The chill of December 26th embraced me as I navigated through the airport, my steps echoing the quiet hum of travellers. Last night's unexpected twists lingered in my thoughts as I carried an additional suitcase packed with carefully chosen outfits gifted by Nanny Grant.
As I approached the departure area, the anticipation of returning home mingled with the lingering essence of the charade. Nanny Grant's voice cut through the terminal's ambient noise, a mixture of fondness and reproach evident.
"Ah, that boy. I suppose it is inevitable... still, he should be ashamed; leaving his lady alone in a foreign land," she huffed, her fume evident in the lines of her face, "not to mention, he left you when you're drunk???"
"Haha... I'm sure he does feel guilty," I reassure her, "thank you, Nanny Grant, for all the things you did. I'll repay you someday."
"Just think of it as a gift from your own grandma.", she said, waving her hand in a gesture that held affection.
As I turned away to embark on the journey back, the departure area framed by the steady stream of travellers, I carried with me not just the physical luggage but a sense of gratitude for the unexpected adventure and the relationships woven into the intricate tapestry of the past days.
The flight back was uneventful, marked only by the rhythmic drone of the plane's engines and the occasional jolt of turbulence. In the solitude of my seat, I revisited the whirlwind of events that unfolded during this unusual trip, contemplating the layers of deception and genuine moments.
Upon landing, I was greeted by Jinghe, Lucio's devoted assistant, who efficiently guided me through the airport. Despite being jet-lagged, my thoughts swirled with the vivid memories of grand galas, orchestrated kiss, and the warmth of Nanny Grant's care.
A black car awaited outside, emblematic of Lucio's meticulous planning. Jinghe, efficient and respectful, ensured my comfort on the journey. The cityscape outside the window felt familiar yet distant as if I had stepped into a surreal interlude before rejoining the rhythm of daily life.
Arriving at my doorstep, my parents shower me with worry and longing for their only child. Mom said she found a bouquet of flowers accompanied by a handwritten note, "L" was the sender. They both teased me, saying that I already had a boyfriend. However, at the same time, they scolded me for having a boyfriend at such a crucial time.
'I hope you like the flight and arrived safely.
—L.'
But, it shouldn't be this simple. There should be a hidden message—just for my eyes to read—along with the bouquet.
Mom's eyes sparkled as she noticed the additional luggage, "Hana, what's with the additional luggage you have there?"
"Oh, ehm... an old lady there took a liking to me. She said... she... umm, missed her late-daughter? And that I resembled her in some way.", I lied.
"That's sad... but it's quite weird.", Dad raised an eyebrow.
"Indeed, though it's reasonable... that's what mothers might do when missing her child.", Mom interjected, her tone shifting to a more sombre note. "But it's also kind of sweet, don't you think? A mother's love transcends time and finds solace in a stranger. I, too, might become insane if you one day disappear."
Dad nodded in agreement.
The room suddenly became tinged with a mix of emotions—laughter, tenderness, and a hint of melancholy, weaving a poignant moment amid the ordinary.
YOU ARE READING
Love Equation
Roman d'amourAmidst the complex formulas and equations learnt in high school, a different kind of chemistry begins to brew between two people. Secrets, passions, and forbidden desires intertwine, creating an equation that defies societal norms and tests the boun...
