Cherished Moments

Talks like this one rarely comes for Peter. Except for the talks with Uncle Murphy that were funny, inspirational, and sometimes emotional. And of course, his relatives rarely visits him. For this reason, when someone talks with him like this, it felt awkward. He doesn't even know what to reply.

"Oh aunty, how is Zherynna doing? I heard that she has already entered a university few years ago." Peter inquired about his cousin. Zherynna visited him a few years back when he was still in grade school. She was a few years older than him and of course have started school earlier than him.

"She's doing well. In fact, she have just won a beauty pageant in her college. And she is also one of the top listers for academic excellence." his aunt retorted with full smiles as he likes to showoff that her daughter was someone who is good at academics and many other things. She was also hoping to inspire Peter.

"That is good to hear, I hope that she does well until she finished her degree." he replied in a few words. This was the best sentence he could make up. It should sound like a praise but it didn't when it came from him. He does not even know what facial expression he should wear. "What is she taking up now?" he added.

"It's so cold out here. Do you want to drink something? I'm gonna get myself a cup of coffee." she didn't directly answered him. It was really cold outside.

"Just a cup of coffee too." he answered.

"Okay. Just wait for a moment." she then went inside. A moment later, she returned with two cups of coffee in both hands.

She then handed one cup to Peter. "Here you go."

He received the cup and felt the warmth of the cup. It felt good in such cold environment. He then took a sip and held the cup with both hands to warm them.

"Oh..? What were asking earlier? Aunt Cherylle asked after taking a sip.

"I was asking about Zherynna's course, Auntie." he retorted as he continued to warm his hands with the cup of coffee.

"She is currently doing Business Administration. She even said that after finishing her degree, she would established the greatest business firm in our country." she sighed, "Her dream is so high but I hope that I would be there all the way to her success."

"Business Administration? I heard from college students here that BA is a challenging course." he quickly replied. He was amazed by his cousin.

"Yes indeed, in fact she has little time with us. She always have a lot of paperworks to do." she replied with slight sigh. Although, her daughter did great with her studies, it lessens their time together as she should focus on her studies.

"That's a pity though. But it will be worth it after she graduates. On what year is she now?" he thought that it was a struggle to have such a tiring course. And he don't even dare of taking that course.

"Third year, she is now three years into her course. One more year and it would be time to fulfill her dreams." she sighed, "Now, she is even conflicted whether to enter the industry after or to continue with a Master's degree." she sighed again. She really couldn't understand her daughter's decisions.

"Aunty, it's good that settling down is not included in her choices. You should be glad that she chooses to continue her education. We only live once so we need to live our life the way we want." he talkes like he was an adult. He got this ideas on videos he watched on YouTube.

"Well, even if I do not agree with her decisions, I can not bring myself to tell her because I also want her to construct her own way." her response was full of concern for her daughter. Zherynna is their one and only child. They gave everything she wantes and had never before said no to her.

"Auntie?" he suddenly turned a little serious.

"Yes? What is it, Peter? she retorted.

"Do you think that she is proud of me?" he asked in a seemingly sad tone.

"She? Who?" she asked.

Peter's face suddenly looked cloudy. "I was talking about Mom."

"If she was awake, I know she would praise more than I am now. She would be really really proud of you." his aunty moved close to her and tried to console him.

"Do not think that, because she always gets mad at you or always drink liquors, she do not love you. It is just that she love your father most that she finds it hard to move on. She loves the both of you than any people in her life." she continued to talk about his mother.

"I really wish that she could see me now. After that incident, I made a promise to myself that I want to put back the smiles on her face. This is also the reason why I am doing my best in school. I hope that someday she would wake up and when that happens, I will let her know that I have done what she would have want." he spoke as tears started to well up in his eyes.

"It's okay. Let us just nkt stop praying that that day wold come. And I think that she wouldn't be happy waking up to see his son, this sad." she wanted to cry as well but she controlled herself not to. It's best to look tough in this kind of times.

"Stop crying now, my child. You must be strong for your mom." she said as she stroke hear head and wipe his tears away.

"Sorry to disturb your talk but ahm..ahh - Peter I have to go now." Uncle Murphy interrupted.

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Peter quickly wiped his tears to hide them from Uncle Murphy.

"You know, I still have to take my medications. I also have to go to bed early. Happy birthday again!" after bidding farewell to Peter and the others, Uncle Murphy left the house and directly headed to his house.

This night would one of those few unforgettable moments in Peter's life. He would cherished it in his heart.

After the party was over, Peter went to his bedroom, watch some videos and went to sleep.