Page 2 of Storm
She was always stressing over my food, my thoughts, and my life.
She did not deserve to go through what she had been with...
“Too bad, I have already made them. Now you’ll have to eat it!” With a mischievous grin, slapping my hand away, she presented the plate in front of me.
As we munched on her delicious fries, she went on delicately,
“You’re not gonna go out for soccer or basket ball, whatever you play with your friends in this weather?”
Played...Not anymore.
Things that brought happiness to me, I avoided it.
Nor did those people want my mood around them. On the other hand, was it just me? Yes, it was. I could not get along with my old friends anymore. Unable to bear the sympathy in the eyes of anyone I knew. It haunted me.
“No.” I told her sharply.
I couldn’t get over the numbness. My heart was silent due to the storm it had suffered, not a beat of cheer or excitement in it.
As I said, I felt dead. And that feeling over-powered me in shape of extreme anger, with every reminder of the past from people around me.
“Great! Keep me company.” She cheered nonetheless.
Then staring around my room, went on,
“If I remember correctly, you had a basket to hang on that hook. Where is it? We can maybe try putting the ball in and see who...”
My jaw ticked and my eyes zeroed in on the backyard below the window,
“I don't play basketball anymore.”
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Standing up, I pushed the plate towards her, “And I’m done.”
I stormed out with my car keys in hand. Unknowingly, Gran had pricked at my best and worst memory. I was hurting and could not help but run away from it. Otherwise, I would have again found myself consumed in it, lost in the dark...In the feeling of being dead.
One day ago-
“I'm fine Granny. Trust me.” I reassured her a hundredth time as she came to help me pack.
We were leaving...Going back to Seattle...To our old house.
Los Angeles had never felt like home, although it was for years.
Granny cupped my face worriedly,
“You don't have to. Take your time sweetheart. Maybe wait a few more months or another year?”
“I'm ready.” I gave her an easy smile.
Staring at me for a beat longer, she finally nodded,
“If you really are ready to live again, then nothing else can make me happier.”
I pulled her in my arms for a hug, patting her head.
“But why aren’t you joining your old job again? This new one isn’t even from your field.” Gran spoke over my shoulder, still confused.
