Chapter XI: Calming Her Storms

“Are you sure you’re not joining us?” I heard my Mom asking Aunt Emily for the last time.

I was fixing my bag above the dining table when I eavesdropped on their not-so-quiet conversation.

From my peripheral vision, I witnessed how Aunt Emily just nodded. She even tapped my Mom’s shoulder to assure her more.

“Gia will surely take care of you,” my Aunt tried to comfort her one more time, and I saw how Mom went out the doorway, leaving us alone.

I am so sure my Mom was also worried about us being left alone together. Because honestly speaking, this is the very first time I went out with her. We tried to visit a really few places when I was young, but it was all with Aunt, and I actually had no alone time with my own mother while growing up.

So, it is not surprising that she’s just as anxious as me. But I can’t deny how I feel excited and paranoid at the same time. I don’t want to ruin her day, just like she usually tells me. I hope I won’t, though.

When I finished arranging my things, I