"I should probably go and check if Hilda needs anything" Aleks walks up the stairs and stands on the doormat and lets out a deep sigh. "Hopefully, she'll open the door"
Aleks knocks on the door softly and stands there patiently, trying to figure what to say when she opens the door.
"yes?" The door opens slightly and a sweet voice comes through the crack.
"Mrs Rosie?" Aleks asks "I apologize for bothering y-" Rosie opens the door and smiles at Aleks, letting him not finish his sentence. "Please come in" she says and Aleks nods
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Hilda wipes her tears and stands up, fixing her blue sun dress. She changed her clothes earlier in case someone visited her to pay condolences.
Mrs Rosie walks in with Aleks following her.
"Hi Aleks" she greets Aleks with a smile, not a smile but forcing her muscles to arch.
"Hey Hilda" he replies with a light smile
"Thank you for-" she stops and Aleks doesn't wait for her to finish her sentence "It was nothing. I am sorry for your loss, she's in a better place now"
Rosie speaks up "Well, why don't you both sit down and let me make us all some tea" she smiles and proceeds walking to the kitchen.
"No, I can't stay here for long. I have to get back home and get ready for office" Aleks speaks up in a polite tone. "Dear, its Friday" Rosie gives him a look and Aleks stops, decides not to embarrass himself any further.
"Please stay" Hilda says. "Of course" Aleks replies and looks the other way, trying to avoid eye contact with her.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
5 years earlier
"Hey mum, will father ever come back to us?" 12 years old Hilda asks her mother.
"No Hilda" Nadia holds Hilda's small hands and continues "He left us for someone he loved", Hilda stares at her mother "But Aleks's mother and father live happily, and they love each other" Hilda asks. "Not everyone is lucky enough to be loved" Nadia stops and smiles "But I love my little Angel and we don't need anyone else to be happy, do we?"
Hilda hugs her mother tightly "And you'll never leave me? I know you'll go away when you get older but please don't" Nadia chuckles and kisses her daughter on the cheek "I will never leave my dear one"
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Back to the present
Hilda starts tearing up and sobs silently. "excuse me" she says in a quiet tone.
"Please, it's okay" Aleks assures her and holds her hand. "I know what it feels like" Aleks sighs and looks at Hilda's green eyes.
"Hm" Hilda just nods and and lets the tears flow.
