Karina’s Reasons

Karina practically barged her way down the staircase and when she reached her grandmother, she couldn't help but notice a peculiar sight. Her grandmother appeared as if she had just finished waving at something outside. It was as if the old woman had been saying goodbye to something, or rather, to someone.

‘What are you doing?' Karina demanded, her breath ragged as she forcefully shut the curtains. Her glare fixed on her grandmother, waiting for an explanation.

Winona looked at Karina as if Karina has lost her mind.

‘So?’ Karina insisted. ‘What happened to don’t believe what you see or hear after dark?’

‘I was just waving some insects off. What are you talking about?’

Karina could only stand there, mouth agape, utterly shocked at her grandmother's words. Despite her curiosity, she would rather forget about the whole encounter altogether. With a mental note to herself to address her grandmother's behavior in the morning, Karina shrugged and focused on what she could still control, that is getting a good night's sleep. 

"Unbelievable!’ Karina exciamed, before rushing to heat up a whole jug of milk. She knew she would not be able to sleep on her own tonight, too scared to face the darkness after the earlier incident. 

Once upstairs, Karina and her grandmother shared the warm milk along with a jar of honey, settling comfortably in the same bed. As sleepiness seeped in, Karina felt a sense of security and comfort being close to her grandmother. This time, she fell asleep very quickly and deeply.

*****

‘Karina?’

‘Mum?’

‘Karina?’

‘Mum… Where are you?’

‘I am resting peacefully now, my daughter. You don’t have to ever wonder if I am unhappy. I am happy and contented that you’ve grown to become such a beautiful lady.’

*****

Karina woke up with tears streaming down her face. Her mother had suffered a slow and painful death after a battle with cancer. During the late stages of the disease, her mother's confusion increased, and she no longer recognized Karina. Her mother's confused and delirious cries, filled with so much pain, had haunted Karina ever since. She would have willingly taken on all the pain herself if it meant sparing her mother the suffering.

*Ring*

Karina suddenly jolted awake, startled by the sudden noise.

‘I thought signal was non-existent here?’ Karina whispered to herself.

It was a notification from her friend, checking in on her. Karina was reminded that not only was she there to help her grandmother, but she was also forcibly sent away to take a break and rest. She had overworked herself and piled on as much overtime as possible to distract herself from the ache that still lingered in her heart since her mother's passing, three years ago.

Her grandfather also shortly followed. Truly, only Karina and Winona could comfort each other.