I woke up to a new life

Three months ago.

The next day after my parents' departure. It was bright and cold; surely, it rained the previous night. I slothfully raised myself off my bed and mooched off to shut the glass window that appeared elusive for a moment.

The voices of neighbours relentlessly exchanging pleasantries rang in my ears like a novice Samba.

"Bom dia..." And another replied "Olά... Valeria" "Como estά?" and yet another "Atέ breve..."*

After shutting the window, I staggered passed my ever-scattered closet to the dressing table close to my bathroom.

I sat on the chair next to the table and searched for some pain killers, shuffling through paper towels, tampons, hairbrush, bottles of essential oil, vinegar, moisturizer, and a few other things.

Within a few minutes of a search, I found some Aspirins for my migraine. I gulped it down hungrily with leftover water from a mug.

I remained still, with one hand supporting my head as if waiting for a miracle. Minutes later, the headache subsided and I raised my head to the mirror atop the table. My oval face seemed swollen, unlike normal. Under thick eyebrows were my puffy eyes, forming eye-bags that made me look more Asian than I am.

My hair was in total disarray, I didn't bother brushing it, I had no strength left in me so I simply packed it in a pony, letting it wiggle below my skinny shoulders.

It soon dawns on me that the house was too quiet, where could everyone be? I wonder subconsciously. Oh no! Memories of the previous day came surging into my head. I dashed out of my room to my parents' room but they were not there.

I struggled to tell myself that it was not true, sadly, a voice in my head reminded me, "sorry girl, you are alone."

The darkroom was lifeless. The windows were locked with drapes over it and chairs overturned. While the empty table was at the edge of the room. The bed was undressed with naked pillows careful rested on the headboard.

I turned to the closet and it was almost empty and tidy. Few old clothes and shoes were packed in a bag and placed at the base of the closet. I walked to the bathroom and it was dry, clean and empty without toiletries nor towels.

In full resignation, I took unsteady steps back to the room and sat on the floor, resting my back on the bed frame.

Memories of the times we all sat together on this bed, reading the Torah flashed in my head. I would seat on dad's foot and listen, while mom and Jochebed would sit on the other side of the bed. Dad read and explained the Torah as a rabbi, he made sure to emphasize important points found in the Psalms and the writings of the prophets.

The Covilhã sauce that mom served during those spiritual activities were delicious incentives. It was a good way of holding my attention, else my mind would fly so far away, that it would take an abstract rocket to bring me back to reality.

I thought of the time when Jochebed and I would play on this bed, and mom would chase us around. I thought about where they were now. This awareness was to blame for the swift steps that led me into a topsy-turvy search for my new cell phone.

I rushed to my room searching profusely. Dad Only considered it necessary for me to possess a cell phone because he was leaving. It was a small black coloured phone.

Fortunately, someone was calling and the high pitch ringing tone drew my attention to the cluster of cosmetics in the small bedside cabinet underneath the lampshade. I bent over and searched till I found it.

I crouched by the bed and quickly grabbed the phone. The although an unfamiliar phone number, I picked the call and to my surprise, tingling in my ear, was the lovely voice of my mother.

"Oh, darling."

"Mom! Mom! It's you!"

"Yes my dear, I couldn't wait to hear your voice, how are you?"

"I'm not fine, I want to see you, I miss you."

"I miss you more, I wish I could be with you, I really do."

"What about Dad?"

"He went to get breakfast, he'll call as soon as he returns."

"The house is so empty without you. I can't let go of the shock of yesterday, maybe not yet."

"You're stronger than me, I know the pain will pass, I promise you."

"I hope so."

"Keren."

"Yes, mummy."

"I want you to know that what you did at the airport; was very brave. You spoke up when no one could. You spoke for the millions of kids out there."

"I wish I could do more."

"You did so much already, I wish- I wish I was as strong as you. I wish I stayed back."

"No mum. You did the right thing and I understand."

"It hurt me to see you suffer." Her brittle voice trembled, threatening to cry.

"It's okay mum, we will be fine."

"Thank you. Thank you, my baby." Mom cried.

I could tell she had been feeling guilty for leaving me behind. I could tell my word gave her a little peace. I whimpered softly I could hardly speak.

"It's alright mom, please don't cry."

"Okay. I'm not crying anymore."

"Uhm- So how was your flight?" I changed the conversation.

"It was safe and so far the longest journey I ever embarked."

I was happy they arrived safely. We talked some more after a while I didn't know what else to ask of. It was only after dropping the call that I remembered what else I could have said for example: How is the place? When will you start the travel processes? Where do you intend to stay? And more.

I caution myself on the note that, I might be asking too many questions. Certainly, I had all the time in the world to have my questions answered. Just then the knock on the door cut short my intrapersonal conversation. Who could that be?

I picked myself off the bed and rushed to the door. I opened the door to see none other but him. He was loosely clad with a brown checked pattern, long-sleeved shirt, tucked into his blue jeans, matching his farm boot. This gave him the cowboy look.

"Diogo!"

"Surprised to see me?" A concerned smile cut across his face. He was standing by the door with one hand fitted into his pocket.

I shook my head, in disagreement.

"Feeling better?" He asked.

"A lot than yesterday," I replied.

"I understand." He glanced briefly at me and I grew conscious that I still had the clothes of yesterday on.

"I didn't get to change-"

"It's okay," He cut in, "You don't have to explain. I'm glad you're under a blanket,"

"Haha." I Chuckled. "thanks for yesterday, it meant so much."

"I'm glad I could help."

"Please come in, I'll fix a cup of tea for you."

"I- wish I could stay longer. I got to go, time is ticking."

"Oh! I almost forgot you should be at work."

"I came to check on you before leaving."

"Thanks a lot. And my mom called."

"Your Dad called me earlier too. We talked at length."

"I haven't spoken to Dad, though."

"I'm sure you'll have lots of time to catch-up. I'll stop by tomorrow."

"Okay, bye Diogo."

I watched him move his 6.2-foot tall figure towards his black pickup truck. He had an intimidating built fat body, when in fact he was nice to a fault.

I walked back to my room, then straight to the bathroom after undressing. I let the warm water run through my body until it washed me clean.

In a few minutes, I was done with bathing. I wore my regular ash print T-Shirt and black joggers. I was barely done dressing up when I heard another knock on the door.

"I'm coming!"

I let down the clothes in my hands, stealing a glance at the mirror before rushing to the door. Who could that be? I grumble to myself.

Agape at the sight Infront of me, I tried fixing the puzzle pieces. In a mixed sensation of amusement and surprise; I opened the door and let her through.

"Hi! Ma'am Eunice." I greeted, shutting the wooden door behind her.

"Good morning dear." She looked intently at me with a sad smile written conspicuously on her face.

"How are you dear?" she asked with so much love in her voice.

For a moment I was genuinely concerned, my eyes darting about in a bid to understand why she was so caring and then it became clear to me as I remembered my parents' words, "...Eunice will be your new guardian..." Gosh! I pouted. Can someone shoot me?!

*Portuguese (good morning - Bom dia, Hi- Ola, how are you? - Como Esta, see you soon - Ate breve)