The stormy sky roared loudly , unleashing the torrent of rain upon a village of blindlemark Hestia's world crumble around her as she knelt down beside her father's lifeless body, her tears mingling with the raindrops that fell upon her face , the warmth of her breath escaped her lips as she whispered a silent plea willing him to come back to life but the fire that had burned bright in his eyes flickered out leaving a hollow ache within her. Hestia had known the ache of loneliness for what feels like an eternity until he came into her life. He had become her rock , her guardian , her father in every sense of word despite sharing no blood relation. He had selfishness provide for her and protected her for years and now he lay before her motionless making her feel lost and alone once more.
"Hestia! Hestia!" A voice called out.
Hestia jolted back to reality her eyes refocusing of the present time. She looked up to see her sister Rylynn standing before her, a knife on her hand paused mid-motion as she chopped vegetables.
"Ah!. Rylynn what are you doing here?." Grasping the knife on her hand and continued chopping the vegetables "you are not well, you need to rest , I will get everything ready." She offered her a chair.
"I'm feeling more energized now so assisting with cooking won't exhaust me."Rylynn suggested.
"No, I don't want to overexert you,
You've been unwell take it easy, you need to rest and recover fully before taking on any task".
"What if I never recover? What if I end up like father?" Her voice cracked slightly.
"Don't say that!" She shouted "we just lost a father just few weeks ago I can't bear the thought of you too" A quiver of pain vibrate in her voice. "You're asking me to slap you if you say something like that again."
"I was just saying maybe I won't make it, I've been struggling with my health since birth, it is been a constant battle and I am exhausted " her breath comes in a short gasps "I just want to di......."
Hestia cut her off by shouting "Enough! Rylynn just go back to bed."
"I know you understand me please stop pretending like you don't care"
"Then what do you want me to do" Hestia bit her lips to stopped herself from uttering forbidden words "I couldn't even bear the thought of..... " Her words caught in her throat.
Hestia deeply understood Rylynn's anguish and pain, but she couldn't bear the thought of losing her. The mere idea of Rylynn leaving was unbearable, as it would mean facing the crushing loneliness she had endured before. Rylynn's father had been a parent to her, raising her into a fearless woman and guiding her in becoming a determined and skilled fighter. He had taught her the art of swordsmanship and archery, and Hestia was determined to never let anything happen to Rylynn.
"Rylynn! I really understand you" she nodded "of course I do and I'm really sorry trust me I have no idea, I couldn't help it but hoped."
"I already trusted you Hestia, And I know you understand me, being sick doesn't mean I am already died " she reached for Hestia's have before stolen the knife from her grip "I have to keep learning and moving forward." Her voice soft with steely undertone.
Hestia sighed "alright only chopping vegetables."
"But....."
"No buts"
"Chopping veggies my superpower!" She snickered.
Hestia smile mischievously. "Rylynn, I was recently approached by Mr and Mrs Marcus with an offer to collaborate with them at a coffee shop, but I am unsure if it is the right fit for me , I will love to hear your thoughts before I make a decision ."
The loss of their father sent their lives into a tailspin making every day a fight for survival , no one is willing to lend a helping hand. Their savings dwindled and pantry emptied, with no money to spare Hestia worried about how she she would keep Rylynn's medicine stocked, she knew she had to act fast but no one is willing to offer a job to a inexperienced and no connection woman. Just when hope seemed lose, Mrs Marcus the owner of a local coffee shop offered her a lifeline but Hestia hesitated.
Something didn't feels right!?
"What is making you unsure about working with Mrs. Marcus at the coffee shop? I thought she was a kind soul." She said as she continued chopping red tomatoes.
"She was" Hestia answered rapidly "I am uncertain if I can handle dealing with people. I prefer to avoid crowded situations and I am not sure this job would be the best fit for me but we desperately need this job to survive." She suggested calmly.
Rylynn smile her purple lips of sickness let out a deep breath "Courage is not the absence of fear but the willingness to face it. This job may push you out of your comfort zone, but it can also be a chance for growth and resilience"she patted her shoulder "Remember our struggles are opportunities for strength. Take a deep breath and trust that you have the power to navigate this challenge. We need this job, I can make the house while you're working but more importantly, we need each other to thrive" she sounded serene and sophisticated.
Hestia was very pond to have a person as Rylynn by her side, she was a kind and gentle soul with warm demeanor, despite her, Hestia was subtle and fearless often masked by her touch and cold composure.
"I will try" she smiled.
As the day's final rays vanished, plunging world into a soft darkness, they busied themselves in the kitchen preparing dinner with the candles waiting to be lit, a sudden rap at the door shattered the calm.
Raymond!? Luna thought.
"Excuse me!, I will go see who is knocking the door." She excused herself.
She made her way to the door wondering if it could be Raymond their brother.
Since their father's passing, Raymond had been acting strangely become short-tempered blowing up over minor things, refusing to talk to anyone.
She opened the door revealing the sight of Raymond.
"Raymond" she called out.
He stepped inside tossing his boot aside before removing his coat.
"Raymond where have you been?." Her tone low and firm.
"I am absolutely all right." He said before moving to his room.
Hestia followed him back "Raymond I am not asking how you are?" She demanded.
"Are you trying to be snarky?" He asked in the same tone.
"I am not but you do" she breath cooling down her own anger. " You have been acting strangely since father passed away. You will get angry over small things and just shut down when I tried to talk to you. It is like you are a different person, I missed the Raymond I used to know , I yearned for the Raymond I once knew that one who would be there for me." Her shabby hand reached for him. "Raymond please don't be a shadow of your former self " she plead.
"I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed and need some space" He said keeping a poker face.
She held his gaze her tone clearly and slowly as she asked "Raymond! Are you sensing a gap between us since your father passed away because I were adopted?."
Oh Lord!
