After her mother's death, a teen must live with her father whom she never knew existed along with his wife and children.
Started October 28, 2023
Published October 29, 2023
Completed tba
nazeliii✓ 136 Posts 3.8M Followers 66 Following Nazeli J.P.A 💘 Personal blog inquiries: nazeli@nazeliinquiries.com
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399,789 likes nazeliii Today would have been your birthday, Mom. Even though you're not here, your love and memories continue to light up my life. I miss you more than words can express, but I find comfort in the beautiful moments we shared and the lessons you taught me. Happy birthday in heaven. Forever in my heart. ❤️ View all 432 comments
Nazeli stood at the entrance of the quaint restaurant, a place that held so many cherished memories.
The aroma of roasted chicken and freshly baked bread seemed to wrap around her, pulling her back to simpler times.
Her late mother, Rissa, had loved this spot, and today, on what would have been Rissa's birthday, Nazeli, her twin daughters Jonie and Jia, her grandparents, and Desmond had gathered to honor her memory.
The restaurant was filled with a gentle hum of conversation and the clinking of cutlery. The familiar surroundings seemed to provide a strange comfort, even as they amplified the ache of Rissa's absence.
As they entered, Nazeli felt a mix of emotions. There was a heaviness in her chest, but also a sense of warmth in sharing this moment with loved ones.
Jonie and Jia, though only infants, seemed to pick up on the solemnity of the occasion. They were dressed in tiny dresses, their bright eyes taking in the surroundings with innocent curiosity.
Nazeli's grandparents, both in their late seventies, had come with a mix of strength and frailty. They took their seats at the table, their faces lined with the kind of sorrow that only time could deepen.
Desmond, who had always been a steadfast support, took a place beside Nazeli, offering a reassuring presence amid the emotional day.
The menu had been carefully curated to reflect Rissa's favorites. They ordered her preferred meals: the crispy fried chicken, the creamy mashed potatoes, and the fresh garden salad she used to rave about.
The drinks were a nod to Rissa's tastes as well—her favorite vintage wine, alongside the sparkling lemonade that she always enjoyed on special occasions. Each dish was a tribute to her vibrant personality and her love for simple yet delicious pleasures.
As they waited for their food, the conversation naturally turned to memories of Rissa. The laughter started hesitantly but grew more frequent as each person shared their stories.
Nazeli's grandfather recounted a tale about Rissa's childhood misadventures, causing everyone to laugh despite the underlying sadness.
Her grandmother shared a particularly touching memory of a family trip they had taken years ago when Rissa had insisted on taking the scenic route to make the journey more enjoyable for everyone.
The room was filled with both tears and laughter, a testament to the complexity of grief. For Nazeli, the laughter was bittersweet. It reminded her of how much joy Rissa had brought into their lives, but it also underscored the void that her absence had created.
Desmond, who had been quietly observing, finally broke the silence. His concern for Nazeli was evident in his eyes as he asked gently, "How are you holding up, Nazeli?"
Nazeli took a deep breath, feeling the weight of the question. It was one thing to share memories and celebrate Rissa's life, but it was another to confront the raw truth of her own grief.
She glanced at her twin daughters, who were now playing with a few colorful toys on the table, their laughter adding a touch of innocence to the somber atmosphere. She then turned her gaze to Desmond, searching for the right words to convey her feelings.
"I'm... I'm struggling," Nazeli admitted quietly. "I mean, my dad and Galina are doing their best to help me, but I miss my mom more and more every day."
Desmond nodded, his expression reflecting a deep empathy. "It's okay to feel that way," he said softly. "Grief doesn't follow a set timeline. It's normal to have days when it feels almost unbearable."
Nazeli's eyes filled with tears as she thought about the enormity of her loss. Rissa had been more than a mother to her; she had been a confidante, a mentor, and a source of unwavering support.
Losing her felt like losing a part of herself. The months that followed Rissa's passing had been a blur of sorrow and adjustment, with moments of unexpected joy and painful reminders of her absence.
As they shared their meal, the conversation drifted from memories of Rissa to everyday topics. It was a welcome distraction for Nazeli, though her heart remained tethered to the memory of her mother.
The food, which had been chosen with such care, was delicious but seemed to taste different, imbued with the nostalgia of Rissa's absence.
The evening drew to a close, and the once lively conversation gave way to a more reflective silence. The restaurant's warm lighting seemed to echo the warmth of the memories they had shared.
Nazeli appreciated the support of her family and friends, but the ache in her heart was something she knew would take time to heal.
As they prepared to leave, Nazeli glanced at the framed photograph of Rissa that had been placed in the center of the table.
Her mother's smile, captured so perfectly in that image, seemed to offer a silent message of love and encouragement. It was a reminder that, even though Rissa was no longer physically present, her spirit continued to live on in the hearts of those who loved her.
The drive home was quiet. Jonie and Jia had fallen asleep in their car seats, their tiny hands clutching soft toys. Nazeli sat beside Desmond, feeling the comforting presence of his hand resting gently on hers.
The familiar streets and landmarks of her hometown passed by, each one holding memories that felt both precious and painful.
When they arrived at the house, Nazeli took a moment to stand outside, looking up at the night sky. The stars seemed to twinkle with a clarity that made her think of Rissa.
She closed her eyes, allowing herself to feel a mix of sadness and gratitude. The pain of her absence was still very real, but so was the love that had been shared and the memories that would always remain.
Desmond joined her, placing a supportive arm around her shoulders. "We'll get through this," he said softly. "Together."
Nazeli nodded, feeling a flicker of hope amidst the sorrow. It was going to be a long journey, one that would require patience and acceptance.
But in that moment, surrounded by the love of family and the echoes of cherished memories, she felt a small sense of peace.
Tomorrow would be another day of navigating grief, but for tonight, she found solace in the love that had been shared and the strength she drew from those around her.
As she went inside, she knew that while Rissa's physical presence was gone, her spirit would continue to guide and comfort her, just as it always had.
