Chapter 9-First Encounter

ALEIA (Aged 10)

The inevitable did happen. A few days after dad came, mom passed away peacefully. She spent the last day of her life reminiscing how much she loved dad. Dad took care of her and brought her to the beach. They spent hours talking and being with each other. Only then did I know that it was mom who asked for a divorce when she was diagnosed with cancer.

Dad did not agree at first, but mom was persistent. She wanted him to move on and get away from the pain while she was still alive.

At first, I didn't get it. But who am I to question their decision. I was so broken after losing mom. Few days after her funeral, Dad brought me home.

To our old home. The home where everything started. It was still the old house that we had. Though, some parts were renovated.

But to my dismay, a woman who I thought was younger than mom for a few years welcomed us. Beside her is a little girl, maybe five or six years old. She was petite and tall, and she looked so cute and pretty in her pi