Ephemeral Reverie

A SENSE OF BELONGING

CH9: A SENSE OF BELONGING

Thalia feels like she is on cloud nine as she steps out of Soren's car. There's a mix of joy, relief, and a tinge of disbelief. Her heart has thumped so hard since the car arrived to pick her up, and her anxiety has risen as they come close to Soren's home. At first glance, she feels intimidated by Soren's mother. She feels a little fear, expecting a stern protective figure, but when his mother shows her smile, she sighs in relief. She found that Soren's mom turned out to be the opposite of what she had feared.

His mother warmly welcomed her as soon as she stepped into the house. His mother couldn't take her eyes off her as his mother, Auntie Clara, found her daring. She got the chance to know Soren better from the stories of his mother, and it was natural for Soren to be playful. That's when she found out that Soren hates being called Soren, but he instead let her call him that.

She feels like the whole night with Soren's feels like a dream come true.

As she got inside her house, she dialed Zara, eager to share the news.

"Zara, you won't believe this! ," she said in excitement. For the first time in her life, she felt excited about sharing this kind of news, and it's her first time feeling this way.

"What? Did he already propose? "Zara speaks in a teasing tone.

"I felt like that at some point; I met his mom tonight! His mom told me to call her Auntie Clara. Isn't that amazing? "

"Wow, that's new. I thought she would be the type of person who said, 'I'll give you a million and leave my son alone.' But she's not; that's nice! "

"She's sweet to me. But I do feel nervous seeing her for the first time. I feel like I'm going to piss." Yeah, that's a little bit embarrassing to talk about, but she and Zara never get uncomfortable with that kind of topic. Zara replied to her with a laugh and ended the call.

She wants to sleep as this day feels exhausting to her, but no matter how hard she tries, her mind keeps her awake by replaying what just happened today.

She found herself talking to the family picture on her nightstand. "I feel like I have another family to belong to," she started, caressing the picture of her mother. Although her mother left her too early, she never feels alone, as she feels like her mother is guiding and protecting her as always. She goes to the window beside her bed and stares at the night sky in the meantime.

She's curious about how her mother is today. She feels a gentle breeze hugging her, making her feel the warm hug of a mother that she has long longed for. She couldn't help but shed a tear. "Mom, are you listening? ," she said as her voice cracked a bit.

A butterfly landed on the window; it flies around her as she sobs harder.

"Mom, thank you. This is very comforting. I never feel alone; I know you are always by my side, supporting me. As every day feels like a struggle, I keep wishing you were still here. There's so much I want to tell you." Her voice trembles.

"It's never the same without you; I envy those who still have one. I keep asking why they take you away from me too early. I blame myself at some point, but I know that you will never be happy if I do that. I keep the dress you used to wear to go to date with dad; I hug it every time everything feels so heavy." She wiped her tears with the back of her hand, trying her best to compose herself.

Her home doesn't feel like one; she feels like she's living in a house. She never feels the warmth, safety, and ease; it's either she will put herself on an all-night painting session or she will cry all night longing for her parents.