When Peach Blossom Blooms

Chapter 2

"M-mom?" I tried to mention her name despite my parched throat.

The tears that my mother is holding back cannot be stopped anymore. The emotions that she withheld for many months started to surge like a dam with its broken walls. The pain that accumulated pour out like a storm and she hurriedly hugged me tightly until I cannot breathe anymore.

"Daiyu are you ok? Is there something painful?" she said as she clutched my face like a precious gem. I can see my reflection on my mother's eyes. Even though tears makes her eyes cloudy, it does not prevent me from seeing how worried she is for me. The wrinkles in her face as well as the few strands of white hair in her head makes her look older then she originally was. It  seems that this accident really takes a toll on her and that place me in an endless stream of regret. 

I am an unfilial daughter. I make my mom worry.

"Mom I am f-fine, really," I painstakingly said despite my raspy throat. I tried to wipe her tears with my hands even though I know it is futile because my mother's tears flow like a flood. Why did I do that? I now started to question all of my decisions in life. I am just a normal woman that strived to survive the life in the modern cities. It is really hard to keep up with this fast-paced life but through this I still keep myself in tact. I have morals and I did not make any crimes yet why am I experiencing this? All I do was to give someone all I have, to love, but it seems there is where my fault lies. I should not give my everything.

"Wait dear, here drink water, I will immediately call the doctor. Stay put here ok?" My mom said as she hurriedly go out of the room. I nod my head in order to show my agreement and hold the glass of water between my hands. I stare at it for a few seconds and space out. I can see my reflection in the water. When did I become like this? Shallow eyes, haggard skin and thin face due to lack of nutrients. Like any other women, beauty is one of my vanity. I love to dress myself up but how did I become like this? I am clearly in my middle twenties yet I look like a worn out middle aged woman. 

I tried to erase all these depressing thoughts in my head. Yes, I should not do that for a man. I keep saying these as I hope it can hypnotize my mind but there is a voice telling me that no! Ah'rui is not just any other man. We faced numerous storms together and endured hardships after hardships. We are together since before we took our college entrance exams. Difficulties just past but our relationship is tough as we laugh away all the problems. We are happy even though money is a huge problem. I stop studying in university and just work right away to help him continue his study. We are happy despite all of this, or maybe......so I thought.

It is already third week of December. The white vastness started to spread as the snow covered the surroundings. Cotton-padded jackets and thick sweaters can be seen everywhere. Many people huddled together as they emit warmth in the midst of cold winter. I started to walk along the streets. I tighten my maroon-colored scarf that I personally knitted. Sigh, money really comes hard. I already budget all of the expenses for the next month and even with the Christmas bonus at hand, it seems not enough. I initially wanted to buy a new outfit for myself and set aside my worn out clothes but, alas, I think I should bear with it for a while.

During my walk, I stumble upon a mall. I look at my wallet again. I cannot help but shake my head. I guess I should cut down my meals for a while. Instant noodles are enough. I wanted to buy Ah'rui a watch because the one he wears are already out of trend. Besides as a man, he should be wearing clothes suitable for his job. I cannot let him lose face. I tightened my grip on the wallet and enter the shop with conviction. 

"Excuse me miss? Can I do anything for you" the sales lady said as she examines me with her penetrating eyes. I don't know if its just my inferiority complex kicking up but I can see the despise that fleets through her eyes.

"Uhmm.. I am just looking around first." I cannot help but bow down my head and soften down my voice. Disdain flash again her eyes as the mirth and sarcasm laced through her voice.

"So.. are you really buying anything? Sorry miss if it's an inconvenience but there are many customers waiting may I leave you for a while" she said in a nonchalant tone. She walks with other sales lady and something to them. They laugh discreetly together. However I pushed all aside and looked around the store. 

All the watches are expensive. I should have expected that since this store seems renowned throughout the city. Their prices amounted to more than my monthly income. I stare at the watches and grip my wallet tightly. This is it. I am here now. There's no turning back. It's just cutting off my meals. I can just eat buns. Sigh. I hope Ah'rui can success in the future so that we can finally have a worry-free life.

I walked out of the shops door while holding a box containing the watch. I merrily walked home as I imagine how happy Ah'rui must be. I hasten my steps and open the door in our small apartment. I cook some simple dishes and wash up because Ah'rui may come anytime soon. I prepare the table and set aside my gift in the table. Now all I need to do is wait. Ah'rui said that he may come home late due to overtime in work. Hmm.. he should be home by 9pm. I sit at the table and take a nap first. I am really exhausted. Besides the weather was reallly cold. People can't help but become sleepy.  

The time continued to pass and now the dishes were cold. Its already 11pm. I am really exhausted that I slept for more than three hours. I look around the room and discovered that Ah'rui is not yet at home. Maybe he is super busy? Yeah, he should be busy. I look at the dishes I cooked and discovered that they are now all cold. I packed them and put the in our second hand fridge. I look at the box in the table. The gift I should gift him. Sigh, another one of his promises are broken. I lost count of how many times this thing happened. I seem to grow numb. I do not know what to do anymore. I tried to call him but the line was busy. I also tried to call his other officemate but they all said that Ah'rui already got home and is even dressed carefully. I looked at the box again. This is a gift that cost more than half of my monthly income but now.... I look at it again and throw it in the bin. The promise are broken. I know deep in my heart disappointment clouded my emotion.

Sigh. Maybe everything is not simple as what I thought. I am the only one who have that wishful thinking. If I just look through things closely, maybe I will not be this miserable.

"Doc, my daughter is awake, please check her now." My thoughts are interrupted by my mom's voice as sound of hurried footsteps travelled in my ears. 

The doctor along with the nurses check my vitals and ask me several questions. They asked if there's something painful, I wanted to say that my heart was in pain, maybe worse than physical pain but I know this cannot be treated even by advance medical expertise.

"I am fine doctor." He looked at me intensively and seems to be in deep thought. He turn the pages of the medical records in his hand and focused on it.

"Thankfully, you did not fall on the ground directly after jumping on a cliff, and fall in the lake instead, from now on be careful the child may not bear it if another accident happen." The doctor said with grave face.

"W-what doc? What child?" I stare at him with incredulity.