Curiosity is a dangerous thing

Chapter 2

1 year later.

   Nothing went back to normal. I hoped to, but things seemed to get worse as time went by. Dad never contacted us personally again. They got divorced, you see, and now he just sends us checks.

   I'd say that life hasn't been so kind to me. Some days I went completely sleepless, because I had to stay by my mom's side all night. Sometimes she gets sick. Sometimes she shouts because of the nightmares. I don't think she is able to relax. Her mind probably works over time.

   Although it was really hard for me, at least I was doing good with classes.  I couldn't study that much, but I was paying attention in class and that helped me a lot.

   Apparently the first year of college was nothing  like I imagined. I found some friends, more like acquaintances, and overall had some great moments, but the situation I had to face at home was unbearable.

   Mom was always drinking or smoking and I had to clean, cook and pay the bills. My friends every weekend went out to clubs or parties and dinners, but I didn't go. I was looking for peace and all the noise didn't help.

   As I was finished with finals in June, I had an idea.
"Μom?" I entered the room and saw her sleeping with a bottle of Jin in her hug. She didn't answered, so I tried to wake her up.
"Yes baby?" She replied as I took the alcohol from her hands.
"Mom I want to talk to you"
"Yes of course, honey" she said and touched my cheeks playfully.
"I think it will be good for us if we moved to another place. I searched some affordable apartments. I think it's time to built our lives again, mom."

She looked at me with serious eyes. She was thinking. I was hoping to hear a "yes". I couldn't live anymore
in this place. Everything was destroyed here. And then she nodded. And I was relieved. So relieved.

   The next week was the happiest of this year. We were searching for the most appropriate apartment for us and we found it. A small one, but so beautiful. One room had a ladder starting from the balcony going up to the last floor, in which there was a garden. I fell in love with that room. The view was a park with a small lake. I just loved it. Mom noticed and we agreed to rent it. I was so happy decorating it, it took my mind off of the past year. My mom seemed better, too.

   And now I'm sitting on my ladder, in the middle of the summer, one year after he left, looking at the peaceful park and for once, I feel carefree.