Her Season

Chapter 2: Thumbelina

My parents were sent to their final resting place the next day. It was attended by so many people that were close to our family. All were dressed in black and mourning. Genuinely.

Same at the hospital, Aunt Lucy never left my side. She sometimes held my hand, caressed my hair, patted my back, hugged me from behind, and carried me. Like I was a fragile piece of art she never wanted to lose.

The ceremony was a bit long and solemn. All who wanted to share their memories with my parents were given the chance to speak one at a time as a tribute. They reminisce on old memories. A combination of sweet and sour memories. All the stories were embedded deeply in my young heart.

I can feel the pain everyone has by listening to their soft cry. They have lost a great friend. But surely, nothing compares to the hollowness I have fathomless within me. I didn’t just lose my parents, a part of me went astray and can never be recovered.

The guests gradually left after my parents were buried in their graves. They at least give a final glance at me as they bid goodbyes to Aunt Lucy. Despite that, mine was fixed on the elegant tombstone where my parents’ names were engraved delicately. Memorizing every stroke and details on it.

We were the last to leave the cemetery at dusk. The ride home was speechless and only the smooth engine sounds could be heard.

When we arrived home, I noticed a few more vehicles parked on the driveway and inside the garage. Seems like some of our relatives planned on staying tonight.

I saw my grandparents, on both sides, sitting at our dining table. While our house helpers were busy accommodating them. They didn’t notice our arrival, since they all looked so engrossed in what they were talking about.

“Sweetie, wash up first and change your clothes before we eat.” Aunt Lucy said that stole my attention. “Nana Dahlia, kindly assist Swan in her bedroom.” She added, talking to our eldest helper.

That’s only when my grandparents glanced our way. They just smiled at us faintly.

“Yes, Luciana.” Nana Dahlia replied politely and held my hand, guiding me to my bedroom.

She helped me bathe quickly and changed my clothes. I heard her sigh softly countless times while combing and drying my hair. It is as if she has something to say but only stops herself. She paused for a bit several times, seemed to be thinking deeply, then continued to brush my hair lightly.

“Do you want me to tie your hair?” Nana Dahlia finally asked after a few moments. I can clearly see the lines on her face due to old age. She was my mom’s and Aunt Lucy’s Nanny when they were still young up to their teenage years. She witnessed how the two grew and guided them along the way.

She only retired when both started college. Nana Dahlia returned to her hometown in the province. However, they kept their communication. She was more than a Nanny to my mom and Aunt.

My mom used to tell me stories of how she first thought about Nana Dahlia when she learned about her pregnancy. And when I was born, my mom offered Nana Dahlia to be with us, which the latter willingly agreed to. This is the mere reason why I feel so comfortable with her.

Having Nana Dahlia around is so homely.

I nodded courteously to her, which she took as a sign to start doing my shoulder-length hair. Memories of how my mom used to do my hair flooded my mind. I remember her always telling stories every time about how Nana Dahlia did hers and Aunt Lucy’s when they were kids.

Then I heard the old woman sniffing. I looked at her face in the reflection in the mirror in front of us. Her eyes were misty. Full of sorrow. Seems like we shared the same memories of my mom. I removed my gaze at her and just stared at mine. Embarrassed that she might see the same pain in me.

We returned to the dining room after Nana Dahlia finished my hair quietly. My grandparents and Aunt Lucy, who patiently waited for me, announced the beginning of our meal after I settled in my seat. Nana Dahlia joined us and sat next to me.

I ate slowly while the elders were talking to each other about stuff that I couldn’t understand. It took us some time to finish our meal. When the desserts were served, Aunt Lucy spoke the unspoken words.

“I want to take Swan with me.” She started looking intently at each one of us. Words were full of consciousness and clarity. “That’s, of course, only if she wanted to.”

My grandparents nodded in unison. As if this was already sorted out a long time ago and this dinner is just for the formality of informing me.

“As much as we wanted and were capable of having Swan with us, we know that we are already too old to take the responsibility. If only we are strong and young enough to be with her, we’ll grab the chance. She’s the only reminder of our son.” My grandfather emotionally said while my grandmother discreetly wiped some tears from her eyes.

Like me, my dad was an only child. My grandparents had a hard time conceiving offspring, and my dad was a menopausal baby. He was loved and adored by his parents so much.

This sudden misfortune in our lives made me an orphan, but the term for my grandparents, who tragically lost their children, is not yet even in the dictionary. How can fate be so cruel that their dear children, who they loved the most, were now gone? The pain they were feeling is beyond measurable.

They all looked at me with so much love and concern as they patiently waited for my approval or objection. I, on the other hand, felt nothing but emptiness.

“Would you live with me, Sweetie?” Aunt Lucy finally asked with eyes full of hope.

I nodded briefly, which made Aunt Lucy sigh with relief.

“Thank you.” She added as she held my little hand.

The next day, we were bound to leave with most of my things. Everything was all set. From my tiny shoes, cute dresses and clothes, fancy hair accessories, favorite toys, and plushies to my coloring materials and sketch pads. All my favorite things will be brought.

Aunt Lucy explained that we didn’t have to bring all my stuff. She said that she would love to go shopping with me if I need or want something. Other than that, we left some of my things so I can still have something to use when I want or long to stay here in our own house.

I looked around inside our lovely home once more. This place holds so many memories for me. I may still be too young, but the love and adoration my parents showered me over the past five years will never be forgotten. This house witnessed how happy a family we were. Surely, this is my haven.

It was nearly sunset when we arrived at Aunt Lucy’s place. Nana Dahlia came with us along with one helper and a driver. Our other house helpers were transferred to my grandparents’ house.

Aunt Lucy’s house is in an exclusive subdivision in the heart of the metro. It was at least a five-hour ride apart from ours. The house has a modern Japanese-inspired interior. It was spacious even if Aunt Lucy was living alone.

This isn’t my first time here and, like my other visits, this place still gives a cozy feeling. It is very inviting and welcoming.

After we had a quick and light dinner, Aunt Lucy and Nana Dahlia accompanied me to my designated bedroom. It was as big as what I have in our house. The design is much more likely the same as well.

I noticed that my things were already in their proper places as Aunt Lucy shortly toured us around the bedroom. After that, Nana Dahlia helped me with my swift night bath and dressed me in comfy pajamas.

Aunt Lucy was already in bed when we got out of the bathroom. She was holding a familiar storybook while lovingly staring at me.

“Come here, sweetie. I’ll tuck you to bed”. She motioned me to come over, which I obliged.

She gently assisted me while I lay my body on the soft bed. Just like how my mom used to do. Aunt Lucy made sure that I was comfortably fit before she started with the bedtime story.

She then flipped the page of the book she was holding and started reading it.

“Once, a lonely woman living in the woods went to her witch friend with a desire to get a child.” She begins.

I was just looking at the book as memories flashed back. Thumbelina. This is a story about a tiny girl and her adventures with marriage-minded toads, moles, and cockchafers. This is the same story my mom and dad creatively read to me at our bedtime.

I had memorized every line and intonation they made when they reenacted the plot. From the very beginning up to the happy ending. This story used to be magical for me then, but now, everything has changed.

As Aunt Lucy continued reading the lines, I was silently hoping to be like Thumbelina. The little girl whose life becomes a full circle and is finally at home.