Traumatized
921 Words
Chapter4
Kim's POV
On the eve of the day Mom was to return from her journey, I couldn't sleep. I felt restless as I anticipated her return.
I hated the suspense but I couldn't help but be immersed in it.
What if Hailey refused to come with her?
Or maybe, what if Mom couldn't find her when she gets there?
My imagination was running wild with different thoughts in my mind.
When morning came, I hurriedly did the house chores, rushed to the farm, and did some minor work. Time was against me, so I couldn't go out to work. I didn't make any money that day, but I cared less anyway.
I waited in the corridor looking out onto the road all day without blinking, hoping to catch a glimpse of them approaching from a distance. After a long wait, I decided to go in and have lunch.
After that, I returned to my previous position and sat down biting my finger.
Then I saw it….. what I had been waiting for since morning.
Approaching the hilly pathway that leads to our house. I could see Mom returning…..but she was alone.
Damn…. Hailey didn't come with her?
Why? What could have happened? Did Mom not convince her enough?
Or maybe she had relocated before Mom arrived?
I just looked as Mom edged closer. I was disappointed that she was alone.
But something was missing from her.
Why do I have this feeling that she left something behind?
What could that be?
Boom! Then I remembered!
"Why is she not carrying the bag she went with?" I thought to myself
"She gave it to Hailey maybe?"
"Was she robbed or what?
As my heart was shattered with disappointment, I looked at Mom again.
Then a sharp smile crossed my lips. Now, I could see her bag from a distance!
And of course, Hailey was carrying it! Just that she was lagging. It must have been hard for her to come through this hilly route.
I couldn't contain my happiness as I sprinted ahead to meet them and most importantly, to help Hailey with the bag she was pulling. I guess she included her belongings in it too.
When we arrived home, I was buzzing with happiness but Hailey was trying to smile.
I looked into her eyes. It was swollen and red. You could tell she had been crying for Days.
She looked skinny, tattered, and off-color.
Hailey has gone through hell and it's written all over her.
I felt pity for her, but I promised myself to make her happy again. I need to restore those smiles to her lips.
"Welcome Hailey!.... I'm sorry about what happened. Mom and I will try all we can to make sure you are comfortable here at Atlax!" I said to Hailey.
Hailey just nodded and went inside.
That was when I noticed that getting her to be happy would be a daunting task, but am ready to embark on it.
Even if it takes forever!
**********
Later that evening
I was in my bedroom putting things together.
But Hailey just sat down immobile and quiet. She had been in that position since she stepped in.
Hailey was just busy staring into space. Her mind must be running riot.
It reminded me of how I felt when Dad passed away. The feeling was terrible.
Then without warning, a sharp aroma wafted into the bedroom and right into my nostrils.
I know that aroma! It's my favorite meal. Yam pudding.
My stomach grumbled after inhaling the sweet aroma. I became hungry immediately.
"Uhm. Hailey? Let's go have dinner. Mom's done cooking. I bet you would love the meal. It's my favorite!" I said to Hailey.
Hailey didn't even bulge. She must have not heard me I guess.
So I called out to her again.
"Hailey dinner is…..
But she cuts me off.
"I heard you Kim. You can go on ahead. I don't feel hungry " Hailey said without looking at me or even blinking.
"But you've had nothing since you came here " I insisted.
"I lost my appetite at the moment. I'll see what happens later" Hailey replied.
It wasn't her fault. She lost everything in her world. Hailey was experiencing mood swings.
"Alright. See you at the table then" I said before leaving.
She said nothing.
********
"Where's Hailey?" Mom asked.
"She is back in the room. She wouldn't come out for dinner. I tried all I could but it seems she has lost appetite!" I said
"She is down emotionally. Let's just give her some space. She will surely find her way out from her trauma with time!" Mom said.
"I could feel her pain, Mom. I don't want to go through that phase again! It hurts like hell to lose a loved one " I said
"Neither do I. That's why I don't want you talking about the king. I don't want you to get into trouble " Mom said.
"I won't Mom. I already promised you that" I replied
That evening, I had dinner. And for the first time, I didn't enjoy my favorite meal.
I was saddened by what Hailey was going through at such a young age.
It bothered my heart.
No! Someone has to stop this evil dominance!
I raised my head to look at Mom. She was sad too. But I could also see fear in her eyes.
I already gave her my word, But I could tell that she knew I wouldn't keep it.
- Writer
