Silent Corners

A MOTHER'S TRUTH

“Christine, there's something I want to tell you” My mom said as she began to walk towards me .

My heart was heavy and beating fast,I was frozen where I stood as she got closer. I was afraid of what she was going to say, afraid of what she might already know.I was also wondering where I went wrong or if she was upset

I didn't mind my business.

She then reached me and stood face to face with me. "You've been acting strange lately and I've been keeping an eye one you"she said. She paused as if she was expecting a reply from me but to there wasn't.

"Something or someone has been on your mind lately and I know it has nothing to do with what's going on right now in this house "she added. I stood there not knowing what to say. The silence afterwards and the stare in my eyes I received from mom kept me uncomfortable. I don't understand mom ?” I asked to break the disturbing silence.

My thoughts were noisier than ever. Lately, I had been questioning myself on my feelings, my choices, and even how I fit into this family. Did she somehow see all of that written on my face?

“Something or someone has been on your mind"she said with her voice to rising as she said someone.

I shifted uncomfortably, caught between denial and panic. “W–what? No, I don’t know what you’re talking about,” I stammered with words tumbling out uncomfortably.

Mom had to lift her index finger to her lips in a calm hush . “It’s alright. We’ll continue this tomorrow” she said as she dismissed out little conversation.

As soon as we dismissed our little confrontation,I walked towards my room pondering what all that was about. As I opened my door,the first thing I did was to grab my phone and message Sam, spilling everything that happened. Her reply came quickly as if she was just waiting for me to message her. "OMG" she replied. "Mothers always find a way to know everything,don’t overthink it, Chris. Try to get some sleep" she added trying to calm me.

I sighed, typed back a small Goodnight, and set my phone aside. Somehow, I felt lighter and calmer after speaking with Sam.I dropped my phone,closed my eyes and slowly drifted to sleep

Saturday morning came with its own surprises. Usually, Jimmy and Daniel would head straight to the living room to play games on play station immediately after waking up, even dad would sometimes join them but this Saturday morning it was different. The house was as quiet as a grave yard.

As soon as mom noticed I had come downstairs, she called me to help her in the kitchen. The smell of sizzling eggs and warm bread filled the air as I joined her by the counter. We were working in total silence. Few minutes passed then my mom decided to break the silence.

“So, Christine, how about we kickoff from where we stopped” she said, her voice calm but steady, "I didn't even need her to be specific, I knew what she was talking about.

My hands froze on the bread knife,I took a breath, then finally let the words slip out. “It’s true, Mom. I… I think I like him.” I couldn't bear it anymore. I slowly tilted my face sideways to see her facial expression.

Her face softened, and she gave a small nod as if she had been waiting for me to say it. “It’s alright,” she said kindly. “There’s nothing wrong with having those feelings. But tell me — what do you plan to do about Henry?”

I looked down at the counter, my throat dry. “I’m not really sure,” I admitted quietly.

Mom placed a gentle hand over mine. “If you truly like this boy, and if his character and morals reflect the kind of person you are, then all you need to do is stay true to yourself. Keep being your best — in your behavior, in your kindness, in your studies. When the time is right, Henry will notice you. And when he does, things will begin to fall into place for you.”

“But don’t let this feeling distract you from what matters"she added with a firm voice this time and I knew she was being very serious. "Love and admiration will come in their time, but always remember to put your future and your growth first" she said looking me in the eye.

I nodded slowly, her words sinking deep as we lifted the breakfast plates and carried them to the dining table.

We I and Mom were organising the dining table, we saw Daniel walking in the hallway with his skateboard tucked under his arm. He didn’t glance at us or say even greet us . He pushed the door with a long face, stepped out of the house, leaving only the faint sound of wheels against the pavement behind him.

Everybody sat down at their usually position to eat. We were eating silently, nobody uttered a word, it was just the sound of spoons and plates touching. Mom was the only one trying break the silence by asking Dad some questions, she ended up receiving straight and boring answers which made her give up.

Dad finished his food first, wiped his mouth, stood up and adjusted his watch. He gave Mom a small nod indicating he's ready and waiting for her. Mom later stood up too, cleaned her hands and picked up her bag.

I then finished and pleaded with Jimmy to help clean things up since he was at home. Sam was already waiting for me and I didn’t want to be late. Lately, ballet has been the only place I can breathe.

I stepped out of the house finally. I was waving goodbye to my parents as the sound of the car engine came on and in a few seconds it was gone. The house felt empty again