Tick. Tock. Tick. Tock.
As Ella and Mum splash in the endless sea, the waves fill the air with a soothing rhythm, blending with the distant calls of seabirds and the laughter of people swimming and lounging on the shore. But my eyes keep drifting to Jonah, who seems to be deep in conversation with my father.
That's a relief. I could feel how uneasy Jonah gets around Papa. My friends back at my home country tells me my father looks scary, but in reality he's a goofball. So seeing Jonah speaking to him normally brings a little warmth to my heart.
But still...
I want to apologize to him. He got hurt because of me, but it feels like I can't. I want to take care of him, but he seems to need space. He's probably angry with me over what happened, I think, as a sharp ache spreads through my chest.
Then, I see Jonah stand up and start walking toward us. It looks like Papa told him to.
Papa, you don't understand—Jonah probably hates me now. He probably wants to stay away from me.
I need to get away, so he doesn't feel uncomfortable because of me. "Mom, can we go get some ice cream?" I ask, my voice tinged with desperation, hoping to escape the tension. as I already walk to the shore so Jonah wouldn't have to interact with me.
"Of course, Sam, let me grab some money first," Mom replies, following close behind.
Thanks, Mum.
"Want me to come with you?" Ella offers, looking at me with concern.
Ella might be able to help Jonah, plus I don't want him to be left alone here. I smile, trying to mask the ache in my chest, and tell her, "I think Jonah could use some company. Ella, could you stay? We won't be gone long."
She agrees, and Mom and I begin heading toward the shore, the weight of the water making each step feel heavier, as if it's pulling me down and threatening to make me cry.
"Are you okay, Samantha?" Mom asks, her voice soft with worry.
"Y-yeah, Mom, I'm fine," I answer, doing my best to reassure her, even as my chest tightens.
"Alright, wait for me on the shore while I get my wallet to your father," she says, running toward Papa.
Mum's so caring.
As I wait for her to get the wallet, I see Ella talking to Jonah while he stands in the sea. It's good that they're talking, but there's this feeling I've never experienced before, seeing them together. It's heavy—so heavy—that my gaze drops to the sand beneath my feet.
"Samantha! I got the wallet, let's go," Mom calls, running back toward me with a smile. Her smile is so beautiful—probably why Papa fell for her.
That's when we started to head to the Ice cream shop that was nearby. we had just passed it when we were looking for somewhere to park the car. though every step we took my chest felt heavy as if like I was wearing a backpack on the front,
Why won't it stop? I asked myself. It's okay everything will be okay, I will apologize to him later it's just that I can't face him now,
But he might never forgive me. And it made my chest feel heavier.
That's when Mom suddenly asked me.
"Are you okay, Samantha? You seem down," she says, slowing her pace.
That's when I feel my eyes water, and the tears threaten to fall. All I can manage to say is, "I don't know, Mum..."
YOU ARE READING
Timeless Regrets.
RomanceA young, silent college student accustomed to his predictable routine encounters a girl from another country, whose vibrant spirit shakes him from his self-imposed isolation. As their friendship blossoms, he is forced to confront the regrets and pai...
