“Minds”
522 Words
After Kia finished her schedule in her office, she decided to head home.
She packed her things slowly, her mind not fully on what she was doing. When she stepped out of the building, the evening air hit her face gently. She walked toward where she parked her car, unlocked it, and got in.
She started the engine and drove off.
Her eyes stayed on the road, but her thoughts were somewhere else.
A few minutes later, she reached her destination.
She parked.
Then paused.
Her brows slowly furrowed as she looked around.
This was not her house.
It was Mustekim’s house.
She stared at the gate for a moment, her heart suddenly beating faster.
Did I really come here… without even thinking?
Her fingers tightened slightly on the steering wheel.
She felt stuck.
Should I go in… or just leave?
For a few seconds, she just sat there, thinking, overthinking, panicking.
Then she let out a soft breath.
“I’m already here… there’s no going back,” she whispered to herself.
She pressed the horn lightly.
The gateman opened the gate.
Kia drove in.
⸻
She stepped out of the car, adjusting her bag slightly, trying to compose herself.
The gateman walked toward her with a smile.
“Hi, Kia. It’s been ages. How are you?”
Kia smiled politely.
“I’m fine, sir. How are you too? Yes… it’s been long. I’ve just been busy with one or two things.”
The gateman nodded.
“Is Mustekim home?” she asked.
“Yes, he’s inside,” he replied.
Kia nodded and walked toward the door.
⸻
She didn’t knock.
She already knew the password.
As she entered, the house felt… quiet.
Too quiet.
The living room was slightly dark, empty, with no sign of movement.
She dropped her bag on the couch and slowly climbed the stairs.
Each step felt heavier.
⸻
She got to his room and gently pushed the door open.
And there he was.
Sleeping.
A drip was connected to his hand, flowing slowly into his veins.
Kia froze.
Her heart dropped instantly.
She stepped closer, her eyes scanning his face.
He looked… weak.
Thinner.
His breathing was not steady.
And just looking at him like that—
It broke her.
She stood there for a minute, just watching him, her eyes slowly filling with tears.
She didn’t say anything.
She just turned and walked out quietly.
⸻
Downstairs, she went straight to the kitchen.
She tied an apron around her waist, put on her earpods, and started preparing food.
Not just any food.
His food.
The kind he likes whenever he’s sick.
She moved around the kitchen calmly, humming softly to the song playing in her ears, but her mind was still upstairs with him.
⸻
About an hour later…
Mustekim slowly opened his eyes.
A faint smell reached him.
Food.
Fresh food.
He frowned slightly.
Where is that coming from?
He knew he told his family not to come.
He didn’t expect anyone.
Except…
Kia.
But he shook his head slightly.
She wouldn’t come.
Still confused, he slowly stood up and made his way downstairs.
- Writer
