Trials Of Thelma: Unbroken

He's Awake

~Thelma~

As the morning light filters into the room, my parents returned. My mom's face softens when she sees Jayden awake. She rushes to his side, taking his other hand. My dad stood back, a look of quiet relief on his face. For a moment, there was a fragile sense of peace in the room. We exchanged a few words, all focused on Jayden and his recovery. It's a brief respite from the tension and worry we had for few days now, but it feels fragile, like it could shatter at any moment.

Eventually, my mom turns to me. Her eyes are tired but softer than they were yesterday. "You should go home and get some rest," she says, her voice low. "You've been here all night." I hesitate, glancing at Jayden. He seems more alert now, his eyes following our movements. "I'll stay a little longer," I say, not wanting to leave just yet.

My mom nods, understanding. She didn't say anything more, but her expression held a mix of gratitude and something else—maybe a hint of regret. I can’t be sure, and I didn’t dwell on it.

The doctor enters, checking Jayden’s vitals and smiling reassuringly at us. “He’s awake, but he’s not out of the woods yet. We need to monitor him closely.” I spent every day after another with hospital visits and chores at home. I barely had time to glance through my books or do my assignments. One evening, I decide to bring it up with my mom, hoping for some understanding.

“Mom, I haven’t had a chance to do any of my assignments. I need some time to study,” I say cautiously.

My mother’s face hardens. “Thelma, you’re the eldest. You need to take more responsibility. Your brother is in the hospital, and you’re worried about schoolwork?” I feel a lump forming in my throat. “I know, Mom. But my education is important too.”

She shakes her head, her expression filled with disappointment. “You need to prioritize your family right now. School can wait.”

My mother has returned to her business full-time, leaving most of the household responsibilities to me. The atmosphere at home is tense, filled with constant arguments and misunderstandings. One day, I accidentally burn dinner. The smoke alarm went off, and my mother rushed into the kitchen, her face a mask of anger.

“Why can’t you do anything right? You’re supposed to be helping, not making things worse!” she yells. I fight back tears, feeling utterly defeated. “I’m doing my best, Mom.” “Well, your best isn’t good enough,” she snaps, storming out of the kitchen.

Another happened when I forget to buy some vegetables during a grocery shopping. My mother’s anger was swift and harsh.

“How could you forget something so important? You’re useless!” she shouts, making me feel like a failure. "I’m sorry, Mom. I’ll go get them now,” I mumble, trying to hold back my tears.

The final straw came when I asked for a little time to myself one evening. “Mom, can I take a break? I need to clear my head,” I say, exhausted. “A break? You don’t get to take a break! This family is depending on you right now, do you know how much my business has suffered since the accident?” she replies coldly.

I felt trapped and overwhelmed, the pressure is mounting with each passing day. One night at the hospital, the weight of it all became too much. I broke down, tears streaming down my face as I quietly sob in the hallway. I felt so alone, so helpless.

A nurse noticed me and walks over, offering me a tissue. She didn’t say anything but gave me a knowing, understanding look. She stayed with me until I calm down, her silent presence was a small comfort.

**********************************************

A few days later, I received a call from my friends, saying they are on their way to my house. I was so excited and happy, something I haven’t felt in weeks. When they arrive, their smiles and laughter filled the house, lifting my spirits. “We’ve missed you, Thelma,” Emily says, hugging me tightly.

“Yeah, it’s not the same without you,” Meghan adds, smiling warmly. We spent the afternoon talking about everything – campus gossip, new assignments, and plans for the next semester. Their presence was a much-needed distraction from the constant stress and worry.

As they prepare to leave, Liam asks, “So, are you coming back to campus with us in a few days? We need to catch up on unfinished assignments and get ready for the new semester.” I hesitate, knowing how much my family needs me right now. “I’ll let you know ASAP,” I reply, forcing a smile.

********************

Jayden’s condition improves slightly, but the days continue to pass in a blur of hospital visits and household chores. I try to be strong, but the tension and arguments with my mother always leave me feeling isolated and overwhelmed. That night, as I lie in bed, the exhaustion and stress overwhelm me. I cry quietly into my pillow, feeling like I’m falling apart. My mind drifts back to yesterday's incident.

Earlier, my mother and I had another argument. It started with a simple request for help with the laundry. “Thelma, why isn’t the laundry done yet?” my mother asked, her voice sharp. “I was at the hospital all day, Mom. I’ll do it now,” I replied, trying to keep my tone calm. “That’s not good enough. You need to manage your time better. Your brother needs you, and so does this family,” she snapped.

I bit my lip, trying to hold back my frustration. “I’m doing everything I can, Mom.” “Well, it’s not enough. You need to step up and take more responsibility. This isn’t a vacation,” she retorted, leaving me feeling even more defeated. The memory brings fresh tears to my eyes, and I bury my face in my pillow, feeling utterly alone. The weight of my responsibilities feels suffocating, and I can’t see a way out.

The following day, I visit Jayden at the hospital, help around the house, and try to keep my emotions in check. But inside, I’m falling apart. That evening, as I sit by Jayden’s bedside, he looked at me with concern. “You look tired, big sis. Are you okay?”

I force a smile. “I’m fine, Jayden. Just a bit overwhelmed.” He reached out and takes my hand. “You’re doing so much for me. Thank you.” I felt a lump in my throat after he said that, and I squeeze his hand gently. “I’ll always be here for you, Jayden.”

That night, I sit by Jayden’s bedside, watching him sleep. I pray for strength and guidance, hoping that I can pass through this difficult time without losing myself in the process. I don't know what lies ahead in my life's journey, but I know I have to keep moving forward, one step at a time.

That was when I decide that it is time to have a conversation with my mother but this time my dad needs to be present too.