radicalducati THINK ABOUT THEM TOO
THINK ABOUT THEM TOO
A few minutes later. She came back from the kitchen carrying a tray with a steaming mug of chamomile tea, carefully chosen by her for its soothing properties. It's her grandma's special. She decided to check on the kids first before going for Angela. She peeked through the slightly opened door and found them soundly asleep, each hugging their stuffed animals. She smiled at them and walked through the passageway which leads to the sitting room. Cracked the door open with her leg gently having hands filled. “Angela,” Doris said softly, approaching her friend with empathy etched in every line of her face. “I brought you some tea. It's chamomile, I thought it might help you relax.” Angela looked up at her, her eyes red-rimmed from crying. She was seated on the couch, her hands clutching a crumpled tissue. The room was softly lit by a warm, ambient glow from the table lamp in the corner. A comfortable couch occupies one side of the room, adorned with plush cushions and a cozy throw blanket draped over the back. Framed photographs of family moments adorn the walls, casting nostalgic glimmers in the dim light. “The kids, are they still awake?” “Finally, I convinced them to sleep, they asked about you and wished you could give them a good night kiss at least, but don't worry, I have taken care of everything, they are sound asleep”. Doris replied with a smile. Angela sighed deeply then hit emotional again. “Thanks so much, Doris, what would I ever do without you?” “Enough of that, Angela, please”. Doris said softly and sat down beside her, giving her space but letting her know she was there. “I am doing what I have to do, you are more than a friend to me Angela and I won't hold back in giving my best to you” she said gently, placing a hand on Angela's shoulder. “Thanks”. Angela murmured avoiding Doris's eye contact, if not, she would break down again in tears. “Don't mention it honey, here”. Doris was sad and handed the mug to her. “This will help with your migraines, you need to stop killing yourself already Angela. I know it's difficult to take in but the kids ….think about them”. Angela pressed her lips and nodded then followed by a little pause. “I…I just can't believe he's really gone. He was so young,” Angela whispered, her voice barely audible. “I never imagined…” Doris nodded in understanding, her own eyes reflecting Angela's grief. “I understand how you feel Angela. Sometimes life throws us the most difficult challenges,” she said softly. “But you're not alone, Angela. I'm here for you, and so are Lia and Liya...” Angela managed a weak smile. “Thank you. I don't know what I'd do without you.” Angela sobbed. Doris squeezed Angela's hand gently. "Angela…please, you really have to stay strong… I know it's not easy, the kids…like.I said…they are not happy, they sensed your sadness, and you won't like to see them grieving because of you… Your condition is starting to affect their mental state. Jace is not here, and this is not helping matters”. “Tha..thanks Doris. I never meant for any of this to happen…I don't want them to worry about me”. She broke down again. “Yet you keep crying all day?” Doris rolled her eyes a bit frustrated. “I am sorry… I am sorry, Jace…I am sorry Doris”. Angela cried loudly. Doris sighed sadly, she took the mug away from her and set it aside then hugged her. “You did nothing wrong, trust me I am sure Jace will not be happy to see you like this… Jace that I know loves to see you in comfort…if you really want him to feel better, you got to be strong and be happy for him, please”. She patted Angela's back softly. Angela cried more… Doris had to let her get it all off her chest before saying anything again. “Angela, honey please for my sake hold yourself together”. This time, Angela nodded and dried her face with her handkerchief. “You're good now?” She nodded, staring down. “Look at my face and tell me you are good, Angela”. Angela slowly forced her face up. Seeing her friend in tears made her even more guilty. Crying again will frustrate Doris. She nodded. “I am good, thanks, Doris”. Doris sighed in relief. “Thank you too. I feel much better, now take your tea”. She gave Angela the tea back. Angela looked up, her expression a mix of sadness and gratitude. She took the mug from Doris with trembling hands, inhaling the comforting aroma. “Thank you, Doris,” she murmured, her voice thick with emotion.