A Spark in the Darkness || lingorm ff

A Glimpse of Motherhood

The morning sun streamed through Lingling's bedroom window, waking her from a restless sleep. After the emotional whirlwind of the previous night, she felt drained. Despite her feelings of sadness, she was excited to see Orm again, especially since she had promised to drive her to college today.

As Lingling prepared for the day, she couldn't help but feel a twinge of nervousness. Orm had mentioned her mother would be coming along for the ride, which added a layer of unexpected complexity. Would Orm's mother be like the other parents who hovered around campus, asking too many questions and expecting too much?

When Lingling arrived at Orm's house, she was greeted by the cheerful sound of Orm's laughter echoing through the hallway. "Lingling! You made it!" Orm rushed down the stairs, her backpack slung over one shoulder and her hair bouncing with every step.

"Of course! Ready for class?" Lingling asked, trying to match Orm's energy.

"Always! But first, my mom wants to meet you!" Orm replied, pulling Lingling into the kitchen.

Orm's mother was standing by the stove, flipping pancakes with a skill that made it look effortless. The aroma of freshly cooked breakfast filled the room, making Lingling's stomach growl.

"Good morning, Lingling!" Orm's mother beamed, her smile warm and inviting. "I'm so glad to finally meet you. Orm talks about you all the time!"

Lingling felt her cheeks warm at the compliment. "Thank you! I'm happy to meet you too," she replied, her voice a mix of excitement and nerves.

Orm's mother set the spatula down and walked over to Lingling, inspecting her with a motherly gaze. "You're even prettier in person than Orm described! I can see why she likes having you as a friend."

Lingling's heart fluttered, and she chuckled nervously. "Oh, um, thanks!" she said, feeling a mix of embarrassment and appreciation.

"Come, sit! You must be starving!" Orm's mother insisted, motioning to the table. As they all sat down to eat, Lingling couldn't help but notice the warmth in Orm's mother's demeanor. It was so different from her own experiences with her parents.

While they ate, Orm's mother asked Lingling questions about her studies, her favorite subjects, and how she felt about college life. The conversation flowed easily, and Lingling found herself laughing more than she had in a long time. Orm's mother was engaging and genuinely interested in her answers, creating an atmosphere of warmth and care.

"Isn't it funny how different our college experiences are?" Orm chimed in. "Sometimes I feel like I'm just here to make friends, and you're here to actually study!"

Lingling laughed, nodding in agreement. "I guess we balance each other out!"

As they chatted, Lingling watched Orm's mother interact with her daughter, her eyes sparkling with affection and pride. There was a palpable bond between them, one filled with laughter, teasing, and love. Lingling couldn't help but feel a pang of longing in her chest.

As they finished breakfast, Orm's mother leaned closer to Lingling, a curious expression on her face. "You know, Lingling, I can see so much potential in you. Orm is lucky to have a friend like you by her side."

Lingling's smile faltered for just a moment as she thought about her own parents. The stark contrast was overwhelming. Instead of encouragement and affection, her memories were filled with moments of silence, expectations, and disappointment. Her parents rarely engaged with her unless it was about grades or achievements.

Orm's mother continued, "I believe it's so important for children to feel loved and supported, no matter their age. That's how they grow into the best versions of themselves."

Lingling nodded, her throat tightening. She felt a wave of emotions wash over her, the words resonating deeply. "Yeah, I think that's really true," she replied, her voice softer than before.

As they piled into Orm's car, Lingling stole a glance at Orm, who was excitedly chatting about their classes and the upcoming events on campus. But Lingling couldn't shake the feeling of sadness that clung to her heart.

The drive to college was filled with light-hearted banter and laughter. Orm's mother shared funny anecdotes from Orm's childhood, each story illustrating a loving and supportive relationship. Lingling found herself wishing she had experienced a fraction of that joy.

As they pulled into the college parking lot, Lingling's heart sank again. The happiness she felt with Orm was shadowed by the reality of her home life. She could feel the emptiness echoing within her, a stark reminder of the affection she had always craved from her own parents.

"Thanks for driving us, Mom!" Orm said as she hopped out of the car.

"Anytime, sweetie! You two have a great day!" Orm's mother waved, a smile still bright on her face.

Lingling forced a smile as she got out, feeling the weight of unexpressed emotions pulling at her. She watched Orm interact with her mother, the bond they shared shining through. It was a bittersweet moment, highlighting the differences in their lives.

As Orm led Lingling toward the entrance, Lingling's mind swirled with thoughts of love, acceptance, and the healthy connection she yearned for but rarely found at home. She realized that while she cherished her friendship with Orm, it also served as a constant reminder of what she didn't have.

Lingling took a deep breath, trying to push the sadness aside, determined to focus on her day ahead. But as they walked into the bustling campus, she couldn't shake the feeling that she was still searching for something-a sense of belonging, a connection, and the love of parents who seemed to have forgotten her.

_to be continued _