Yugh returned home after completing his two–week trip, his body tired but his mind strangely restless. The house was silent. No familiar voices, no movement, only the faint echo of his footsteps. He unlocked the door using the spare key he always carried and stepped inside. He assumed his father and brother had already left for work, so he didn't think much of the emptiness. 🤐
Feeling thirsty, Yugh walked into the kitchen and opened the refrigerator to take a bottle of cold water. That was when his eyes fell on a small sticky note pasted on the fridge door.
I'm going to Toshi's house for a kitty party. Some of my other friends will be there too. I'll be back late. There's food in the fridge, heat it up and eat for lunch.
— Melathi 😉
"So that's why mom isn't home," Yugh thought quietly. He drank the cold water slowly, but instead of refreshing him, it left him feeling strangely dull and heavy. He stood there for a while, wondering what to do next, trying to escape the familiar emptiness that always returned when he was alone.
That was when a thought surfaced in his mind; Zahra's diary.
Uninvited memories followed. He remembered a moment from the past, his voice playful yet sincere when he had once told her, "One day, I'm going to read your diary." Zahra had smiled then, a smile filled with secrets. 🙂
Without thinking further, Yugh walked toward the bedroom. His steps were slow, hesitant. Part of him wanted answers; another part feared them. Yet, driven by longing and unresolved grief, he entered the room with a single intention, to finally read the words Zahra had left behind. 📕