WHERE TIME LEFT ME

Tears blurred her eyes. She couldn't see the hateful and mocking faces at her side, and her eyes gazed at the red light on the wall.It was her wish that the light could continue to shine because it meant that at least she could hold on to hope that he would come out."Mr. Mark's family," a man in a white lab coat walked out of the emergency room, looking at the family members with a disappointed look.But a smile never left her face, activating her delusions thinking that the doctor was just joking so he could say it was a prank and he was okay, right?"I'm sorry, but we did our best…" No… he was just trying to comfort her, right?As if the universe was playing poker with her, the door opened and the body was pushed out, covered with a white cloth but no. She stood there like a post, wishing time could stop.Her now tired body flopped to the floor, kneeling with a thud, her black under-eyes and messy hair now stuck to her face due to sweat."You're a jinx, give me back my son," a slap woke her up, and that's when it hit her hard that he had broken his promise.'No, Dad, you promised… you promised that you'd watch me grow… you promised to walk me to school…'"It was all a lie… you said you were not like the others and that I was your princess...""No… no…" The pain that passed through her body right now left her numb, and she couldn't feel the slaps that went her way.Her grandma held her shoulders firm, shaking her uncaring if she would break."You and your mother came into my family only to disrupt it, and I hate you so much."Those words were harsh not to mention she was only a child. Hatred, curses that was her daily meal. And surprisingly, she grew despite it all."Your mom left because of you. Now you took my son's life," her vocal cords were swollen from shouting and crying. Her old face now looked pitiful, and her wailing gathered commotion. Just like a river, the onlookers pointed fingers, following the flow."So unfortunate, I would throw her out.""Such a jinx…""What about me? You keep blaming me for everything… I'm human. I never chose the life that tags along with me…""Shut up! You still have the guts to talk back?" Aunty walked over, hugged grandma as she took her away.The next second she knew, her things were thrown outside, and she was barefoot on the streets…"Camilla. Camilla…" A face popped up as she looked up to see Marina. "Why are you standing here? Go help serve the guests.""Yes, ma'am." With a wipe, the tears that danced on her face were gone.At her sight was her grandpa, lying peacefully, his handsome face still shining and strong as when he was alive. But she was happy he could rest and not feel pain anymore.Around him were soft white flowers that he liked. For some reason, he looked like an angel the only man, after her dad, who loved her. But guess what? He was also gone.'Grandpa, I promise not to cry. I still have a lovely life ahead of me and won't hold on to things that time has taken.''Oh, and I forgot to tell you that I got into Gravemont University, and I'm not sure what to study.''Thanks. I found the new typewriter you bought for me. Thanks. I can never be more grateful.'After serving the guests, she found her way to the old garden. No one came here anymore. Her palm scooped a large amount of soil, feeling the texture.It felt good. She had to remember to carry some and plant flowers back at her apartment.The breeze was soft, coming along with a warm feeling in her heart. The wind slowly ruffled her hair as if to soothe her. In her sight was a fountain that was now dry like her life.She could almost see Grandpa's and her shadows playing at the fountain.'…It's weird, right? To see Grandpa planting flowers?" handing her a small jug, and she helped water the flowers with him.'…Your grandma liked flowers so much, and I promised to keep her garden as lively as she was."'How was she… Grandma?" her naïve self asked. By the look on her face, she was happy. No one could judge her anymore. She was not a burden. At least, that's what he told her.'The most beautiful being in the world. Actually, I don't deserve her. She would have loved you so much…"Would she?Wiping tears again, she answered the call that kept interrupting her emotions."Babe, come back early. I have something to say," the call was hung up before she could even answer.Nothing was left here anyway. Walking out of the fountain, she spotted Clarisse making out in the garden corner.Couldn't they just respect the dead or at least find somewhere decent to do such things?Who was she to question what happened around?"I'm leaving. Thanks for inviting me in today." Marina just stared at her, not saying anything."You have to keep Toby by your side, or else you can forget about getting any help from the Raye family."As fast as she spoke, Marina walked off like Camilla might infect her.What has Camilla not seen? Nothing.'Oh, Grandpa, I don't know if I should celebrate or what. Today is my birthday… at least we have something similar…'