"Secrets don't die with the ones who keep them. They haunt the living until they're forced into the light..."
Aminah ~
Grief has a way of staining everything-your memories, your heart, your sanity. Losing Hailee shattered me, but what came after bur...
Hello my beautiful readers 🤍 I now present to you chapter 13! Please comment and vote (Your comments literally make my entire day!) Stick around to the end for a surprise revamp of our characters! Here's the first look at Aminah ❤️!
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Aminah's POV
People don't truly realize how precious the gift of fresh air is, until that air ceases to exist.
I was one of those people. I took advantage of the simplicity to life. So much so, that when Hailee died, it was as if she took away every ounce of breath I had. Every inhale and every exhale, she owned in death.
That was until last night.
A night of momentary peace. It was the first night since her passing that I slept without feeling her heavy presence looming over me. My mind, free from the echoes of her voice. I could breathe again.
Even now, as I stand in the book bar, hanging my artwork on the exposed brick, the air surrounding me feels lighter... I feel lighter.
The soft chatter of customers filled the air, mingling with the soothing strains of indie acoustics drifting from the speakers. Abby stood behind the register, her warm smile greeting each customer as they entered. Robyn had taken a personal day, leaving Abby and I to hold down the fort.
No complaints here.
I glance over at Abby, her eyes twinkling with mischief as she rang up a customer's purchase. The corners of my lips tug into a small smile as I watch her in her element. She's definitely come a long way from making the customers cry— both children and adults.
Finishing up with the last of the customers, Abby's eyes light up as she rushes over to admire my art. "Wow, Minah, these are incredible!" she exclaims, her voice filled with genuine admiration.
Wow. A compliment from Abby without an ulterior motive? That's growth.
"What's the occasion?" she continued with a slight smirk, her voice teasing.
I stand corrected.
I shrug nonchalantly. "No occasion," I reply, my tone more defensive than I intended. "Just felt like it."
Abby arches her brow, clearly unconvinced. "Uh-huh, sure," she retorts, her smirk growing wider. "You sure it has nothing to do with a certain blondie I saw rushing out of your loft this morning?"
My heart skips a beat at the mention of Alex, a rush of warmth flooding my cheeks. "I have no idea what you're talking about," I protest weakly, avoiding Abby's knowing gaze.
Just walk away Aminah, maybe it won't follow me.
Grabbing the step ladder and the remaining paintings, I make a beeline for another spot on the in the store, hoping to put some distance between us. But Abby isn't so easily deterred. With a playful grin, she follows in my wake, her footsteps echoing softly against the hardwood floor.
