Entangled Fates: SaMo

Chapter 5

[SANA'S POV]

The morning sun pierced through the curtains, and I reluctantly opened my eyes, greeted by the unwelcome intrusion of daylight. As someone who's never been a morning person, waking up feels like a chore, especially after the challenging week I've just endured as the CEO of a demanding company. Dragging myself out of bed, I threaded through the expansive rooms of my mansion. The maids, with their polite smiles, greeted me as I descended the grand staircase. My mind, however, was still trapped in the relentless demands of the corporate world.

Breakfast awaited me on the polished dining table, a display of culinary mastery prepared by the diligent staff. I mechanically picked up the fork, stabbing at the food on my plate. Each bite was flavorless, the taste of success sourced by the lingering stress of the past week. Silence surrounded the room as the maids continued their duties. Their presence is a mere sound to my solitary contemplation. The weight of responsibility pressed upon my shoulders, and the grandeur of the mansion offered little solace.

With each passing moment, the solitude became a refuge, shielding me from the outside world. I consumed my meal in stoic silence, unwilling to share the burden of my thoughts with those around me. The maids, accustomed to my taciturn mornings, moved gracefully, their efficiency a stark contrast to the chaos of my personal life. As I finished the last bite, I rose from the table, leaving the remnants of the morning ritual behind. The day awaited, and the mansion, despite its opulence, couldn't shield me from the challenges that lay ahead. With a sigh, I moved forward, ready to face another day at the helm, leaving the breakfast table devoid of conversation and my thoughts locked away in the silent corridors of my mind.

The warm water cascaded down my body, covering me in a soothing embrace as I stood beneath the showerhead. The bathroom was filled with gentle steam, creating a serene atmosphere. Just as I was lost in the tranquility of the moment, the familiar chime of a text message disrupted the calm. I reached for the phone, finding a message from Mina, my childhood friend and confidante. Her name on the screen brought an immediate smile to my face. "Hey Sana! Are you getting ready?" Mina's text read. "I don't want us to be late like last time. Missed you so much! Sorry for being caught up in the whirlwind of being an actress."

The mention of our last outing made me chuckle. It wasn't the first time we'd lost track of time, engrossed in our own laughter and shared memories. I quickly typed my response, the water droplets on my fingers making the screen a bit slippery.

Don't worry, Mina! I'm on it. Just finishing up in the shower. Miss you too! Can't wait to catch up. And no need to apologize - I know how busy you are." As the water continued to cleanse both body and mind, I couldn't help but feel a surge of gratitude for having Mina in my life. Despite the demands of her acting career, she always made time for our friendship. I rinsed off the soap, a sense of anticipation building for the reunion that awaited us. With a refreshed spirit and heart full of fond memories, I stepped out of the shower, ready to embark on another adventure with Mina.

Slipping into the impeccable pair of Prada shoes, I marveled at the rarity of the moment. One of only five dresses in the world, and here I was, adorned in its elegance. The fine fabric embraced me like a second skin, and as I stood before the mirror, I couldn't help but acknowledge the privilege of wearing such a masterpiece. The reflection staring back at me exuded a timeless sophistication. Every detail of the ensemble, from the carefully chosen accessories to the perfectly styled hair, contributed to an image that felt like a manifestation of refined grace.

As I admired myself in the mirror, the distant but persistent calls of the maids reached my ears. "Ms. Sana, Ms. Myoui has arrived. She's waiting for you downstairs in her car," their voices echoed through the spacious residence. With a final glance at the mirror, ensuring every detail was in the place, I made my way towards the door. The click of my heels against the polished floor resonated through the hallway as I walked down the stairs.

Approaching Mina's sleek car, I couldn't help but notice its unfamiliar design. The sun glinted off the polished surface, revealing a new addition to Mina's collection. I opened the door and slid into the passenger seat, unable to contain my curiosity. "Wow, Mina! Is this a new car?" I inquired, gesturing to the stylish interior. Mina beamed with pride as she settled into the driver's seat. "Yes!! Just got it. An Audi R8. Can you believe it?" I chuckled, knowing Mina's penchant for cars. "Another one? Your collection is growing faster than I can keep up!" She laughed, her eyes gleaming with excitement. "I know, I know. But it's not just any car. I've been eyeing this beauty for ages!" I couldn't help but raise an eyebrow. "Ages, huh? How long is ages in Mina's time?" Mina playfully rolled her eyes. "Okay, maybe not ages. More like two weeks. But it felt like an eternity! You know how it is when you find the one." Teasing her about her swift decision making, I nodded. "Of course, the heart wants what it wants, even if it's a shiny new car."

Mina started the engine, the purr of the Audi resonating through the air. "Exactly! Plus, my career's taking off, and I thought I'd treat myself – and my favorite co-pilot, of course." I chuckled at the title, "co-pilot." "Well lucky me! Let's see what this beauty can do."

As we drove off to our familiar volunteering spot, the engine's hum accompanied our laughter. Mina's love for cars might be a tad extravagant, but it was part of her charm. Mina expertly parked the car; I glanced up at the familiar building that had become a monthly destination for us. The hospital loomed before us, a place that held both somber memories and the promise of making a difference. We'd been volunteering here for over a year now, helping cancer patients navigate the challenges of their journey.

The weight of my mother's absence echoed in my heart as I gazed at the entrance. It had been two years since she left this world, leaving an indelible void. The pain of that loss was what led me to this place, a place where I could channel my grief into compassion for others fighting their battles. "Ready for another day of making a difference?" Mina asked, breaking the silence as she turned off the ignition. I nodded, a mixture of gratitude and sadness in my eyes. "Always, Mina. You know how much this means to me." Mina gave my hand a reassuring squeeze, her unwavering support a balm of lingering sorrow. "I'm here for you, Sana. We'll get through this together, just like we always do."

As we stepped out of the car and headed towards the hospital entrance, memories of the countless times we'd spent with patients flooded my mind. Rolling wheelchairs to appointments, sharing stories, offering comfort – each moment held a special place in our hearts. Entering the hospital, we exchanged smiles with the familiar faces at the reception desk. Today was another opportunity to make a positive impact, to bring a glimmer of hope to those facing difficult circumstances.

For every tear I shed for my mother, volunteering became a way to turn grief into empathy. And having Mina by my side, rearranging her busy schedule just to stand with me in these moments, was a testament to the strength of our friendship. Together, we ventured into the hospital, ready to lend our support to those who needed it most.