+25 BONUS
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Sienna’s POV
I felt my heart racing.? This desire could have aided in my ability to write with greater authenticity. Perhaps the final section required a heartfelt expression rather than stoic detachment.‘ Writing is about shedding the most intense layers of our soul. Isn’t it?
Despite my discomfort at the thought of typing again, I found it different. Natural language was spoken about returning home, losing and finding one’s way back. Whether or not this would win was uncertain to me. I recognized that it would be my most authentic writing to date. Nonetheless,
Hours passed. Looking at the wall clock, I realized it was already dark by midnight. Despite feeling a burning sensation in my eyes and being exhausted, I was finally able to finish that last chapter. Complete.
With a slight frown, I remained stationary for an extended period and looked at the screen. The overwhelming feeling of homesickness blended with relief.. The fact that there was no need to delay made me aware of it. Tomorrow, I would go home. Noah was assured that I would honor his pledge.
My hand reached for my phone and gazed at the small picture of Noah I’d set as my wallpaper. I felt pain in my chest and his innocent smile made me warm up.
“I’m coming home, sweetheart,” I whispered softly. “This time, Mommy won’t be gone for long.”
I shut the laptop softly, allowing it to cool down. I sat on the bed, covering my body with the blanket. My eyes narrowed, and I could only remember one vow, when tomorrow is over, I’ll come back. Almost without a second
Home.
And not just for Noah, but also for myself.
Our family was still being reconstructed even though our hearts were delicately patched together.
It was a quiet night in my small apartment. The only sounds heard were the whimpering of nearby cars and the quiet buzzing sound of the refrigerator. While searching for a comfortable place to be, I turned left and my thoughts were still dominated by Noah and Liam from the house I had abandoned.
As I gazed into the ceiling, I witnessed streetlights penetrating through the tiniest curtains. In my mind, Noah’s laughter echoed and I could tell that he was running towards me with his small footsteps. The image of him embracing me with a warm embrace, his small body hugging me, and his soft voice calling out “Mommy” made my blood boil.
I covered my face with my hands. “That’s all good, Sienna.” I laughed softly and half–spoke. “You have only one more day to go home tomorrow. Just focus until then.”
While I tried to unwind, my thoughts veered more towards Liam.‘ His voice had ringed with me before, not just when he talked about Noah, but also when I called out my name. Once familiar, the tone took on a delicate tone, as if holding something delicate that could break. It was also very gentle.
I was aware that he was going through a tough time, just like me who was exhausted and afraid of losing direction in the chaos. He stayed and continued to care for Noah, keeping his word. I felt a sense of gratitude and guilt when I saw the quiet loyalty on my chest.
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With a soft close, I revisited past experiences such as afternoons spent in the kitchen, laughing at pancake batter on the floor, and the first night when Noah became aware of speaking. Additionally, there were instances where Liam was already making tea in my wake. Simple things that seemed unimportant at first, but now were considered precious.
Holding my pillow in my hands, I turned around. My body began to relax with a soft and gentle serenity, replacing the agony of previous days. My heart felt like home.
The curtain was swayed by the night breeze that had just passed outside. The faint traces of rain that had fallen earlier that night could be detected in my lungs. It was cool but comforting.
I gazed at my phone on the bedside table, a momentary glance.‘ My fingers were all over the screen to confirm that Noah’s picture was still intact. His smile was still there, but he continued to look at me and promise that everything would be alright.
“Yes, sweetheart,” I whispered, my voice barely audible. “Mommy’s coming home tomorrow.”
Taking deep breaths, I felt my chest empty. I experienced a slight decrease in heart volume after two weeks. With the wind in my hair and time running slow, I closed my eyes once more and let my thoughts go.
I had a final thought before falling asleep, but not about the things I could have salvaged. I was anticipating my second chance with the people I loved most.
***
When the morning comes, I am met with a gentle light that penetrates my room‘ robe. I slowly open my eyes while still having a heavy head from staying up all night. Nevertheless, in contrast to the previous days, I’m still feeling a sense of calmness. The final chapter is done. This is the piece that had been haunting me for weeks. My feet make me stand up weakly, and I walk frantically towards the kitchen. I am met with a scent of freshly ground coffee upon starting the machine. My gaze reverberates to the bag on the table, filled with printed pages of my manuscript, as I take my first bite. I experience a bittersweet sensation of pride. Pride stems from the fact that I have accomplished it, while bitterness stemmed from knowing that my longing had resulted in this effort.
I instinctively reach for my phone. Why? Some concise but distinct messages from Livia.
When finished, just send it over.
[We’ll work it out before the deadline.].
I grin faintly and provide a brief answer.
[It’s done. I’ll send it today.].
My wallpaper is the subject of my immediate attention, as I can see Noah holding a red balloon and his face being filled with laughter. My chest tightens with the same familiar pain, longing.. I shut my eyes for a moment, feeling the sensation that spread throughout me. Last night, I made a commitment to go home once everything was done, and now there’s no need to delay.
I slather on my coffee, trying to keep my mind in check. Although I have some obligations today, will I be able to see Noah? I’ll hold him, kiss his hair, and make sure he knows I won’t leave him.
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