Love Beyond the Stars

Healing Through Shared Care

When I and Steve came back home, his mom was not looking happy. I somehow managed to get to the room and sleep. The next morning, his mom called me downstairs.

She said, As you know, Derek is no longer with us. He was the one who mostly ran this house. Without him, it's very difficult to manage things and it's becoming too expensive. So, I had to let the maid go. From now on, you'll be taking care of the kitchen making breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Is that okay with you?

I replied, Yes, yes, that’s completely fine. I saw this as an opportunity to change his mom’s opinion about me.

In the kitchen, I prepared breakfast and placed it on the dining table. When Steve’s father saw me, he said, Why did you go to the kitchen? You’re newly married. What’s wrong?

I responded, No, no, I love to cook. Please eat.

When they tasted the food, they were impressed. Steve’s father was particularly pleased, but Steve’s mom was still not happy. She complained that I was using too many expensive ingredients. I was sad but didn’t show it.

After some time, Steve came downstairs, loudly declaring, I’m hungry! I’m hungry!

Steve’s mom said, There’s no food. I’m not doing anything. How many times have I told you to wake up early and have breakfast?

Steve came to me and said, Listen, young lady, if you give me food, this poor man will bless you, which will definitely help you.

I smiled and went back to the kitchen to make a new breakfast for Steve. When he tasted the food, he was smiling like a child. Steve loudly complimented me, saying, This is what real food tastes like! What was that garbage you gave me before, Mom? This is what breakfast should be!

I glanced at Steve, hoping he wouldn’t say such things to his mom. Later, Steve’s mom asked me to go out and wash clothes. While I was washing, Steve came and asked, Why are you washing clothes? Where’s our maid?

I told him that the maid was on holiday, so I was doing it myself. It’s my home, so don’t worry, I added.

Steve said, Okay, but I want tea. Can you make it, please?

I replied, Yes, but I want to finish washing these clothes first.

As I was about to pick up the basket of washed clothes, Steve stopped me and said, Stop! Look at you; that basket is triple your size. You’re going to break your back. He came over to help me. While he was assisting, I couldn’t help but think of him as a hero for the first time. I was beginning to feel like I had a friend.

That night, my back was really in pain. Steve entered the room and saw me wincing. Why are you in pain? You shouldn’t be doing so much, he said. Are you enjoying yourself ? I replied, No, don’t ask. I’m in pain.

Steve told me, There’s a back pain spray cream in that cupboard. Let me help you.

I stopped him, saying, No, stop, Steve. You’re just going to make a mess.

Steve replied, Look, nothing will be affected. The only one in pain is you. I’m just trying to help. He then suggested, Why don’t you sleep in bed? That way, we can avoid back pain and both enjoy bed each day.

I agreed, Yes, that’s fine. Thank you. Steve responded, Go and enjoy yourself.

Later, as Steve was coming back with his friends, he stopped at the pharmacy, bought a bandage and pain cream, and brought them to me. When he entered the room, he found me sleeping on the bed. He looked at me, seemingly wondering how pretty I looked and what I was doing in his room. He touched my face and, when I suddenly woke up, he scrambled to pick up my charger and stammered, Nothing, nothing. I was just getting my phone charger.

He handed me the back pain medicine and said, Remember to apply this on your back. You’re going to feel better. I was shocked. Was he actually worried about me?