Back to Normalcy

Late Friday morning, Karina received a phone call from one of her construction workers back home. She was anxious to receive the most recent news regarding her home.

Karina: "Hello?"

Worker: "Yes madam Karina. I have some good news."

Karina: "What is it?"

Worker: "The restoration of your house is almost complete. My other workers and I are carefully putting some finishing touches on it. We're done with the garden, the swimming pool and the ground floor. We're now repairing the ceiling, balcony and roof."

Karina: "That was very encouraging. Tell you what, Michelle and I will inspect our house this afternoon. So be prepared."

Worker: "Affirmative madam. We'll wait for your arrival."

Karina: "That's good to hear. Just keep up the good work. Farewell."

Karina then approached me and Charissa at the kitchen for a little talk.

"Girls, I have some great news," Karina opened. "Michelle and I can return home within the week. Our house is almost completely restored."

"That's good to hear," Charissa commented. "Although Christine and I will be very sad when you leave."

"It's okay Charissa," Karina replied. "Michelle and I can still drop by your place anytime. That's what best friends are for."

Charissa and Karina enthusiastically shared an hug in front of me, their lovely faces etched with joy and ultimate fulfillment. Just then, Michelle instantly made her way to the kitchen.

"What's going on?" Michelle eagerly questioned.

"Michelle, Karina is experiencing an emotional moment with my mother," I politely informed her. "You and Karina are returning home later this week."

"Really?" Michelle exclaimed. "Gosh, I can't wait to get back to my house. But I'm going to miss your company, though."

"It's all right," I replied. "You're welcome here anytime."

"Those four days here made me feel right at home," Michelle added. "Christine, you treated me like a younger sister. I may have protected your kindred soul from vicious bullies numerous times, but when my body appeared to give up, you rushed in and took care of me. You're a truly awesome friend to lean on."

"Aw..." I reacted joyfully to Michelle's compliments. "Many thanks for the kind words Michelle. Like I said, you're always welcome to live here, even if it's only temporary."

"And don't forget that you are also welcome at my home," Michelle responded. "That's what friends are truly for."

Michelle and I willingly shared a hearty hug to the awe of our respective mothers. But it was already 12:00 in the afternoon and we were starved.

So Charissa and I served some grilled chicken and garden salad for lunch. Afterwards, we drove Michelle and Karina to their home.

Along the way, activity within the city slowly returned to normal. Most citizens have carried on with work and traffic once again flowed smoothly.

There were still a few traces of mud and rubbish that remained on the streets, but other than that, the city looked the same as it was before. Meanwhile, I saw the cleanup crew clearing the canals of any sludge and debris that clog the waterways.

Just then, we arrived at Michelle's home. As Michelle and Karina surveyed the surroundings, they were impressed at the progress of the repairs.

Outside, the garden looked as green as ever. A few houseplants were carefully added while the familiar turf was adequately replaced by a fresh batch.

The fountain was also given a new coat of paint. For now, though, no water flowed through it.

Even the swimming pool was back to its pristine state. Some tiles were replaced while tubs of newly chlorinated water were poured onto it.

Inside, the floors were waxed while the walls and ceilings were coated with fresh paint. Lastly, some holes were patched and the cabinets were given a face-lift.

"It's amazing to see how much work they've put on repairing my house," Karina commented while walking towards the balcony. "They really pulled it off."

At the balcony, Karina promptly stopped and looked wistfully at the radiant sky. Michelle eagerly joined her soon after.

"Dear mother?" Michelle asked. "You're harbouring some deep thoughts. What is it?"

"I miss the comforts of home," Karina answered. "Especially this spot, in which I can look at the open sky and take in some fresh air every morning."

"So do I," Michelle reacted kindly. "I miss going out and smelling the roses before attending school. Those roses were like my best friend."

Michelle and Karina embraced just as the sun went down. Meanwhile, Charissa and I shed some tears of joy, pleased at how they cared for each other.

But Michelle and Karina were not yet ready to resume living at their precious home. So we drove them back to our place and allowed Michelle and Karina to stay for another night.

Then came Saturday morning. Just as breakfast was being served, Karina called on one of her workers to update on the repairs.

Worker: "Hello? Madam Karina?"

Karina: "Yes this is your boss speaking. Any news on the repairs?"

Worker: "Madam Karina, I have an announcement for you. You and Michelle are welcome to live again. Your house is fully repaired."

Karina: "That's tremendous. Now tell your co-workers to properly assemble and meet me at the garage. Michelle and I will be coming in shortly."

Worker: "Okay madam Karina. I'll do as you please."

Karina called out Michelle who promptly went down with the towel still wrapped over her body.

"Michelle, our house is now restored," Karina exclaimed joyfully. "We can live there anew."

"Really?" Michelle happily reacted to the glorious news. "Well, when do we move back?"

"As soon as we finish breakfast," Karina gleefully announced. "We'll pack our bags and then return home, but not before thanking Christine and Charissa for their gracious hospitality."

"Okay then mother," Michelle said politely. "But I must change clothes first. Wait for me."

Having carefully finished breakfast, Michelle and Karina moved upstairs to pack their bags. Meanwhile, Charissa and I sat down to wait.

Shortly after, Michelle and Karina went downstairs and were ready to go.

"Well what are you waiting for?" Karina told Charissa. "Let's go."

"As you wish," Charissa replied eagerly. "Christine, haul their bags to the trunk."

And so Michelle and Karina were on their way back home. Upon their return, they sincerely thanked a number of maids and workers who tended the place in their absence.

Before we went our separate ways, Karina and Michelle willingly gave Charissa and I one final embrace.

"Thanks to the both of you for taking care of us," Karina joyfully said. "We wouldn't have survived this ordeal without you."

"It's no big deal," Charissa replied. "That's what friends are always here for. Well, Christine and I must leave now. Stay safe."

"Goodbye Christine and Charissa," Michelle waved her hand to me. "Thanks for everything."

"No problem," I said heartily to Michelle while gently waving my own hand.

With Michelle and Karina back to their humble abode life returned to normal for all of us. But a new school week dawns and there are still unfinished business left to do.