C11 - Remnants

The final months preceding my departure for Singapore were a whirlwind of activity.This frenzy wasn't due to the preparations for my journey, but rather because I needed to organize and strategize a series of matters before embarking on this new chapter of my life.Yet, let's address matters in sequence.

The announcement of my impending international studies elicited a range of emotions from my parents. My mother's reaction was wrought with tears and melancholy, which lingered for days on end. On the contrary, my father exhibited support, yet the traces of concern and solitude in his gaze were apparent. As for the twins, they initially withdrew from me, manifesting their emotions through silence. This disposition was short-lived, only to be replaced by the realization that I would be absent for a considerable five-year stretch, returning only for interludes during vacations, Christmas, and the New Year.

Their initial void was palpable in my room. Our collective financial independence facilitated this transition. This newfound state rendered my mother somewhat purposeless. Although my parents held positions of authority within our family enterprise, the active involvement of our paternal cousins meant they enjoyed considerable leisure.

In an effort to provide my mother with a renewed sense of purpose, I acquired a nearby property and undertook its transformation into a compact culinary school. Drawing from a network of connections, I enlisted chefs from around the globe to share their expertise, with my mother overseeing its management. Given her ardor for culinary arts, I encouraged her to enroll as well, allowing her to obtain a degree in her cherished field.

Much to my satisfaction, the endeavor flourished, rejuvenating her spirits.My father, in a similar vein, required a channel through which to channel his energy. Considering his proclivity for engineering and his passion for vehicles and painting, I established a small art gallery and toy store. The gallery would showcase and market his artwork, rekindling his connection with his latent passions. Surveying the space, I realized that it had been too long since he wielded a paintbrush. The time was ripe for him to rekindle his artistic pursuits.As for the twins, their inclinations proved to be more elusive to discern. However, the ardor with which they approached their investments offered them a tangible diversion.

"I'll await your return." This phrase hung in the air, spoken in the dim embrace of my room. Darkness pervaded the space, casting shadows over our forms. Yara embraced me tenderly, her small arms encircling me in an act of solace. "Lei, you must wait for us. Our unity will shield you from sadness."

Gently, I stroked her hair, a gesture to soothe her concerns. "Excel in your studies and remain diligent," I whispered. A barely audible hum of agreement was her sole response as slumber overtook her. The gentle rhythm of her breathing intermingled with the quietude, rendering a sense of serenity.

Turning my attention to Haya, I began to caress her hair, mirroring my gestures of comfort. Then, in a voice that seemed barely more than a whisper, she spoke, "Lei, we could accompany you. Commence high school there, perhaps."

Gazing at her silhouette amidst the obscurity, I sought to discern her expression. "Indeed, our roots are embedded here, tethering us to this land. Abandoning all of it would be a formidable task. Furthermore, if we all depart, who will shoulder the responsibility of caring for our parents?"My voice held a gentle timbre, underscored by the glint of a smile.A moment passed, punctuated by Haya's introspection.

"Will you truly be well?" Her voice quavered, displaying an unprecedented innocence. Her vulnerability was a rarity in her character. Leaning forward, I rested my forehead against hers, offering reassurance. "Absolutely."

With those words, she surrendered to sleep, the vestiges of tears glistening in the corners of her eyes. After ensuring that they were properly cocooned in their blankets, I too succumbed to the soothing embrace of slumber.