Whispers Of Unseen Wounds

EPISODE 10

Same day at Evening..

Time passed, and it was soon evening. I had almost finished packing, leaving out only the clothes I would wear for the journey and my toothbrush, so I could pack them after a shower in the morning. Later that night, I called my mom to tell her the news. When I told her about my promotion, she was thrilled. But when I explained the whole situation, she suddenly became even more excited and asked, "Are you really coming back to the US, to your home, for good?" I confirmed, "Yes, Mom." She was overjoyed and immediately started telling my brother and dad over the phone. I could hear their voices, and it was clear they were all ecstatic.I was excited about going back home too, but there was one thing I was afraid of...

After finishing the call with my mom, I called Anna to give her the news. When I told her, she screamed with excitement over the phone, "Are you really coming back after all this time, and for good?" I laughed and said, "Yes." She replied, "This is the best news ever! I'll come to pick you up at the airport. Just let me know the timing." I told her I would, and then we ended the call.

After that, I go to my room, still processing how everything happened so quickly. Then The day finally arrives when I’m leaving this place to return home. Everything brings back memories of how I had left my home to come here, and now, I’m leaving this place to return. There’s a joy in going back, in being with my family again, in the thought of once more being with them, and in spending time with Anna. But there’s also a lingering fear, deep down, that I might see him somewhere. Still, I push those thoughts aside and head to the airport with my luggage.

When I reach the airport, I check my tickets, and the staff leads me to the VIP section of the flight. They take me to a seat where someone is already sitting. As I move forward and stand next to the person, I’m stunned to see that it’s the young CEO of Cisco Corporation—the same one I met that day at the company. He looks at me, and I greet him politely.

He gestures for me to sit down comfortably, so I take the seat next to him. He then turns to me and says, "I’m sure you’ve figured out by now that I was the one who requested you to be my secretary. I was really impressed with your work and wanted someone with your dedication in my company too."

I’m taken aback but manage to thank him, my voice a little shaky with the unexpected turn of events. He smiles at me and says, "I’ve mentioned this before, but I’m around your age. You can speak comfortably with me, even call me by my name."

He introduces himself as Albertin, and there’s a gentle encouragement in his eyes, as if he’s genuinely interested in making me feel at ease. But I shake my head slightly, smiling, and reply, “Thank you, but I’ll still call you ‘sir.’ It just feels more appropriate.”

He smiles back and says, "Alright, whatever makes you comfortable."

Before leaving London, I had informed Anna about my arrival time, and she promised to pick me up from the airport, so I told my mom not to send my dad or brother, as Anna would be there.

The flight goes by, and after what feels like a long journey, we finally land in the US. Hearing the announcement that we’ve arrived fills me with a wave of emotions. I’m home. The thought of being back in my own country, my own home, brings a smile to my face.

As we exit the airport, Albertin offers to drop me off at my house, but I politely decline, thanking him for his concern. “My friend is coming to pick me up,” I say.

He nods and smiles, "Alright. You can take a day to rest and then start at the company. We’ll handle the rest of the arrangements."

I thank him once again and watch as he walks away. Then, I started looking for Anna. I spotted a beautiful girl standing near the main gate of the airport, scanning the faces of the people coming out. It takes me a moment, but then I realize—it’s Anna. A big smile spreads across my face as I sneak up behind her, hoping to surprise her. She jumps a little when I tap her shoulder, but when she turns around and sees me, her eyes light up, and she exclaims, "Emyrin, is that really you?"

Laughing, I reply, “No, it’s someone else. Of course, it’s me, you silly! Can’t you recognize me?”

Without another word, she pulls me into a tight hug, holding me like she never wants to let go. “You have no idea how much we’ve missed you,” she says, her voice thick with emotion.

I hug her back just as tightly, "I missed you too, Anna. But now I’m back, and I’m not going anywhere. I’m here to stay and annoy you forever."

She laughs, wiping a tear from the corner of her eye. “That sounds perfect to me.”

We get into her car and start chatting as if no time had passed. But then she asks me, "So, have you forgotten him yet?" There’s a seriousness in her tone, a concern.

I hesitate, not really sure how to answer. "I don’t know," I say softly.

She looks at me, understanding in her eyes, and says, “How long are you going to keep holding on to him in your heart?”

I shake my head, trying to change the subject, "Forget about that. How’s your mom doing?"

“She’s fine,” Anna replies, her voice brightening. “She missed you too.”

I smile, grateful for the change in topic. I tease her a little, asking about her boyfriend, and her cheeks turn a shade of pink. "He’s doing well too," she says, trying to act nonchalant but failing miserably.

We arrive at my house, and as I step out of the car, I pause for a moment to take it all in. Standing in front of my home, there’s a sense of peace, of belonging. Anna nudges me and asks if I’m planning to stand there forever, so I laugh and walk inside with her.

As soon as I step in, I see my mom, dad, and brother waiting for me. My brother even pops a party popper to welcome me. I rush to hug my mom first, feeling the warmth of her embrace that I’ve missed so much. Then, I hugged my dad and brother too. My mom holds me close and says, "It’s been so long since we last saw you. Didn’t you miss us?"

Teasing her, I reply, "It hasn’t been that long."

But my mom, with a mock serious tone, says, “You left home when you were 18, and now you’ve returned as a 26 years-old woman. Eight years is a long time! But to us, you’re still our little girl.”

We all laugh, the kind of laughter that only happens when you’re truly happy and at home. My brother then chimes in, saying, "Now there’s no one who can stop me from annoying you."

I playfully threatened him, "Oh really? Let’s see how far you get before I tell Dad."

My parents laugh, knowing that the sibling banter is just our way of showing love. Then, I show everyone the gifts I brought for them. For Dad, I got a pair of the latest shoes; for Mom, a beautiful purse; for my brother, a watch that he’s always wanted but couldn’t get because it was too expensive. For Anna, I brought a designer bodycon dress, and for Anna’s mom, I got a pair of pearl earrings.

Everyone is delighted with their gifts, their faces lighting up with joy. They genuinely love what I brought for them. Anna, especially, is thrilled with the dress and is so happy that she pulls me into a tight hug.

"Let go! I can’t breathe! Are you trying to kill me, you crazy girl?" I tease her, pretending to gasp for air.

She quickly steps back, looking a bit sheepish. "Sorry, ma’am," she says with a playful smile.

Since it’s late, we all sit down for dinner together. Anna asks me about the company I’m going to work for, and when I tell her, she gets really excited. "Wow, that’s one of the top companies in the US! I’m so proud of you."

I smiled and also felt happy to see her so thrilled for me. After dinner, I take my bags and head to my room with Anna. As I open the door, I look around and realize that nothing has changed. It’s like time stood still in this room.

........................................................................

Anna is such a good friend... right?❤️

'Thank you'