Where Iris Bloom

Ch. 44 Embers to Flame

Days passed after their outreach to the more distant cluster of the village. They had successfully reached the entire population of the clustered villages on the other side of the mountain. Conquering harsh weather conditions, they pressed forward to the other side of the community, aided by the generous help and support of the locals.

They were down to their last day in the village and everyone had eventually grown accustomed to the way of living in the village. It was an eye opener for all of them realizing that while they are living the privilege of abundant life, there are people who still thrives to survive in scarcity. It made them appreciate the value of simple things they're lucky to live with which seemed like a luxury for the vast majority of people.

Their last day was intended for them to rest and prepare for the long journey back to the city, back home. They were all busy packing up their stuff except for Iris. Louise was anticipating the time she'll get to spend with the younger doctor on their way home coz she'll be riding with her since Iris didn't brought her car.

"Done packing?" Louise inquired when Iris got out of their hut and took a sit beside her.

Iris smiled and shook her head like she's up to something else but going back home.

Home.

"You need some help?" Louise quipped, still clueless about what the younger doctor had in mind. All she could think of was spending a little time with her, with Kim temporarily out of the picture.

"I think..." Iris paused. "I won't be going back home with you guys. I'm staying." Iris revealed with a meek smile.

Louise never thought of the younger doctor's change of heart. Shock was an understatement. "Did she asked you to stay?" She asked condescendingly, unintentionally letting out the question with a stinging voice. It baffled her how Kim easily alter the younger doctor's mind.

"Actually, she doesn't know about it yet." Iris confessed. Kim left early to head to the local market with Agosto. The older woman wanted to prepare something special thinking Iris would leave tomorrow morning.

Iris never heard Kim insinuating nor implying on any context that she'd like her to stay though she can read the sadness in her eyes, it wasn't pleading but more-of hopeful. All the while, the older woman purely expressed how grateful she was to be given a chance to spend time with her. If there was something Iris would like to commend, it was the older woman's consistency with everything she had mentioned and promised before they parted a year ago.

The progress Kim has made was as clear as daylight. She has finally proven herself and is desperate to make up for all of her faults in the past. Deep inside, Kim acknowledges that the damage she has caused has left a tremendous scar – it's been one step forward and three steps back.

"Iris," Louise cleared her throat. "I may not know all of the things she's done to you but I know it shattered you, but here you are. When are you gonna choose yourself first?" Louise asked inquisitively, the hint of bitterness lingering around her words.

"I did." Iris smiled haughtily. "I did chose myself a year ago, Lou. I walked away coz I was so drained and on the brink of being empty. I withdrew myself when I realized I was about to lose who I really am. I did chose myself that's why I am here."

"Then why are you choosing to give yourself to her again when all she did was hurt you?" Louise seemed lost in her own mind.

"Lou, yes she hurt me but that's not enough to weigh down how happy she made me. I guess I came to her life a tad early and thought I could fix things. While people perceive her as a cold-hearted and intimidating person, I saw a different her behind closed doors. I saw her when no one else did, she made me feel things no one has ever made me feel." Iris carefully said.