Between Dreams and Duty

‎“I will help you stay in your store today, Mum,” Ella said, adjusting the sleeves of her sweater as she stepped behind the wooden counter of the herb store. ‎Her mother, Marie, looked up at her with a tired but grateful smile. “Thank you, my dear. You’ve been such a great help whenever you’re home.” ‎Ella returned the smile, a little shyly, but there was a quiet satisfaction in her eyes. She knew her presence mattered now more than ever. ‎The store smelled faintly of dried lavender, sage, and roots neatly arranged in labeled jars that lined the walls. It was a familiar scent - one that had shaped Ella’s childhood and now grounded her in ways she didn’t fully understand. ‎Ella was the first of three children followed by Eliana and Eric, both still in high school. Unlike them, she had already stepped into a wider world beyond Hallstatt. She was in her penultimate year at Seeburg Castle University, studying Sports Management, with dreams that stretched far beyond the quiet town. ‎She wanted to work with the scouting and analysis team at Red Bull Salzburg Academy after graduation - a dream she carried with both passion and discipline. ‎Just the day before, she had returned home after completing her winter semester. Helping at the store wasn’t originally part of her plan, but things had changed. ‎ ‎Her mother’s health had made sure of that. ‎Marie had been battling ischemic heart disease for some time now. It had crept in slowly, almost unnoticeably at first, but lately, it has become impossible to ignore. The once energetic woman who could manage customers, staff, and supplies effortlessly now paused often, sometimes clutching her chest, sometimes simply sitting longer than usual. ‎Ella had noticed everything. ‎And so had her siblings. ‎Together, they tried to ease the weight by taking on chores, helping at the store, and doing what little they could to support the woman who had carried them all her life. ‎Because Marie had done everything for them. ‎The herb store, located at the very center of Hallstatt, was more than just a business—it was a legacy. Known across and beyond the community for its quality and authenticity, people trusted Marie not just for her products, but for her knowledge. She didn’t just sell herbs; she offered guidance, remedies, and reassurance. ‎That trust had taken years to build. ‎Years of consistency. Years of sacrifice. ‎Even after her husband’s death, Marie never let the business fall. She raised her children alone, ensuring they lacked nothing essential, that is; education, values, and a sense of direction. ‎Ella knew that better than anyone. ‎When she chose to study Sports Management, it wasn’t the most obvious path, but Marie supported her wholeheartedly by buying her books, funding trips outside Hallstatt to watch games, and encouraging her to dream bigger than their circumstances. ‎That was who her mother was. ‎But now, things were different. ‎And though Ella tried not to dwell on it, a quiet fear lingered beneath her determination. ‎Two weeks after returning home, Ella had settled into a steady rhythm at the store. ‎She handled customers with ease, checked inventory, and supervised deliveries. She is practically doing everything she could to fill in the gaps her mother no longer could. ‎That afternoon, she stood just outside the store with one of the delivery drivers, overseeing the offloading of freshly harvested herbs from their farm on the outskirts of town. ‎The air was crisp, carrying the earthy scent of soil and dried leaves. ‎“Careful with those,” Ella said, gesturing toward a set of bundled roots. “They bruise easily.” ‎The driver nodded, adjusting his grip. ‎“Ella!” ‎She turned at the sound of her name. ‎Charis, her neighbor’s daughter, was hurrying toward her, her steps uneven, her breathing slightly labored. ‎Ella frowned. ‎Something wasn’t right. ‎“Charis? What’s wrong?” she asked, stepping forward. ‎Charis stopped in front of her, trying to catch her breath. Her eyes flickered! so uncertain, almost afraid. ‎And in that moment, Ella felt it. ‎That sudden, sinking feeling in her chest. ‎“I… I didn’t know how to say this,” Charis began, her voice shaky. ‎Ella’s heart began to pound. ‎“Say what?” ‎Charis hesitated. ‎Then she spoke. ‎“Your mum… she collapsed.” ‎Everything around Ella went still. ‎“What?” The word barely left her lips. ‎“She was inside the store,” Charis continued quickly. “She just… fell. One of the customers who came home called for help. They’ve taken her to the hospital...” ‎Ella didn’t wait to hear the rest. ‎Her body moved before her mind could catch up, her heart racing, fear gripping every part of her. ‎But just as she turned to run— ‎“Ella,” Charis called again. ‎Something in her tone made Ella stop. ‎Slowly, she turned back. ‎“There’s… something else.” ‎The hesitation. The uncertainty. ‎It wasn’t over. ‎Ella swallowed hard. “What is it?” ‎Charis looked around briefly, then lowered her voice. ‎“I heard them talking… the men who helped carry her out.” ‎Ella’s chest tightened. ‎“They said… this isn’t the first time.” ‎A pause. ‎“They said your mum has been hiding how serious it really is.” ‎Silence. ‎The world tilted slightly beneath Ella’s feet. ‎Because if that was true, then everything she thought she knew was only half the story.