CHAPTER 4

MOTHER'S GONE

Mila’s POV

Flashback

Devastated by the news of my mother's death, I found it hard to breathe. My sanity was long gone, and the only thing I felt was rage and guilt. I couldn't believe that my mother was gone. The feeling of emptiness was driving me nuts, and it would only take seconds before it got out of control.

“Mila, be strong for me.” Dolph, my boyfriend said as he pulled me into a hug. Feeling secure in his strong arms, I didn't see the need to control my tears anymore. Wrapping my arms around him, I cried like I'd never cried before. The pain I felt in my heart was too intense, and it was driving me nuts. The fact that my mother would no longer be with me to guide me shattered my heart into a million pieces. She wouldn't be there to lead me like she had promised.

How was I supposed to cope? To live in this lonely world alone with no one to turn to. My mother was my best friend. The only person I could share my issues with, but now that she's gone, would my thoughts rot inside me?

There was no one I could confide in now.

“There there, Mila. I'm here for you.” Dolph said as he tightened his arms around me, but that wasn't enough to show me that everything was going to be okay. Everything wasn't okay! I had lost my mother and life in a single day. “Dolph, I know but my mother is gone. I couldn't even meet her to share her last words. Look, I'm left all alone in this cold world. Just..”

“Shh.” Dolph placed a finger on my lips and smiled, “Take a deep breath, Mila. I'll be here with you every step of the way. I'll be here to take every step with you. I'll be the one you can share your thoughts with. I promise to always make you smile even during dark moments like this.” he comforted, pulling me into his warm embrace.

At the same time, my phone suddenly started ringing. The familiar sound repeated for a few seconds before it finally stopped. I wasn't in the mood to receive any calls. At least, not now. The only thought in my mind was seeing my mother and holding her hands in mine. However, that wasn't going to be possible again. Right?

My mother was gone, and there were no more late-night talks. “Mila, your phone is ringing. It's your dad.” Dolph said as he placed my phone in my hands, “Pick it up. It might be something important.” he added, pecking my lips when he noticed I was unwilling.

“Dad,” I whispered, wiping my tears in between words as I placed the phone on my ear. “Mila, your mom has been buried. We had to proceed with the funeral as fast as possible.” I heard my father, Mark, say. Dumbfounded by his words, I felt anger surge through my veins as I tried to wrap my head around what I just heard. Did he just say my mother was buried? Buried without me seeing her for the last time?

“That's…that's impossible, dad.” I stuttered, unwilling to believe what he just said. “You can't just tell me you've buried her. What happened to tell me? Dad, you buried Mum without telling me or my siblings!” I snapped, my anger palpable. I couldn't believe that my father could do something so unreasonable.

“Mila, prolonging the burial makes no sense,” he said, trying to make me reason with his words, but it just didn't make sense. He buried my mother without an appropriate funeral! He just rushed the process and expected me to accept that. “No, No, No! Dad..I can't believe you could do something like this.” I yelled, hanging up to gather my thoughts.

My heart was broken beyond repair, and the thought that I would never see my mother again made it hard for me to breathe. “Dolph..”I whimpered, falling into his hands and crying my eyes out again. “Shh. It's going to be okay.” he comforted.

I pushed him away and got up, “I have to go.” I said as I walked out of the room, leaving him in a state of confusion. My heart was broken beyond repair, and staying there with him would only make it worse. I couldn't handle the pain. It was too much for me to take in.

It was something I never thought I would experience. Our late-night talks and her beautiful laughter would continue to ring in my ears. There was no way they would leave me. It would continue to haunt me, and make her live in my heart. Yes, my mother was still alive. If not for everyone, She was alive in my heart.

A few minutes later, I arrived at the cemetery where my father had buried my mom. Coincidentally, I was dressed in a black dress just like I had been informed about the funeral beforehand. The fact that she had been buried with no delay amazed me. It was just like they had been planning her death for ages.

Kneeling In Front of her grave, I traced her name and controlled the urge not to scream. I looked calm on the outside, but my mind was in a mess. I couldn't think or gather my thoughts. My whole life was a mess.

“Mom, why did you leave me?” I asked in a barely audible voice. I know it didn't make sense to ask the dead some questions, but I just couldn't help it. I was still shocked by the grave news.

Could I blame God for taking away my source of joy?

Or should I blame the earth for accepting her body?

Just like the sky could feel my pain, the rain started pouring without any form of restraint. Getting my cue, I cried out loud while hitting my hand on her grave. Yes, it hurt as hell but not as much as the one in my heart. It seemed like the rain was falling just so it could wash my pain away, but it wasn't helping.

It just wasn't helping!

“Mother, why?!” I yelled, my heart filled with despair. My entire being was broken, and I was sure I was damaged beyond repair. Yes. I was sure my life would never remain the same.

Perhaps this was the beginning of my misery?