..... 

"Are you crying, Mom?" Emma asked, frowning. Elina quickly composed herself, her voice breaking slightly as she replied, "No, dear... Something got in my eye."

Emma, worried, asked, "Is it an ouchie? Shall I bring a cloth for you?" Elina chuckled, shaking her head.

"By the way, Jiya, what brought you here?" Elina asked, looking at Jiya, who suddenly remembered her reason for visiting. She took an invitation card from her bag and handed it to Elina. "Ross and I are getting married next week. As I promised, the first invitation card goes to you."

Elina's face lit up with excitement. "That's the best news I've heard today! We will definitely come!"

"Aunty, can I invite my friend?" Emma asked eagerly.

"Yes, for sure!" Jiya replied with a smile.

"Okay, I should get going," Jiya said, heading towards the door with Elina and Emma following her outside.

"Congratulations again, and make sure to bring Ross next time," Elina said with a warm smile.

"Yes, and take care, Elina," Jiya said before leaving.

Elina closed the door and walked back inside with Emma.

"Mom, is something bothering you?" Emma asked suddenly. Elina quickly composed herself, putting on a smile to mask her emotions.

"No, dear, nothing's bothering me," she said with a small smile, pulling Emma into a hug. Emma hugged her back tightly and whispered softly with a smile, 

"Thank you mom..."

To be continued