I woke up with the gentle caress of sunlight peeking through my curtains .
It’s warm rays dancing across my face the alarm clock on my nightstand sprang got life , it’s melodic chime harmonizing with the bird song outside my window.
As I slowly opened my eyes, the memories of last night came rushing back in head.
A soft smile tugged at my lips before I even realized it. I pressed my hand to my chest, feeling the flutter still lingering there.
But I knew I had to rise, today was going to be a long day and I need to be prepared.
I tossed off the covers and swank my legs over the side of the bed ,my feet dangling in the air.
With a sense of purpose my bare feet hitting the cold floor I headed into the bathroom to start my morning facial routine.
The warm water of the shower cascaded and scalded down my skin, washing away the exhaustion and fatigue of the previous day.
I felt invigorated, ready to take on whatever challenges lay ahead.
Minutes later, I stood in-front of my closet fingers, brushing against the same rotation of clothes.
As I dressed up I chose an outfit that would see me through the day’s activities: a pair of comfortable denim pants , a white crop top and I matched it with a pair of study sneakers.
My mind already tickling through the days checklist I walked downstairs to prepare food for my mum as I got to the stairs the house was silent too silent that when a pin drops I could hear, my mom hadn’t stirred, which meant the painkiller had finally let her sleep .
Goood Ann I thought, she’d need to rest.
At the kitchen, I moved with practiced ease preparing breakfast and lunch for my mother.
I started with the breakfast, expertly brewing a pot of coffee and baking a flaky croissant then I turned my attention to launch .
Deciding on a dish I know my mum would love : mashed potatoes and vegetables sauce .
I then wrapped a portion of the mashed potatoes, the source for later ,my mum’s lunch box went into the fridge carefully labeled”for lunch “
As I worked, my mind wondered to my 14 years old sister who still acts like a baby ,Paula who was still in bed .
I smiled, knowing l’d have to wake her up .
I made my way upstairs to raise her from slumber “ Good morning sleepy beauty ! I called out gently shaking her shoulder . She gave soft smile and said “Good morning big sis”
After my sister was up and getting ready for school I returned to the kitchen to write a note for my mom.
I grabbed a sticky note and scribbled
“ mom , don’t forget to eat well and take your meds take care love ya!”
I stuck it to the fridge, right above the handle “ impossible to miss “I said, with my tasks completed I felt a sense of satisfaction washed over me .
outside the air was thick with the rumble of engines and the tang of exhaust . When the bus finally lurched to the carb,i claimed a seat by the window, pressing my forehead to the glass. The city blurred past street venders unfolding their stalls.
In an hour time the bus pulled up to the campus entrance and I gathered my belongings,easer to start my day .
as I stepped off the bus, I spotted Gina waiting for me at the car park arms crossed, one foot tapping like she’d been waiting for hours.
“ you’re lucky I love you I would have Lea.. “I pushed her into a hug and said thank you with a soft smile.
“ you cannot seduce me with your innocent face “ I chuckled she tossed me a thermos,
“ coffee and you owe me” she said .
I caught it , the warmth seeping into my palms .
“you looking smart today Anne!” Gina complimented my outfit as usual .
“ is there any occasion? She teased I chuckled, feeling a bit self conscious about my outfit.
No occasion girl I just wanted to look smart since I’m going to have a long day , I guess I replied with a grin.
She smiled knowingly and we both headed towards our lecture hall , chatting animatedly as we walked .
As we stepped into the lecture hall, the sound of phones buzzing filled the air notifications chiming one after the other like a wave crashing in.
Students looked up from their screens and straight in my direction.
At first, I didn’t understand what was going on.
Then Gina’s phone buzzed too. She checked it and froze.
“What’s wrong?” I asked, narrowing my eyes.
She quickly locked the screen. “Nothing.”
But I wasn’t buying it. I reached for her phone and gently took it from her.
That was when I saw it.