𝐝𝐞𝐟𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐬𝐬 - 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗠𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗲𝘇 𝗕𝗿𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝘀

CHAPTER 12

𝐝𝐞𝐟𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐬𝐬
-𝗟𝘆𝗹𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗘𝗿𝗶𝗸 𝗠𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗲𝘇

I turned my gaze toward my mom, a gentle smile gracing my lips. She had just been discharged from the hospital, finally released and ready to go home. As we started our drive back, the windows of the car were open, allowing the warm July air to blow softly around us, creating a welcome breeze.

My mom settled back into the passenger seat, a mixture of weariness and relief etched on her face. The wind blew through her hair, the open windows offering a reprieve from the tense atmosphere of the hospital. I glanced over at her, making sure she was comfortable before focusing back on the road ahead. The silence between us was comfortable, punctuated only by the sound of wind rushing through the open windows.

My mom's hand rest on her slightly bulging tummy, her fingers gently caressing the area where her bump had grown over the past two months. She adjusted the fabric of her shirt, tugging it gently into place, a small smile playing on her lips.

I carefully navigated our car down the long driveway, parking it smoothly in front of our house in Callabas. I turned off the engine, then walked over, opening the passenger door to help my mom out of the car. She gave me a small smile, appreciating the assistance as she stepped out into the familiar surroundings of home.

My mom settled onto the comfy couch in our common room, a contented sigh escaping her lips as she sank into the familiar surroundings. She closed her eyes for a moment, relishing the feeling of being back home again. I sat down beside her, asking softly, "Are you happy to be home?"

She opened her eyes, giving me a small but genuine smile. "Yes," she said softly, her voice holding a note of comfort and relief. "I'm so happy to be home." She looked around the room, taking in the familiar sights and sounds of our home, a sense of peace seeming to wash over her.

I turned my attention back to my mom, a note of concern in my voice as I asked, "So, do you need anything?" I wanted to make sure she was comfortable and had everything she needed as she settled back into her normal routine at home.

My mom shook her head gently, her smile still present. "No, honey," she replied, her tone soft and reassuring. "I'm good for now. Just being back home is what I need right now."

My mom suddenly perked up, her smile widening as an idea occurred to her. "Actually, wait," she said, her voice taking on a note of excitement. "I do need something. Can you grab the phone for me? I want to give your dad a call and let him know I'm home."

I tried to keep my expression neutral as my mom made her request, but a hint of resignation crept into my voice as I agreed. "Sure, mama," I said, managing a slight smile. However, deep down, I dreaded the thought of anything to do with my father.

I stood up and walked across the room, picking up the phone from the end table. I handed it over to my mom, swallowing any reluctance I felt. It was clear she was eager to speak with him, and I knew I couldn't deny her that.

My mom took the phone from me, her smile widening as she dialed the familiar number. For her sake, I pushed aside my own feelings and put on a pleasant demeanor, hoping the conversation would be brief and harmless.

As my mom continued her phone conversation with my father, I retreated into the kitchen, seeking a brief respite from the tension that always seemed to accompany any mention of him. I decided to make myself a smoothie, finding solace in the simple act of preparing a healthy snack. As I blended the ingredients, an idea occurred to me. Since I was making one for myself, I thought I might as well make one for my mom too.

The kitchen soon filled with the whir of the blender and the sweet smell of fresh fruit as I combined berries, banana, and a touch of honey into a thick, frothy drink. Once my smoothie was complete, I poured it into a tall glass, watching the vibrant colors swirling together.