❝In the darkness, two shadows reach through the hopeless, heavy dusk. Their hands meet, and light spills in a flood like a hundred golden urns pouring out of the sun. ❞
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Grief is a weird concept.
You'd think that after a long march of time, you have finally accepted the permanent absence of a loved one, and that you've healed from the wound that was created by that unfortunate loss. But all it takes is that one picture, that one scent, or even that that one song to make you break down and realize that you're not okay.
It's been five years since that traumatizing and life changing day occurred. Yet, Maelani still hasn't recovered from it. And perhaps she never will.
Since that day, her entire being has been filled with tremendous grief, anger, and crippling hunger for revenge.
The consuming emotions muted the colors in her once vibrant personality and completely altered her way of life. It robbed her of the ability to feel joy in moments that should have been utterly enjoyable. It stole her innocence and the genuine, contagious smile that practically used to be sewed on her flawless face.
And because of that, she'll stop at nothing to make him pay for what he took from her. Everything that he loves, everything that makes him happy—she'll ruin it, just as he did her.
The sensually sweet voice which belonged to Jhené Aiko danced around soothingly in Maelani's ears. It was Thursday morning, and she found herself seated comfortably in Bryn Mawr Breakfast Club, finishing up some work for one of her other clients while listening to one of her favorite songs, Born Tired.
Her sketchbook and drawing utensils were scattered across the table, whilst her MacBook sat right in front of her to broadcast visuals of her client's ideas. She made sure to jot down some notes and sketch different samples of interior ideas in her sketchbook. She always sketched by hand first before transferring the finalized results of her sketches to digital drawings.
Maelani had become so engrossed in her work, that she had forgotten to order herself some breakfast. It wasn't until Desiree; the manager of the café, brought over the Cafe's famous Breakfast Torta, that she realized how hungry she actually was. Desiree noticed that Maelani did not move from her spot since she ordered a steamy mug of Cappuccino.
That was an hour ago.
So Desiree knew that Maelani had to have been hungry. She laughed once she was proven correct as the mocha skinned woman instantly took a huge bite from the Breakfast Torta as soon as it was placed in front of her.
"One thing I've learned about you is that when you're caught up in something, you forget to eat and you don't realize how hungry you are until food is placed in front of you."
