𝐑𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐥𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐥𝐲 𝐌𝐢𝐧𝐞 | ✎

𝕮𝖍𝖆𝖕𝖙𝖊𝖗 - 3

I'm trying to be honest with my happiness
Don't know why I'm bad at this
And I don't want to sit all in my sadness
I know it's a habit, of mine

The chirping of birds coaxed me from a deep, dreamless sleep. It was the most peaceful slumber I'd had since Grandma passed, devoid of nightmares or panic.

Though my body ached slightly from an awkward sleeping position, a sense of calm pervaded.

I glanced across the room to find Mrs. Sharma curled up and fast asleep, resembling a cozy panda. Slipping out of bed, I stretched and headed to the bathroom to freshen up.

Grandpa had mentioned yesterday that he would arrive in the morning, but he hadn't specified a time. A sense of unease settled in my stomach.

The thought of leaving everything behind and stepping into a new life, possibly even assuming a new identity, felt overwhelming. I had spent the previous day bracing myself for this moment, but as it approached, the fear gnawed at my resolve.

"Brace yourself, Rhea," I muttered under my breath, a pep talk to my own subconscious. "Take a deep breath and face whatever comes. Be prepared for everything and anything."

After a refreshing cold shower, I padded to the kitchen, intent on making tea for both of us.

"Oh dear, look at the time! I should have woken you up," Mrs. Sharma exclaimed, rubbing sleep from her eyes with a yawn.

"Don't worry, Aunty, I woke up early," I replied, a small smile tugging at the corner of my lips.

"Let me whip up breakfast for you," she said, her voice dropping ever so slightly at the end. "Go check your things, make sure you haven't forgotten anything. Who knows when you'll be back?" Her words hung heavy in the air, a silent expression of her worry.

With a silent nod, I wandered back to my room, casting one last searching glance around. Satisfied I hadn't missed anything, I headed for the kitchen.