The Past Within - Mialotte - TNN

Mia

The next day at work, Charlotte tried to focus on her tasks, but her mind kept drifting back to the therapy session. The emotional weight of what she had discussed still lingered, making it hard for her to concentrate. She forced herself to smile and carry on as usual, not wanting anyone to notice that something was off.

Mia showed up unexpectedly, her presence commanding attention as always. She wasn't known for being particularly warm, and her sharp comments often kept people at a distance. But today, as she walked into the office, her keen eyes immediately noticed something was different about Charlotte.

"Charlotte," Mia said, her tone unusually direct, "you look like you've seen a ghost. What's going on?"

Charlotte stiffened, trying to maintain her composure. "Nothing, I'm fine," she replied, attempting to brush it off with a casual smile. "Just a little tired, that's all."

Mia wasn't convinced. She had a way of seeing through people, even when they didn't want to be seen. "Come on, I know tired, and that's not it. What's really going on?"

Charlotte hesitated, not wanting to reveal too much. No one at work knew about her divorce, and she wasn't ready to open up about it now. "It's nothing, really. Just... a lot on my mind lately."

Mia raised an eyebrow, clearly not buying it. But she didn't press further. Instead, she gave Charlotte a look that was almost concerned, though she quickly masked it with her usual no-nonsense attitude. "Well, whatever it is, don't let it mess up your work. But if you need to talk, I'm around."

Charlotte was taken aback by Mia's offer. It wasn't like her to show this side, and for a moment, Charlotte felt a pang of gratitude. "Thanks, Mia. I appreciate it," she said softly.

Mia nodded, then turned her attention back to the task at hand, her brief moment of concern gone as quickly as it had appeared. But the interaction lingered with Charlotte, making her wonder if Mia had seen more than she let on.

Charlotte couldn't shake the tension that had been building inside her all morning. Working in the nursery usually brought her a sense of calm, surrounded by the soft hum of life—flowers blooming, plants growing, and the innocent laughter of children. But today, everything felt overwhelming. Every noise seemed louder, every task more daunting. Her mind kept circling back to the memories she had unearthed in therapy, and she could barely focus on the work in front of her.

As soon as lunch break came, Charlotte made her way outside, eager to escape the bustling energy of the nursery. She walked briskly toward the parking lot, needing to be alone. Her heart was heavy, her thoughts a tangled mess. She reached her car, parked beneath the sheltering branches of a large oak tree, and slipped inside. The familiar scent of the car enveloped her—a mixture of old leather and pine air freshener. She hadn't driven it much since the divorce, preferring to walk or take the bus, but today she felt drawn to this small, confined space.

Charlotte sat in the driver's seat, leaning back with a heavy sigh. She closed her eyes, trying to block out the world for a moment. But when she opened them again, something caught her attention in the rearview mirror—a small, crumpled piece of fabric in the back seat. Frowning, she turned around, and her breath hitched in her throat. It was a jacket, one she hadn't seen in months. Her ex-husband's jacket.

Her heart sank as she reached back to grab it. The fabric felt worn and familiar under her fingers, bringing with it a wave of emotions she had been desperately trying to keep at bay. Memories surged forward, unbidden and relentless. She could see him sitting beside her, wearing that very jacket as they drove down country roads, laughing at some shared joke, his hand resting casually on her knee. The sound of his voice, the warmth of his touch—it all came rushing back, so vivid it was as if he were sitting next to her again.