To Kill a Mocking Bird

Aurora POV:

I headed home after stopping briefly at grocery store to get some stuff we needed and the gas station to refill my car. 

I drove by the gym too, it's around this time I often head home from gym too. Nights like these are the only few time I let my self have a day off from the gym. 

I have been so strict with my attendance and why not, I could see clearly how much it has helped me.

  It helped rebuild my self esteem that was cruelly razed down by Mr. Angelo, after that episode I couldn't even look myself in the mirror, I have never felt so insecure. That was how bad he ruined my self confidence. Despite trying not to show it, I hated myself that time, I hated how I looked and how weak I was. 

It all changed Mr. Jordan, whom I didn't envision would have so much impact in improving me, despite being oblivious. His subtle remarks and praises for every little thing I do. It boosted my self confidence so much, I could confidently stand in the mirror and admire myself - which I do more and more these days. Every time I do I watched in awe how drastic the changes was. But I worked hard for it nonetheless, all the days of intermittent fasting and dieting, sweating profusely in the gym while feeding off the loathe I have for Mr. Angelo. The muscle aches and spasm I felt when I pushed myself to the very limit.

I also had an amazing instructor who took my weight loss journey personal and helped me pushed myself. He was one of the several amazing people I've gotten acquainted with in recent months. The more I thought about it, the more I reasoned losing the job at Mr. Angelo the best thing to ever happened to me, it set off a butterfly effect of several amazing things and introspective experiences. I got the calmest job anyone could ever wish for and with a decent pay. I learned to appreciate myself and see my true worth. I look at the world differently now and my old naive world of being pushed around or manipulated by someone I care about was totally behind me.

I drove closer to home, I could already imagine my mother in front of the TV watching her soap opera patiently waiting for me like she always does. I wondered what she was watching. I also knew she would have stubbornly stressed herself to cook too against my stern warning and plea.

I opened the door and realised I wasn't hearing the sound of the TV. Did she went to sleep early tonight, she sometimes whenever she stresses herself in the day. She had a small flower garden she often works on during the day, she would weed the flower beds and plant some nee seedlings.

I entered the living room and there she was staring blankly at the dead TV. She was stiff, not moving a muscle to acknowledge my arrival.

"Mom" I called softly. There was no response.

"No, no, no, no, no, God No, she's all I have" I rushed to her side at once. "Mom, please , wake up, don't do this to me."

  The tears were streaming down my face at once.