Chapter -8 I Woke up to a new life

It was bright and cold, I guessed it may have rained a little during the night. I tottered as I slothfully raise myself off my bed. The windows were open, that explained why the room was twice as cold as it should be. I mooch off to shut the glass window that appeared elusive for a moment.

I could hear voices of neighbors relentlessly exchanging pleasantries.

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

Their voices rang in my ears like a banging from a novice samba. 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 papers, paper towels, tampons, hair brush, bottles of olive oil, tea tree oil, vinegar, moisturizer, and few other things.

Within few minutes of a search I found some Aspirins for my migraine. I gulped it down hungrily with a left over water lying in a mug on the table.

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 dark room 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 carefully 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 sullenly on the floor, resting my back on the bedframe.

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 prophets writings.

The Covilhã sauce that mom served during those spiritual activity 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 small black coloured Motorola smartphone.

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 really 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 whined.

"I miss you more, I really 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,"

"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 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 blue checked pattern, long sleeved shirt, towering over his blue jeans and brown 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. "And 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- really 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, he said they arrived safe flight"

"Yes" I chuckled, "She said little 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 builtfat 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 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 yelled.

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 joy 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 replied looking intently at me with a sad smile written conspicuously on her face.

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

For a moment I was genuinely concerned, with my eyes darting about in a bid to understand why she was so caring and then it dawn on me, she was my new guardian! Gosh!

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