Him

Chapter 4

Cheryl's POV

21 July, Wednesday

After what my sister said to me last night, I could not sleep. She just brought back old memories and reopened wounds which were healed up.... well almost. Who am I kidding? I never stopped believing and hoping that my dad would change. That we would be normal and that he would love us again. But he didn't. We kept on waiting for so long on something that I feel never even existed.

It is about time I got rid of this man from my life because he is causing so much pain and misery. I am getting rid of anything that might connect me to him, starting by his pictures, the songs he likes, everything.

I immediately grab on my phone and do just that. I am done crying. I am tired of feeling  this way. I am in damn Seattle and I am going to freaking explore this place. Like the worry free 16 year old I am supposed to be. Well nearly 16.

After deleting and destroying all possible memories with my father, I feel fresh. I feel like a small weight has been lifted off my shoulders and trust me it makes a huge difference.

I get up from the bed and open the curtains and windows. I take my running attire from my closet before walking in the bathroom to brush my teeth. After brushing my teeth, I head to the kitchen to grab a bottle of water. My mom is leaning against the island, having coffee with biscuits. She looks troubled and unsettled.

'Morning mother' I say to her as I pour cold water into my yellow bottle.

'Hey sweety' she shortly replies and sips on her coffee.

'Is everything alright?' I ask and rest my hand on my hip.

'Yeah. I am just nervous for my first day at work. I might have been good at my job in DC but now things have changed. This is Seattle we talking about. What if things don't go so well as they did back ho... in DC?' she looks down on her coffee. I take a seat next to her and rest my hand over her shoulder.

' Mother, you were not only good at your job, you were one of the best dermatologists ever. And you still are, whether Seattle or not. This is your skill. You should not let anything or anyone intimidate or belittle you because you are capable and worthy of anything and everything is possible if you believe. I learnt that from someone very strong, wise and beautiful I know' I nudge her with my elbow, using her words against her and watch her smile and relax

'Hey, you gonna be fine okay. Just try and focus on having fun while doing it. Now I have to go take my run before it becomes too hot outside' I kiss my mom's forehead.

'Okay honey, be safe. I love you' she says.

'Love you too mom' I respond and use the kitchen door to get out this time.

I have never seen this part of the house before so I take this opportunity to browse a little. The paving makes the yard very clean. I notice a door less shelter at the furthest hidden corner of the backyard, which has a cozy cushion bed with circular pillows. The bed looks pretty comfortable, I wonder if it feels that way too. It is covered in fawn sheets and the pillows look white.

I smile at my mother's thoughtfulness and take my leave. I am starting to see the true beauty of this city. The trees here are always so lively and green. The melodies of the beautiful humming birds cleanse you. The breeze and air here always smells and feels so fresh, calming your soul and blowing all your problems and worries along with it. I always knew that my running is some kind of therapy to me.