Raymond's eyes widened , his face frozen in surprise and defensiveness . He mellow out but he wasn't thinking that way.
How could he!? She was a sister after all!
His sister who always looked up for him. He remembered the day they met like it just yesterday. She was just nine and he is twelve already feeling like her protector. They shared so many memories, laugh together under the full moon , eaten from the same bowl. She had always shown him love and loyalty, never letting anyone to bully him because she was the brave one between them.
"Hestia......" He breath.
He couldn't even find the words to explain the emptiness he felt . He didn't know how to tell her that the pain of losing their father was still raw that left a gaping hole in his chest.
"Hestia please let's try things from different perspectives" He looked away unable to meet her gaze "you have misunderstood me , I didn't mean what you think at all..... But let me clarify " he suggested.
She smiled wistfully. "Don't waste your breath" she stepped closer "your words are unnecessary to hear so keep your thoughts to yourself" she delivered before vanished leaving him to ponder words.
With a final glance she moved to the room and the moment later, Rylynn slipped inside.
"Tell me what is the meaning of this tension? Did you both indulge in a spirited....... exchange of words?"Rylynn sounded worried.
"No it's nothing!" She sounded simple.
"Hestia...."
"Rylynn, come on it's nothing . You can go and enjoy your dinner and don't forget to present the dinner to your brother. " She smiled "I will be right there." She sounded simple yet serene.
She sat on the bed, her mind drifting in different directions. Thoughts of their life without a provider, without a supporter swirled in her head. But she made a promise to herself she wouldn't give up. She would provide for them, her sister and even Raymond. Tomorrow she would take the first step towards making that promise a reality. She would go to the coffee shop and start her new job.
The weight of her thoughts lifted, she descended from her contemplative perch and stepped outside into the serene night. The soft glow of moonlight illuminated the night casting a silver Sheen on the small clearing. Rylynn and Raymond gentle laughter and clinking dishes carried on the breeze as the savored their dinner.
She wandered past them, drawn to the vast expanse of the night sky. The unclouded heavens twinkled like diamonds scattered across velvet blackness. The leaves rustled softly in her ear , their whispers carried on the gentle wind. Cradling her shovel like a talisman, she climbed onto her weathered rock, bathed in the full moon's ethereal light.
Raymond sat down beside her offering a bowl of streaming food. She narrowed her eyes.
"Come on down be angry" he pleaded .
"I'm not" she spat snatching the bowl from his hands.
"You're" he said gently "but understand I've never thought of it that way...." Raymond protested.
"I know" she interrupted her voice laced with sarcasm. " How rude of me to think that way" she paused taking a deep breath. "Raymond I'm sorry" her tone softening.
He nodded with a smile!
"Pleasure is always mine."
As the night deepened Hestia and Raymond's conversation flowed easily, filled with warm laughter and cherished memories. She shared stories about her new job and his eyes sparkled with pride.
It's already time for bed they exchanged soft goodnights. Hestia retreated to her room, where Rylynn already lay snuggled in bed. Raymond bid then both a final goodnight before heading to his room, the same room he had shared with their father.
Hestia tenderly administrated Rylynn's medicine, her hands gentle as she helped her sister settle in.
"Here, Rylynn" she whispered handing her a glass of water.
With the room's light dimmed Hestia slipped into bed beside Rylynn. The darkness enveloped them and soon the only sound was the gentle rhythm of their breathing.
The next morning, Hestia rose early as was her habit and began preparing breakfast in the kitchen. Rylynn entered yawning and greeted her with a sleepy voice.
"Morning"
"You're already up? "She asked concern etched on her face. "How is your body feeling today?"
"Better" Rylynn replied her voice still husky from sleep.
" I need to leave for work soon" Hestia said expertly flipping egg " but I will get everything ready for you first."
"No. You don't have to be "Rylynn protested. "I can manage."
"No I'm the one who is supposed to take good care of you " Hestia insisted.
After finish breakfast she bathed and dressed in a simple yet practical outfit. A linen dress with a vibrant sash , a tunic-like garment that reached her knees and sleeves rolled up for ease movement. Her hair was braided into neat plaits ready for a day of work.
She prepared to leave, Hestia caught sight of herself in the mirror. Her gaze lingered on her reflection and her fingers instinctively rose to trace the scars above her left eye. The forever marks that told a story of trials and resilience.
For a fleeting moment she pondered the imperfections etched on her skin. Some might see them as a loss of beauty, a marred perfection. But her thoughts didn't linger on that notion. She never cared about societal standards of beauty or material possession.
"Beautiful" a warm voice called out breaking the spell of Hestia's introspection.
Hestia's gaze instinctively traveled to the speaker. "Raymond?" She called out.
Raymond stood in the doorway his eyes crinkled at the corner as he smiled. "Ready for work?" He asked.
Her deep gaze met Raymond's a silent understanding passing between them. She nodded slowly her voice barely above a whisper. "Yes."
"May I?" He asked his hand extended offering to escort her.
Hestia's cheeks flushed softly as she nodded. She turned to Rylynn who was watching the exchange with a gentle smile.
"Goodbye Rylynn" she said "I will be back soon take care of yourself"
Rylynn nodded "I will Hestia. Have a great day at work."
They approached the coffee shop, Hestia's nerves began to simmer. She took a deep breath steeling herself for the day ahead. Turning to Raymond.
"I'll head in now. " She said "please stay close to Rylynn, keep an eye on her." She patted his arm reassuringly.
"Don't worry" Raymond said. "And don't forget to smile often or you'll scare off the customers with that cool demeanor of yours."
She chuckled "our customers are kind, not like you" she teased " I must smile to counter your scowls."
With a final nod, Hestia turned to leave feeling her heart pound in anticipation.
I can do it!
