Summer's Berceuse

08: A Familiar Play

Sincerely yours, Isabella

My hand fell to the floor, clutching the slightly tear stained letter. Hot tears fell along my cheeks brought by a sharp pain. I attempted to figure out the reason why I was feeling this way but in the end, my efforts were unsuccessful.

The boy’s purple hair glimmered as he strummed the mandolin under the shade. I tried to remember his face but it was a blur. The image I had moments ago was vivid and yet I barely remember it. It was as if I’ve woken up from a dream and immediately forgot.

It baffled me and left my mind muddled then it dawned on me that amongst this confusion, Leslie was all I could think about.

“Why am I reminded of Leslie?”

No matter how much I questioned, my mind was blank. The indefinite feeling in my chest continued to grow.

My head turned to the window on my side and hollowness clutched my heart. I felt void and yet, somehow, I felt relieved.

The gentle blow of summer’s breeze lightly brushed my hair and the sun that was hiding behind the sea of clouds earlier now peeked its warm gleam. Time flowed and the sun now emanated rays of light while I gazed out of the window.

I felt the tears dampen leaving tear tracks.

And then I heard a knock.

“Isabella?” A voice called out from the other side that made me turn my head. “You okay over there?”

I took my sleeve, hurriedly wiping my tears, and hastily shoved the contents back in the box. “Yeah!”

“I’m going in.” She said. I stood up with the box and placed it in the drawer where it belonged. The door swung open; I rested my body’s weight on the drawer with one arm on the drawer top quite uneasy.

Iris, upon seeing me awkwardly leaning, asked with slightly raised brows. “You okay?”

“Yeah I’m good.” I answered her pressing my lips together, averting my gaze. She walked towards me with rather squinted eyes, and tapped my cheek with her index finger.

“Did you cry?”

“Huh? Me? Crying?” I waved my hand. “Why would I?”

“Well it certainly looks like you cried.”

“Oh, it must have been all the dust from earlier, I guess. It made me tear up a little.” I brushed my hair with my fingers.

“Hmm...” Her accusing gaze remained on me which made me nervous. I didn’t want her to know that I weeped but I’m sure she already knows. She gave out a sigh and took a step back with her arms behind her. “If you say so.”

I let out a breath I didn’t even know I was holding.

She looked around the room and with furrowed brows, she asked, “Have I been in this room before?”

“It feels like I haven’t. This room doesn't look familiar to me.” She added.

“Maybe you did. I’m guessing not many people enter this room. I mean, just look at the room. It’s empty.” I answered.

“I agree.” She nodded then we wrapped up our cleaning.

After wrapping up, we headed downstairs to put back the rags and brooms used in the supply room.

Iris wore her light green checkered cropped polo top that suited well with her purple hair.

The both of us headed to the living room where there were no people. For sure, if the kids weren’t taking a nap, they would be in the living room right now and probably be watching TV.