The sun rose early the next day. Lena was almost done with her chores when Sela barged into the kitchen. She inhaled deeply, catching the aroma of something delicious. She placed her glass on the table and moved closer to her sister.
"Mmh! Someone's in a good mood today. Fried rice and chicken—I see," she teased, noticing the smile Lena tried to hide.
"Jeez, it's nothing big. I'm cooking for someone special. Is Bee awake?"
"No, I don't think so. He must've slept late."
"Yeah, he kept rambling until he dozed off. He's sad, you know."
"He's missing Dad a lot. Yesterday, on our way home, he overheard some students talking rubbish—saying Dad was beaten to death. Is it true, siz?"
"Nope, Seh! Let them talk. It's all lies. Dad is fine."
"I know… that's why I'm not too worried. But where could he be? Is he okay? Does he even think about us, or—"
"Shhh!" Lena cut in gently. "He's fine. He's been admitted to the hospital. That's why I'm preparing all of this—for him."
"Lena, what the hell? You should have told me! Why didn't you?"
"Come on, siz… I've got a lot to handle. You don't have to know everything."
"But I'm not a kid anymore. I'm sixteen, not thirteen, for crying out loud."
"Calm down. I know how old you are, and that's why I'm trying to fix things for all of us. Mom doesn't care, and I'm the one who has to handle everything—home, work, everything."
Her voice cracked. Tears spilled down her cheeks, her heart shattering despite Moody's constant support.
"I know. I know you're trying your best," Sela softened. "I don't have the right to question you. But can't I know what's wrong? What if I can help?"
"I know… and I'm sorry for not telling you. I'm just trying to balance everything."
"So… can I come with you to the hospital? Please. I need to see him. It's been so long."
"You can—but not now. First, I have to go to the market. I need tissues, new shoes for him, and a few other things. When I come back, you and Bernard will come with me."
"Okay. Don't stay too long."
"I won't. Make sure Bee's breakfast is ready when he wakes. If he asks where I am, tell him I stepped out for a bit. And tell Moody to call me if I'm late."
With that, Lena rushed out.
Sela exhaled deeply, a soft smile curving her lips. She couldn't believe Dad was alive and safe. She would do anything to see him again. She knew how much he loved her, and coping without him had been torture.
"Oh God… please keep my dad safe. Bring him back to us. You know how much I love him," she whispered.
A moment later, Bernard came running toward her, tears streaming.
"She left me! Why would she leave? She lied! She said I'd go with her to the hospital but she—she—she…" he sobbed.
"Come on, crybaby," Sela teased gently, wiping his cheeks. "You know Lee doesn't break her promises. She didn't leave. She just went to the market to get things for Dad."
"Really? She didn't go without me?"
"Yes, dear! Now wipe your tears and get ready. We're going to see Dad. Happy now?"
"Of course! Let me brush my teeth first!"
---
At the Whiskey Mansion…
Brine grabbed his car keys and rushed out of his room without looking back. He nearly tripped running down the stairs, but luck favored his athletic reflexes. His mother was already at the dining table, sipping tea while scrolling through her tablet.
"What's with the rush?" she asked, eyes narrowing at him.
"Nothing much. A friend called—his wife fell down the stairs. They're taking her to the hospital. She's pregnant, so…"
"So that's why you're running like a madman? You want to fall too?"
"No, Mom. I just care."
"I see. And make sure, when you're done, you pass by the market. Buy fresh veggies and a box of milk. Nina said we're out."
"Mom—seriously? Why should I buy groceries when we have Nina and the rest?"
"Should I ask why you still haven't found a wife at your age?" Mrs. Patty shot back.
"No, ma'am. Fine. I'll buy everything. And I won't be late."
"Good. And come back with a wife—you're getting old," she teased.
"Mom! Okay, okay. Bye."
He kissed her cheek and hurried out.
Something felt different about the day. Brine didn't know why, but his heart felt strangely light. He got in his car and drove off, humming along to his favorite song on the radio.
His phone rang.
"You won't believe it, Brine—it's a girl! She gave birth to a girl!" Elvis choked on his tears of joy.
"What? Oh Lord! That's wonderful. I'm happy for you, man!"
"Thanks! Where are you? I thought you were coming?"
"I'm almost there. My mom sent me to the market first. Just give me a few minutes and—"
He never finished the sentence.
The moment he looked at the road again, he slammed the brakes, the tires screeching. His phone fell to his lap as adrenaline shot through his body. He had almost hit a girl.
Sweating, heart racing, he stumbled out of the car.
"Are you mad? Why aren't your eyes on the road? Do you want to kill me?" the girl snapped. The sharpness of her voice pulled him back into reality.
"Are you hurt? Do you need help?" he asked, frantic.
"Nonsense! What a jerk! You hit my knee—I need compensation," Lena lied, guilt tugging at her, though she didn't want anything from this stranger.
"Oh—okay. I understand. But people who are really hurt don't usually yell like that. Are you sure you're injured?" Brine asked, eyes soft but suspicious.
"What nonsense! Do you think I'm joking? Should I call the police?"
"No, no, no—please. How much do you want?"
His quick agreement shocked her. She hadn't expected that. A wild thought flickered through her mind. She bent, pretending to pick up her scattered items, and discreetly twisted her ankle. In an instant, she stumbled forward—
—and fell straight into his arms.
Brine caught her effortlessly, his hands firm around her waist as though they were meant to be there. The world around them blurred. The street noise faded. Time hesitated.
'Hello, Mr Stranger! You caught me.' Her inside yell yet still in his warm arms."
Their eyes met—
and something warm, unexpected, and electric passed between them.
For the first time, neither of them spoke.
For the first time, they truly saw each other.
And Lena secretly prayed that their first sight…
wouldn't also be their last.