Later that evening, as the house settled into a peaceful quiet, Lucy was upstairs tucking the kids into bed, her gentle voice weaving stories that lulled them into sleep. Austin, feeling a mix of contentment and lingering emotions from the premiere, decided to step outside for a moment of solitude.
He wandered into the backyard, where the orange tree stood proudly, its branches heavy with fruit. The cool night air brushed against his skin, and he took a deep breath, allowing the tranquility of the moment to wash over him. Looking up at the twinkling stars, he felt a wave of nostalgia. “Mama,” he whispered into the night, “I wish you were here to tell me what you thought about the film.”
Just as he finished speaking, a soft thud broke the silence. An orange fell from the tree, landing perfectly by his feet. Austin stared at it in surprise, a mix of curiosity and wonder flooding over him. “Mama?” he murmured, kneeling to pick it up, feeling an inexplicable connection to that moment.
Suddenly, he heard a voice—soft and familiar, like a gentle breeze. “Look up, sweetheart.”
Austin’s heart raced as he slowly lifted his gaze. There, illuminated by the soft glow of the moonlight, stood his mother. She was just as he remembered—radiating warmth and love, her sweet, beautiful smile lighting up the night. It felt surreal, as if time had folded back on itself, allowing him this precious moment.
“Mama?” he breathed, disbelief mingling with joy. “Is it really you?”
She nodded, her eyes sparkling with affection. “Of course, it’s me. I’ve always been with you, Austin. You just needed to look a little closer.”
He felt a rush of emotion, tears welling in his eyes. “I miss you so much. I wanted to share the film with you. I wanted to hear your thoughts.”
She stepped closer, her presence enveloping him in a comforting embrace. “I’m so proud of you, my sweet boy. You’ve captured our love, our laughter, and the essence of life itself. It’s beautiful.”
As she reached for an orange hanging from the tree, Austin watched in awe. She plucked it effortlessly and began peeling it, the familiar scent filling the air. “You remember how I always said that life is like this orange? You have to peel away the layers to find the sweetness inside.”
He nodded, recalling all the times she had shared that wisdom with him. “I do, Mama. I’ve tried to do that—to find the joy even in the hard moments.”
She smiled, her expression radiant. “And you’ve done it so well. You’ve turned your pain into something meaningful, something that can help others. That’s a gift.”
As she handed him a piece of the freshly peeled orange, Austin felt a warmth spread through him, a sense of connection that transcended the physical world. He took a bite, the sweet juice bursting in his mouth, reminding him of childhood summers spent together, laughter echoing through the air.
“Thank you for being here, even if it’s just for this moment,” he said, savoring the taste and the presence of his mother. “I wish I could hold on to it forever.”
“You can, Austin. Just keep me in your heart. Every time you tell a story, every time you create, I’m there with you,” she replied softly. “And remember, it’s okay to feel joy again. Life goes on, and so does love.”
He felt a profound sense of peace, her words wrapping around him like a warm blanket. “I will, Mama. I promise.”
As they stood together beneath the stars, time seemed to stand still. They shared stories, laughter, and memories, each moment a treasure he would carry with him. The world around them faded, leaving only the bond between mother and son, unbroken by time or space.
Eventually, the night began to wane, and Austin felt a gentle tug at his heart. “I don’t want to say goodbye,” he whispered, feeling the weight of impending separation.
She reached out, cupping his face in her hands, her touch as real as he remembered. “You don’t have to. I’ll always be with you, in every moment of joy, in every story you tell. Just look for me, and I’ll be there.”
With that, she stepped back, her form shimmering softly in the moonlight. Austin’s heart ached as he watched her smile, a radiant beacon of love that would forever guide him.
“Goodbye for now, sweetheart. Keep shining,” she said, her voice echoing in the stillness.
As she faded into the night, Austin held the orange close to his heart, feeling a renewed sense of purpose. He understood now that while he had lost her physically, her spirit would always be a part of him.
He turned back toward the house, feeling lighter as he walked. The night air was cool against his skin, and the stars twinkled above, a reminder that love transcends all boundaries. He stepped inside, his heart full, ready to embrace the future with the lessons his mother had imparted.
With every story he would tell and every moment he would cherish, he knew she would be there, guiding him, loving him, and reminding him to always look for the sweetness in life.
YOU ARE READING
Bikeriders Serenade
أدب الهواةa tale of two people meeting at a movie premier continue reading to see what happens
