Beyond The Crash [HIATUS]

CHAPTER 41 | [A "FORGOTTEN" MEMORY]

"Li...?"

"Lill...?"

"Lilley?"

I woke up and stared at my teacher, who was standing in front of me with a smile.
"Your mom's here to pick you up,"

My mom?

I blinked as a smile easily formed on my lips. I like hearing that. It was my favourite time of the day when my mom picked me up.

She helped me with my bag as I ran out of the class, eager to see her. As usual, she was standing outside beside the black car my dad bought the last time he was here.

She smiled as soon as she saw me, and I ran into her arms.
"Hello, my little flower," she said warmly. "How was school today? Good?"

I nodded as I looked at her.
People had always said I look a lot like my dad, but I see resemblance with my mom more.

"She got an A on her spelling test," the teacher informed behind me.

My mom gasped a little. "Oh my! You've improved!" She gave me another hug before collecting my things from the teacher.

Once in the car, I waved goodbye to my teacher as we moved.
"How was work?" I asked as I wiggled my leg in the backseat.

My mom let out an exaggerated sigh, her smile not leaving her face.
"It was good but still stressful,"

I groaned.
"I don't wanna grow up if being an adult is stressful," I crossed my hands as if stamping my resolve.

My mom laughed.
"Come on, sweetie, it's not all that bad,"

"You don't need to convince me," I pouted, which made her laugh even more, causing me to laugh also.

When we arrived at our house, Aunt Shelly was waiting for us outside, a watering can in her hand.
She was probably helping mom water her flowers since she's been too busy lately.

Because of her new manager.

Hmph, I don't know why he always keeps mom busy all the time. Like she has a home to get to. Don't he get that?

Oh... I remember.

Aunt Shelly has always helped mom with certain tasks, but now that she's about getting married, she wouldn't have the time anymore.

"Why don't you quit?" That was the first thing she said to my mom when we got down. "That new manager of yours, I swear if I meet him-"

"Nothing would happen," my mom joked as I reached for her hand. "Where are you even planning on meeting him? On the street?"

"It's still a mystery why you're being so understanding and not complaining," she said, giving me a little head pat.

At least we both think the same way and agree that she should leave this job. Or they should change their manager. Ever since he came, mom has been stressed more than usual.

Like she forgets to water her plants and flowers. Mom never forgets to do that, but lately... things have changed.

"Mom, listen to Aunty," I muttered beside her.

She let out a little chuckle.
"If I quit, what would be putting food on our table?" She squatted in front of me, still smiling. "Everything's gonna work out in the end, I promise."

"Why... do you always smile?"

"Because it's good to smile and to be understanding, not judging at first glance," she paused for a while. "It's also good to be helpful to those around you,"