10th Commandment | Revamped

Chapter 29

The next evening, Taraji perched atop a chilly rooftop, bracing herself against the brewing storm as she awaited Fantasia’s arrival. But hours passed, and not a soul showed. Fantasia was a no-show! With the cold seeping into her bones and rain starting to fall, Taraji finally retreated indoors—drenched, freezing, and infuriated. Not even a call or text from Fantasia to explain her absence.

In the back of a cab on her way home, Taraji couldn’t wait to escape the chill. Once home, she jumped into a hot shower, hoping to thaw her spirits. But after drying off, she sat with her phone in hand, waiting for a message or a call—anything—but silence hung in the air.

That night, heartbroken, she fell asleep, only to wake the next morning feeling miserable. A cold swept over her: sneezing, runny nose, sore throat, pounding head, and a fever that made her feel like roadkill. She could barely muster the strength to get out of bed.

Then finally, Fantasia called.
“I’m listening...” Taraji answered, her frustration bubbling just beneath the surface.
“I forgot,” Tasia replied, casually.
“You forgot? Seriously? Wow, Fantasia, that’s just... okay, fine,” Taraji responded, incredulous.
“I’m getting married next Saturday. Things have been hectic, so yes, Taraji, I forgot,” Tasia said without a hint of remorse. Still, there was no apology.
“Priorities, huh?” Taraji remarked bitterly.
“Mine have changed, Taraji; I’m about to be a married woman now. My focus is on my future wife. I hope you can understand,” Tasia replied, all business.

Still, that apology never came.
Taraji sniffled and sneezed.
“You don’t sound too well,” Tasia noted.
“I’m fine, really. Don’t worry about me. Your wife needs you more. Clearly, this meeting isn’t important, just forget it,” Taraji snapped back.
“Consider it forgotten. Get better soon. I have to go,” Tasia said, her voice dismissive.
“Of course,” Taraji replied, defeated.
“Bye.” And with that, Fantasia hung up.

Feeling worse than ever, Taraji let the tears flow, her stuffy nose making it hard to breathe. For a fleeting moment, her life flashed before her eyes, leaving her feeling as though she might disappear.

Enter Taylor, who rushed in to take care of her. Taraji couldn’t stop crying as Taylor enveloped her in a comforting hug, unsure of what else to ask beyond her sister's illness.

Suddenly, the doorbell rang.

Taylor hurried downstairs to find a mysterious box on the doorstep. Glancing around for the deliverer but seeing no one, she took it up to Taraji.
“I found this by the door. Special delivery?”
Sitting up, Taraji opened the box to discover a sealed bottle containing a homemade remedy, a single rose, and a framed photo of herself—no note in sight.

Studying the picture, she murmured, “Where did this come from? It’s giving me chills. Kind of creepy. Do I have a secret admirer?”
“I have no idea. Your ex-husband had that photo."
"But why would he send me a remedy? Does he know I’m sick?” Taraji pondered.
“Don’t look at me; we haven’t spoken.”

Taraji was baffled; she couldn’t remember sharing that picture with anyone except her ex-husband. Curiosity won as she opened the bottle, recoiling at its pungent odor.
“No way I’m drinking this; it could poison me!”
“It won’t, come on! You’re sick. Just take a sip. I can smell ginger; I’ll even try it with you or rush you to the hospital if you feel weird,” Taylor insisted.

With great reluctance, Taraji took a sip while her nose was still congested, while Taylor merely licked the tip of her tongue to encourage her sister. Almost immediately, the remedy sent her off to dreamland. Taylor tucked her in snugly.

In the middle of the night, Taraji awakened from a deep sleep feeling remarkably better. Her nostrils felt clear, her throat soothed, her headache vanished, and no more sneezing. While she still wasn’t 100%, she felt significantly improved compared to just a few hours prior.

“Wow!” she muttered, reaching for the remedy to take another spoonful. Her mind raced with curiosity about the maker of this miraculous potion, and she desperately wanted to express her gratitude. Carefully, she pulled the photo from the frame, hoping a note might fall out. Instead, something on the back caught her attention.

LOML!!

Confused, she pondered: Who sent this? And what on earth does LOML mean?

Haha, I just wanted to give it a kiss! I mean, I could ask for comments, but let’s be real—only a handful of folks take the time to do that. I truly value them; they’re my motivation to keep on scribbling, even when I'm wiped out. So, a big shoutout to my loyal commenters—this little piece is for you!

Quick question: Who's going to the wedding? 😂 I definitely won't miss it. Want to be my plus one?

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