Healing Hearts

"Joyce, stop!" Nia called out, quickening her pace as she followed Joyce toward their dorm. Although Joyce clearly heard her, she didn't stop or look back.

"Why are you ignoring me? Are you doing this just to get a rise out of me?" Nia cut straight to the chase; her voice tinged with frustration.

"Do I look like I still care about you?" Joyce's reply was blunt, her words intended to sting.

"Yes, you do," Nia countered firmly. "If you didn't care about me, you wouldn't get angry at me." Nia knew exactly how to get through to Joyce.

Joyce rolled her eyes, not bothering with a retort. "What do you want?" Her question was simple, but Nia struggled to find an answer.

"Can I ask you something?" Nia began, not waiting for a response. "Why do you hang out with Dylan? Do you really like him?" There it was—the question that had been gnawing at her. Nia had dozens of things she wanted to ask Joyce, and with Joyce already angry, she could have used the opportunity to make amends, but instead, she blurted out the one question that had been bothering her the most.

"Why do you ask? Does it bother you?" Joyce's words struck a nerve.

Even if it seemed like a random question, Nia wouldn't have asked it if it didn't bother her, even just a little.

Joyce smirked at Nia's silence. "Good. You need to ask yourself why it bothers you. Isn't it normal for girls our age to be with someone?" Joyce's tone was challenging.

"I think... I think you're doing this just to hurt me," Nia admitted, looking down at her shoes.

"How exactly?" Joyce asked, her voice devoid of emotion.

"I don't know how or even why. It just does, okay?" Nia bit her bottom lip, her frustration evident.

Joyce stepped closer, holding Nia's chin gently with her thumb, forcing her to meet her gaze. "You need to find the answer yourself, sweetheart." Joyce's face remained indifferent, even with the closeness between them. Blame it on the drinks, but Nia turned as red as an apple when Joyce finally walked away.

Whatever the situation was, it left Nia with more questions than answers, her mind a whirlwind of confusion and unspoken feelings.

***

It had been a couple of weeks since El's birthday. After their first kiss, El and Pip had met a few times for their project but decided not to rush into anything. El was still warming up to Pip, and their project kept them busy. They weren't necessarily dating nor exclusive; they hadn't talked about it further but remained close, constantly texting and checking in with each other.

Today was the day of their presentation. El and Pip had worked hard, knowing it would significantly impact their final score. They took turns presenting their parts, collaborating seamlessly when answering questions from the audience and their professor. Both felt confident that they had performed better than most other teams.

As the class ended, they walked out together, planning to celebrate at a café. El pulled out her phone to text Nia about her plans, only to find five missed calls from Simmy and two from her dad. The good feeling she had moments ago vanished, replaced by a growing sense of dread. She didn't know who to call first.

"What's wrong?" Pip asked, noticing her concern.

"I don't know yet," El replied, her worry evident.

She quickly dialled Simmy's number but got no answer. She then called her dad.

"Hello, El," her father answered.

"Dad, what happened? I was in class and missed your calls," El said, feeling restless.

"I thought so," his voice quieted. "Did you talk to Simmy yet?"

"I tried, but it went to voicemail. Did something happen?" El's voice broke, fearing the worst.

"Yeah, about that… It's about Mrs. Shaw," he paused, "She passed away this afternoon, quietly in her sleep. I'm on my way there. I'll reach in about three hours. Please help out Simmy in the meantime." He knew the news wouldn't be easy on El. After all, Mrs. Shaw was family, even though El had only learned about her grandmother a few months back.

After the call ended, tears welled up in El's eyes. She felt lost, trying hard to hold back her emotions, but the grief was overwhelming.

Pip sensed something was wrong. He slid his hand into hers, locking their fingers together. He didn't ask any questions; he just stayed with her silently until she could pull herself together.

El looked up at him, biting her lips hard, but tears streamed down her face. Seeing her so fragile, Pip hugged her tightly, allowing her to cry freely in his embrace.

***

The next few days were a blur for El. The funeral was arranged quickly, and El's father arrived as promised. The house felt heavy with grief as they prepared to say goodbye to Mrs. Shaw. Simmy, the family's long-time caretaker, was a rock of support, though her own eyes were red from crying.

The day of the funeral arrived with a grey sky that seemed to mirror their sorrow. El stood by her father, feeling the weight of loss more acutely than she had ever imagined. Pip was there too, standing slightly apart, offering silent support.

As they gathered around the gravesite, the minister's words seemed to blend with the sound of the wind rustling through the trees. El held her father's hand, feeling his strength and his own pain. El felt a profound sense of loss, not just for her grandmother, but for the connection they had barely begun to form. She glanced at her father, who offered her a weak smile of encouragement, and then at Simmy, who reached out to hold her hand. The touch was comforting, a silent reminder that they were in this together.

As the service proceeded, El found herself reflecting on the brief time she had known her grandmother. Memories of their few, yet meaningful conversations came flooding back. She remembered Mrs. Shaw's gentle voice, her warm smile, and the stories she had shared about their family. El felt a pang of regret for the time they had lost, but also a deep gratitude for the moments they had.

After the service, as people began to leave, El lingered by the grave, lost in thought. Pip approached her quietly, not saying a word. He wrapped his arm around her shoulders, and she leaned into him, finding solace in his presence.

"Thank you for being here," she whispered, her voice thick with emotion.

"Always," he replied, his voice steady and reassuring. "You're not alone, El. You have people who care about you."

El nodded, feeling a sense of peace amid the grief. She knew the road ahead would be difficult, but with her father, Simmy, and Pip by her side, she felt she could face it.

El and Pip stood together in the gentle drizzle that had started, adding a melancholic touch to the already sombre day. El's father and Simmy were engaged in a quiet conversation with a few remaining guests, their faces marked with shared sorrow and memories.

El looked around, feeling the weight of the moment, the finality of saying goodbye to a grandmother she barely had a chance to know. Pip's presence beside her was a source of strength, his hand never leaving hers. She squeezed his hand, drawing comfort from his solid, unwavering support.

"Let's go for a walk," Pip suggested gently, sensing that she needed a moment away from the crowd. El nodded, grateful for his understanding.

They walked in silence through the cemetery, the sound of their footsteps muffled by the wet grass. El's mind was a whirl of emotions but being with Pip helped her stay grounded. Eventually, they found a secluded bench under a large oak tree, its branches providing some shelter from the rain.

They sat down, and El leaned into Pip, resting her head on his shoulder. "I didn't know her well," El began, her voice soft and reflective. "But the little time we spent together meant so much. I just wish I had more time."

Pip rubbed her back soothingly. "I'm sure she cherished the time you had together too, El. Sometimes, it's not about the quantity of time, but the quality of the moments you shared."

El sighed, feeling a mix of sadness and acceptance. "I guess you're right. I just… I feel like I missed out on so much. There were so many things I wanted to ask her, so many stories I'll never hear now."

Pip took her hand, intertwining their fingers.

They sat in silence for a while, watching the rain create ripples in the puddles on the ground. El felt a sense of peace slowly washing over her, the initial shock and grief giving way to a quieter, more profound sadness.

"Do you want to go back?" Pip asked after a while, his voice gentle.

"Not yet," El replied. "I just need a little more time here."

Pip smiled and nodded. "Take all the time you need."

El looked at her phone when she heard the familiar chime. Texts from Nia and Ash were waiting for El, having heard the news. They greeted her with hugs emojis and condolences, their virtual presence a comforting reminder of the support she had.

As El and Pip walked away from the gravesite, she glanced up at Pip, her eyes meeting his. In that moment, she realized just how much he meant to her. Their relationship might still be undefined, but the bond they shared was undeniable. And for now, that was enough.

*****