I woke up with her right by my side, looking so calm and safe. The morning light filtered softly through the curtains, bathing the room in a warm, gentle glow.
It felt like a moment suspended in time, her slow and steady breathing the only sound in the peaceful quiet. I lay there, falling back asleep, when her mum came into the room, breaking the spell.
"Oh, sorry darling, I didn't know you two were still asleep. Mind, it's only early," she said to me, looking at Yn asleep beside me.
Her voice was soft, filled with warmth and understanding. I propped myself up on one elbow, squinting as my eyes adjusted to the brightness. "Oh no, it's fine. Is everything okay?" I asked her, a concern creeping into my tone despite the serenity of the morning.
"Yeah, I'm just going to the shops. I was wondering if you two wanted anything," she responded, her thoughtfulness touching my heart.
My mind raced for a moment, thinking of what Yn might need or want. "Hmm, can you get my card out of my pocket over there, please, and get me some flowers and chocolate, which you know Yn will like," I whispered, not wanting to disturb her peaceful slumber. "Of course, hun. That's so adorable. You make her really happy. But rest your head for now; you look shattered," she smiled at me, shutting the door gently behind her as she left. I lay back down, the feeling of warmth and contentment enveloping me once again. I glanced at Yn, her features relaxed in sleep, a soft smile playing on her lips. I thought about the day ahead, about the surprise flowers and chocolate that would await her awakening. Her mum's understanding and acceptance warmed my heart, making me feel a part of their family. I closed my eyes, drifting back to sleep, feeling grateful for this moment, for Yn, and for her family's kindness. Today was going to be a good day, I could feel it. And as I finally succumbed to sleep, I knew I'd wake up to her smile, the best start to any day.
I woke up to find Charles gone from my bed, but the sound of the shower reassured me he was still around. Lying there, I allowed myself an extra ten minutes of laziness before Charles finally appeared, his entrance cueing me to get up and begin my day. After a quick kiss, I started making the bed, waiting to open the curtains until Charles was fully ready to face the day alongside me. I then changed into my gym clothes, grabbing a claw clip to keep my hair in place, and announced to Charles that I was off for a quick run. His response was warm, informing me of his plans to do his hair and then assist my mum with a task she needed help with. This exchange left me with a puzzled look, but I shrugged it off, thinking little of it at the time.
As I made my way to the kitchen to grab a water bottle, I couldn't help but notice Charles and my mum sharing a glance. It struck me as odd, but I chose not to dwell on it. After giving both of them a hug, I stepped out the door, trying to shake off the lingering sense of unease that their brief exchange had sparked within me. This feeling, vague and unsettling, nagged at me, suggesting that their behavior wasn't just coincidental. Despite this, I pushed the thoughts aside, attributing my reaction to overthinking. Yet, as I tied my running shoes and ventured outside, a knot of disquiet settled in my stomach. This unease cast a shadow over what was supposed to be a revitalizing morning run. It was as if my subconscious was trying to alert me to something not quite right, but I couldn't pinpoint what it was. The more I thought about it, the more I realized that the dynamics between Charles and my mum had shifted slightly, and I was left to wonder why. Running usually cleared my mind, but today, it seemed to fuel my contemplation, leaving me more unsettled with each step.
I left my house feeling a bit confused by Charles and my mum's strange behavior, but I pushed it aside, focusing on my run. Pressing play on my music, I hit the pavement, the rhythmic pounding of my feet against the ground soothing my troubled thoughts. Running always made me feel better, and it helped distract me from the impending departure from my family in a few days. The cool breeze against my skin and the sound of my breathing filled my senses as I fell into a steady pace.
As I reached the four-mile mark of my run, my phone rang, and I answered it on my AirPods, determined to keep moving as I was only three miles away from my destination. It was Christian on the line, and he mentioned he had just been on FaceTime with my mum. I laughed at the oddness of it but shrugged it off, knowing my mum's penchant for catching up with friends. However, Christian refused to divulge any further details, leaving me puzzled. His mysterious tone added an unusual layer to our conversation, something I couldn't quite place.
Christian kept me company on the phone as I continued my run toward the beach, but he abruptly had to go as I neared my destination. The sudden goodbye left me slightly bewildered, adding to the day's growing list of oddities. Still, the anticipation of reaching the beach kept my spirits high. Sitting by the shore for ten minutes, I caught my breath and admired the serene view, a ritual I always shared with my mum through photos since we both loved the beach. The vast expanse of the ocean brought a sense of peace, momentarily pushing away the confusing thoughts circling my mind.
After cooling down, I eagerly made my way back home, sweating but excited for the refreshing shower that awaited me. Running happily, I pushed myself along the path, the music still blasting in my ears, invigorating me. Each step felt like shedding a layer of the day's earlier confusion, leaving me rejuvenated and ready to face whatever was coming. The thought of the strange interactions earlier in the day lingered at the back of my mind, but the satisfaction of completing my run pushed these thoughts aside.
Finally reaching the driveway of my home, I took a moment to catch my breath before stepping inside, my mind still mulling over the strange occurrences of the day. The sense of unease that had been a subtle undercurrent throughout my run crept back in, making me wonder what was truly going on with Charles and my mum. Despite the odd feelings, the warmth of my house welcomed me, promising comfort and a chance to unwind. The run had served its purpose, giving me not only physical release but also a brief respite from the worries that had started my day. Yet, as I entered, I couldn't help but feel that I was stepping back into a realm of unanswered questions and peculiar secrecy that awaited resolution.
