Last Tears

Chapter 10

"Letting go doesn't mean that you don't care about someone anymore. It's just realizing that the only person you really have control over is yourself." ― Deborah Reber

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"Alright bye" I heard Maama say as I entered the living room and saw Akram walk out the front door.

"I want to go to the salon" I informed her

She nodded. "Alright dear be careful" then walked out of the living room into the kitchen. Abu told me his dad was coming back later today and despite the fact that I and the helps in the house were capable of handling all the work; Maama had been restlessly moving up and about making sure everything was flawless. For a couple that's been married for 30 years you'd think her excitement would dwindle a little.

I walked out of the compound and stood out the gate trying to hail a cab or rickshaw. I doubted that I'd find one here anyway. The street was quiet, partially because there were just four large houses here. But personally if I was a commercial vehicle driver; I wouldn't cruise down this 'rich man' street looking for passengers. They were well to do enough.

I stepped out of the way as the gate opened and Akram drove out of the house. He stopped beside me.

"I'm going back to the hospital"

I nodded. "Bye"

"Where are you headed, I'll drop you"

"There's no need really" I smiled, "I can manage. The salon isn't that far from here"

"Get in" he insisted. I decided what the heck and got into the car.

"So..." Akram began, "How-are- you?" He said each word separately. Probably gauging my reaction, trying to decide if he should continue or not.

"I'm good" I answered sincerely.

"That's good" I saw his smile as he glanced at me.

"How's work?" I asked out of politeness.

"It's what it is" he answered vaguely probably being cautious after my reaction the other day

"How does it feel?" I glanced at him, "You know, dealing with corpses all the time. It must be difficult"

He looked at me surprised by what I said. He took a few seconds to compose his answer before answering. "Well it's not exactly fun. But we do what we have to do. To be frank I used to think I would lose my mind someday, with the horrible things I encountered every day. And I couldn't exactly discuss them with my family; it would just hunt them too. So I started attending those group therapy sessions at the hospital. Helped take my mind off things. That's why I suggested you do the same when Dr. Charles voiced his concern for you in front of me" he confessed

"So-"

"Yeah" he smiled, "I sent you there. Charles didn't"

I nodded. "Thanks"

"And you know," he hesitated a bit, "If you ever need someone to talk to about Amir; I'll be here"

I smiled before looking out the window. Shortly after he pulled into a spot in front of the salon and I got down. "Thank you"

"I can wait for you if you want. I'll take you back home before leaving" he offered and I quickly shook my head to disagree.

"No, no" I smiled. "Bye"

"See you in a few" he returned the smile before pulling out onto the street and driving away.

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