UNBROKEN PROMISE

~25~ You are loved

Oma had barely managed any sleep,the restless tossing and turning of the night leaving her weary and drained. The sunlight filtering through her bedroom curtains felt oppressive, a reminder that another day awaited her, another day filled with whispers and stares. She sighed heavily as she pulled herself together and went about her morning chores, trying to focus on the rhythm of the work rather than the thoughts swirling in her mind.

After breakfast, Once the chores were done, she found herself walking to the main house almost by instinct. Her steps were heavy, her heart even heavier. When she entered, Mama Becca was seated at the kitchen table peeling potatoes. One look at Oma and the older woman’s brow furrowed with concern.

“Come closer, child,” Mama Becca said, her voice gentle but firm.

Oma hesitated for a moment,but when mama Becca opened her arms, she didn’t think twice. She stepped into the embrace,and as soon as the warmth and safety of the hug, everything she had been holding inside spilled out. A sob tore from her throat, followed by another, until she was crying uncontrollably into Mama Becca’s sturdy shoulder.

“Shhh, now, darlin’,”Mama Becca cooed,stroking her back in soothing circles. “Let it out. Don't hold it in no more. Just cry it all out, child. You don't have to be strong right now.”

Oma clung to her, the words and tears tumbling out of her in a flood she couldn't contain. “It's-it's too much, Mama Becca.It hurts so much-all of it. Their words...every single one of them hurts.”

Mama Becca sighed deeply,her arms tightening around the younger woman.

“Oh, my poor baby,” she murmured, her voice and tender. “You've been carryin’ this for far too long. Go on and let it all out,Oma. I'm here. I'm not goin’ anywhere.”

Megan, who had just come downstairs with Caleb freshly bathed and in her arms,  stopped in her tracks when she saw the scene. Her heart ached for Oma, but she quickly decided to slip out quietly, not wanting to disturb the moment. She carried Caleb out into the garden, humming softly to keep him occupied.

Back in the house, Oma cried until she had no more tears left. Her head throbbed, her breath was ragged, and her body felt completely spent. When her sobs subsided,Mama Becca helped her to the wash basin, gently cupping her face as she cleaned the tear stains from her cheeks.

“There now,”she said softly. “Go on and sit yourself down.”

Oma did as she was told, sinking into the chair like all the strength had been drained from her. Mama Becca bustled around the kitchen, fixing a glass of orange juice and a warm pie. She placed them in front of Oma and gave her a gentle nudge. “Eat up, child. Get some strength back in ya. Then we'll talk.”

Oma picked at the pie at first, but the taste and warmth slowly coaxed her to eat more. When she was finished, she took a sip of the juice and sighed, her body feeling a little steadier. Mama Becca sat down in front of her, reaching out to place a reassuring hand on her knee.

“Now,” Mama Becca began, her voice soft but steady, “tell me what's been weighin’ on that heart of yours.”

Oma took a deep breath, her fingers twisting in her lap. “I'm tired, Mama Becca,” she said quietly.

“I'm so tired of the way people stare at me, the way they whisper when I walk by. It's been like this my whole life. Back home, the only person who ever really cared about me was my father. Everyone else...”

Her voice broke for a moment, but she pressed on. “The teachers were mean to me, always punishing me for the smallest things. The children at school made fun of me, and most people in town couldn't stand me.”