The terrace was quiet, wrapped in the soft orange glow of the evening sky. The wind moved gently, carrying the smell of old plants and distant roads. Aruna stood near the edge, her arms folded around herself, while Maira leaned against the wall beside her.
For a long time, neither of them spoke.
"My mom used to like sunsets," Aruna said softly. "She said watching the sky change colors made things feel less heavy."
Maira turned slightly. "Does it still feel that way?"
Aruna shook her head. "Not anymore." She paused. "She promised she would never leave us. No matter how bad things got." Her voice lowered. "But promises don't mean much when people choose to go."
Maira stayed quiet, listening.
"I don't hate her," Aruna continued. "I still miss her. And sometimes I hate myself for that."
"You don't have to hate yourself for missing someone," Maira said gently.
The sky darkened slowly, stars appearing one by one. Aruna felt something loosen in her chest not gone, just lighter.
That night, Aruna lay beside her grandmother, the room filled with silence and warmth. Her grandmother gently brushed her hair.
"Grandma…" Aruna whispered. "When we were coming here… I think I saw my mom."
Her grandmother's hand paused for a moment. "What did you feel?"
"She looked happy," Aruna said, her voice breaking. "Like she was happy after leaving us." Tears slipped down her cheeks. "If she's happy… then what about us? What about Adhi? What about Dad?"
Her grandmother pulled her closer. "Some wounds don't come with answers," she said softly. "But your worth was never decided by someone leaving."
Aruna cried quietly into her shoulder. That night, she slept holding onto those words.
Morning came gently. Sunlight filled the house, and the smell of breakfast drifted through the air. Adhi sat on the floor, drawing with crayons.
"What are you making?" Aruna asked.
"Our family," he said proudly. "And this is Grandma's house. It's bright."
Aruna smiled, even though her chest still ached.
Later, she stepped outside and saw Maira waiting near the gate.
"Do you want to go somewhere?" Maira asked.
Aruna nodded.
They walked to the riverside in silence. The water moved slowly, calm and steady. They sat on the grass, watching it flow.
"I like this place," Aruna said. "It doesn't ask questions."
Maira smiled faintly. "Sometimes that's what we need."
Aruna watched the river, breathing in the quiet. She wasn't healed. She wasn't okay. But for the first time in a while, she felt like she could rest.
And for now, that was enough.
A/N
Thank you for reaching