Flowers for my parents

I woke up in the midnight with the nightmare again. Even the sleeping tablet couldn't help me tonight. It's exactly twelve am in the midnight. I took out the photo frame from my wardrobe which has the only photo of my family. A happy family like we used to be.

"This is the photo we're clicking on tenth birthday of our princess, everyone should give the brightest smile okay. See, just like me!" Daddy had said with a bright smile.

"Huh! Everyone knows that I have the best smile.You fell in love with me because of my smile. Remember, you said that my smile is the best one in the world while proposing me." Mom had said with a proud smile on her face.

Tears started rolling down my face when I remembered this sweet talk I had with my parents on my tenth and last birthday I celebrated with my parents.

"You both have the best smile on this universe mom, dad. Your smile used to bright up my world. But now see, my world has gone dark without you and your smile." I caressed the photo frame, my mom and dad were the best.

<End of POV>

Ivana stayed on the sofa with photo frame for a long time and came back to senses when a ray of sunlight passed through the windows to her beautiful face. She had a long shower today, wore a black top with black cotton pant and tied her hair into high ponytail. She drove away to the flower shop after taking her bag, phone and car keys. She bought white lilies and red roses and drove away to the graveyard.

Standing in front of the tomb of her parents, Ivana couldn't help but shed silent tears. "Mom, look I brought your favourite red roses. These roses are just beautiful like you. And dad, look these are your favourite white lilies which are as beautiful as your smile. It's been thirteen years dad, mom. Thirteen years since you left me alone in this world but there's not even a single day when I didn't miss you. Why did you left your princess alone? I.... I love you mom dad... sob sob.... Please come back sob sob...."

She was shedding tears and was thinking about her parents but a phone call brought her back to reality. "Hey happy birthday darling" Miya spoke from the other side of phone.

"You know there's nothing happy about this day Miya. This is the worst day of my life. I just wish this day comes to an end as soon as possible. The pain this day gives me every year is extreme." Ivana said with teary eyes.

"Don't do this Iva. I'm Sure your parents wouldn't like to see you sad on your birthday from heaven right? At least be happy for them. You're the most strong woman I've ever seen in my life baby girl. You'll overcome this day as well. I want to meet you. Meet me at lunch okay."

"Okay, see you and thank you for speaking to me. I feel a lot relieved now. Thank you Miya." 

"I love you darling. See you soon. ummaahh..."

Ivana sobered up and made up her mind to act strong as always. She cannot let others know about her vulnerability. After spending all these years under struggle, she has learnt that the world only laughs upon your pain.

She drove away to the company and parked her car in the garage. Later, she took deep long breaths and put on a fake smile before entering the elevator.