Friendship Stories

More Time

Ellie opened the door to her mansion. The lights were on in the halls and her children's bedroom doors were closed. The famous actress went to her own room to get ready for a good night's rest. When she shut the door softly behind her, there was a small surprise waiting for her on her dressing table. A bowl of soup and a card. Ellie unfolded the card and smiled a warm smile. On the card was this:

Dear mom,

Happy birthday! Even though it's already been one year and you're supposed to get a year older, you will always be young in our hearts.

Love,

Suzzie & Lucas

Ellie looked at the bowl of soup, it was still warm. She picked it up and drank it, savouring the delicious meal. It felt like forever since she'd last eaten. Ellie was about to use the napkin set beside the spoon (which she hadn't used) when she noticed words: We made the soup, hope you liked it. Ellie smiled with tears in her eyes. She dabbed at them before removing her makeup and taking a short shower.

"Ah..." she wrapped herself in her favourite cupcake patterned robe. She yawned once and was about to climb onto the bed. But her laziness got her. She slumped down on the foot of her bed... and soon slipped off. Somehow though, it had not wakened her.

Fourteen-year-old Suzzie and ten-year-old Lucas poked their head into their mother's room. They saw her on the ground in a colourful heap. Lucas tip-toed into the room and was about to pull off the sheets from Ellie's queen-sized bed. Suzzie stopped her brother just before he made a huge mess and woke up their mom. Of course, the older child took charge by opening the hallway closet and took out a towel. She set it carefully over her mom and then kissed her goodnight. The two of them each went to their own rooms.

The next morning, Ellie woke up to sunlight streaming into her room. She stretched out on the floor... and then realized she was on the floor. 

"What the-?" 

She noticed a tray set beside her on the carpeted floor. Breakfast. And a note. She did the same thing as the previous night, read the note: Enjoy your breakfast! Suzzie and I prepared our lunches and stuff, by the time you've read this we're probably already at school. Make sure to rest well!

Ellie covered her mouth with one hand as she began to cry silently. She uncovered the bottom of the paper where her thumb was: P.S. can you spend some more time with us? I mean, if you can. I know how much you love acting. But please?  The actress began to cry harder. She curled up into a tight ball and sat on the floor of her bedroom. 

"How was school?" Suzzie asked her younger brother.

"Good. How 'bout you?" Lucas said.

"Boring."

There was a short span of silence.

Lucas cleared his throat. "Do you think mom saw the note? And the card? And the note on the napkin?"

Suzzie bit her bottom lip like she usually does when she's anxious. "Yeah..."

"I hope she can... you know... spend some more time..."

"Mhm... I have homework though..."

"You always do."

Suzzie sighed, "I know. But I promise I'll spend time with you."

"You never do..."

The two children began to argue. Both were oblivious to the woman standing not far away. 

"You never have time for me!" Lucas said.

"Well, I'm busy!"

"Mom's busier! She has her job and you have homework, why can't you just do it a little later!?"

"Ugh, you'll get it when you're older! Come on, lets-" her voice broke when she finally noticed the woman standing even closer now. 

"M-m-mom?" Suzzie and Lucas stammered simultaneously.

"Come here..." Ellie said, hardly even a whisper. She threw her arms around her two children. People, of course, recognized the celebrity and took photos. But only a few of those busy parents and guardians truly understood what was happening. Even if they didn't hear any words. 

The End