Between the lines of love

You

Monique

It was such a beautiful morning that I didn't even remember falling asleep the night before. The soft sunlight streamed through the curtains, casting a warm glow across the room. I blinked a few times, trying to gather my thoughts. My mind immediately went to Penda, and I sighed as I remembered she was in Thailand for the next eight days. The thought of her being so far away made me groan; I missed her already.

Reluctantly, I got up from bed, and as I stretched, my eyes caught sight of the triple bouquet of roses and the delicate necklace she had left for me on the nightstand. A smile spread across my face as I gently touched the petals of the roses. Each flower seemed to echo the love we shared. I adored her, more than words could express.

I made my way to the bathroom, the cool tiles under my feet waking me up fully. As I showered and prepared for the day, my thoughts drifted to Isabelle. She had been acting differently these past few weeks—cooler, calmer. I felt a sense of relief wash over me, realizing I could trust her again. Maybe this week wouldn't be so bad after all. The idea of spending time with my sister filled me with excitement. We hadn't had a proper sister time in ages, and I was looking forward to it.

Descending the stairs, the tantalizing aroma of breakfast greeted me. Isabelle had outdone herself. On the dining table was a beautiful spread: cornmeal couscous, Pão de queijo, tapioca crepes, eggs, bacon, and freshly squeezed orange juice. My mouth watered at the sight.

"All this for me, little sis?" I exclaimed, my eyes wide with delight. "It's so pretty, I can't wait!"

Isabelle smiled warmly as she started plating the food. She moved gracefully, and there was a sense of peace in her movements. She came to sit in front of me but then paused. "Wait just a moment," she said, a mischievous glint in her eye. She disappeared into the kitchen and returned with a small bouquet of edible flowers. Carefully, she added them to our orange juice, the vibrant petals transforming the drink into a slightly bluish-purple concoction.

"Voilà," she said with a flourish, placing the glasses in front of us. The simple gesture made the meal feel even more special, and I couldn't help but feel grateful for this time together. I loved my little sister and I was finally able to forgive her.

I finished up my breakfast, savoring the last bites of the delicious spread Isabelle had prepared. The cornmeal couscous was perfectly cooked, the Pão de queijo had a delightful chewiness, and the tapioca crepes were light and airy. Each bite was a testament to Isabelle's culinary skills. I washed it all down with the beautifully tinted orange juice, the edible flowers adding a subtle floral note that made the drink feel even more refreshing.

As I placed my empty glass back on the table, I felt a sense of contentment. The meal had been perfect, and the company even better. I stood up, ready to get dressed and tackle the day's tasks. However, as I took a step, a sudden wave of dizziness hit me, and I lost my balance. The room seemed to tilt, and I stumbled, trying to steady myself.

"Whoa, easy there!" Isabelle exclaimed, rushing over to catch me. Her arms wrapped around me, providing much-needed support. "Are you okay?"

"I think so," I mumbled, though my vision was starting to blur. The dizziness intensified, and my legs felt like they were made of jelly. Isabelle's worried face swam in front of me as she helped me walk towards my room.

"Let's get you to bed," she said gently, her voice a soothing presence. But as we moved, everything around me became a swirling vortex of colors and shapes. I could feel my consciousness slipping away, despite my efforts to stay awake.

"Isabelle..." I tried to speak, but my voice was weak. Before I knew it, the world faded to black, and I passed out in her arms.

Isabelle