Best Part

PART 12

HER POV

"Mother Superior, if you see someone who is... really sad. I mean, really, really sad, what would you do?" I glanced at Mother as she was watering the plants.

"Why do you ask that, Emily?" I thought maybe Mother could help me. I took a deep breath before speaking.

"Well, I met someone at the hospital. He's a guy who... who's depressed. He keeps trying to kill himself... and... and he always pushes away the people who care about him. He doesn't want to be around people. He doesn't want to talk to anyone... doesn't want anyone to approach him, and he doesn't want anyone to pity him." I suddenly remembered Travis. I really want to help him. I feel so sorry for his situation.

Mother Superior took my hand and sat me on a bench. She stopped watering the plants and walked over to me.

"The reality is you can't fix someone... but you can stay while they are busy fixing themselves. It's not your obligation to fix a broken person. It's their decision if they want to fix themselves so they can be whole for you." She held my hand.

"But... I feel sorry for him. It's been three years since he locked himself in his house, never leaving, and most of all, he's angry at people. Isn't it a person's duty to help others?"

"You're right, Emily. But you can't help someone all the time. You must also help yourself. Do you understand me, Emily?" I nodded. I get Mother's point, but I can't be convinced to leave Travis.

"From the way you're telling this story... Emily, it seems like you really want to help this guy, huh?" I stood up and nodded, smiling.

"Why is that?"

"I want to see the old version of him. There's something inside me that wants to know him even more. I think, Mother... he's a good person. It's just that he's wrapped up in anger, pain, and sadness right now... which is why I want to help him even more."

"Child, you can't help someone who doesn't want help."

"I know..." I sighed.

I know Travis doesn't need me.

I know he wants me to stay away from him, but I just can't.

"Do you think, why did you meet him?" I looked up at the sky.

"Why indeed? It couldn't have just been a coincidence."

"Fate brought you together... because he sees that you can help him, Emily. Don't give up on him."

"I have no intention of giving up. In fact, I want to stay in his life even more because I know he needs someone right now."

"A person's life is like a flower... there are days when the sun shines on you, symbolizing the good things... and there are days when it rains, symbolizing the problems." Mother stood up and walked over to a flower. She pointed at it.

"But you? As a flower, you have to accept everything... because a flower won't grow well if it only gets sunshine and no rain."

"I'll tell Travis that, Mother."

"His name is Travis?"

"Yes, Travis Goosen." Mother nodded as she continued watering the flower.

"Alright, I'll go home now... Mother. Please just let the kids know. I might get caught in traffic."

I said goodbye to Mother and headed to the bus stop. It was crowded and hot, even though the air conditioning was on. I couldn't breathe properly.

I started to tear up because my side was hurting again. I didn't know why. This pain wouldn't go away. I've been feeling feverish for days, but I didn't pay attention to it because whenever I got a fever before, it would just go away on its own if I ignored it.