Aurora sat at her desk, positioned in front of a grand wall of windows that bathed the room in the warm, golden hues of the setting evening sun. The room was filled with a tranquil glow, creating an atmosphere of peace and reflection.
On the side of her desk, opposite her computer, rested a cherished photograph encased in a worn frame. The image captured two teenage girls, their faces beaming with joy as they embraced each other tightly. Scribbled in sloppy handwriting on the photo were the heartfelt words, "Ruru loves Rory."
At the forefront of her desk, a small polished bronze plate proudly displayed her name, Aurora Rodger, engraved with precision and elegance. As she sifted through the papers scattered across her desk, she meticulously made notes and annotations on a few select pages. With a sense of order and purpose, she organized and tidied the papers, opening a drawer to carefully store them away.
It had undeniably been a challenging day, and a sigh escaped from Aurora's lips as she reached out for the photograph resting on her desk. Gently caressing the frame with her fingertips, she traced the lovingly written words with a mix of nostalgia and longing. "I'm doing okay, Ruru. You’d be proud of me," she whispered to the image of her beloved friend. A bittersweet smile graced her face as she contemplated paying a visit to Ruru on her way home. With a determined yet melancholic expression, she arranged a few stray items on her desk before leaving her office.
Closing the door behind her, Aurora emerged onto the bustling street, surrounded by the vibrant energy of a major shopping area. As the sun began to dip below the horizon, she knew that the streets would soon quiet down. With a purposeful stride, she passed by a flower stand, inspiration striking her to select a beautiful bouquet. Conscious of the distance she had to walk, she buttoned up her jacket and carefully placed the flowers inside her purse, allowing her feet to guide her along the familiar route.
Before long, she found herself within the gates of a serene cemetery, her footsteps leading her towards a specific spot. As she stood before a granite marker adorned with intricately carved flowers, a mixture of emotions welled up inside her. The marker stood as a testament to the memory of someone dear, their presence forever etched in her heart.
Ruby “Ruru” Lockden
Born: December 27th 1992
Died May 17th 2013
Beloved daughter, and devoted friend. Rest Easy sweet angel.
Gently placing the bouquet of flowers atop the grave, Aurora walked up to the stone marker and embraced it tightly. The approaching ten-year anniversary of her friend's passing stirred up a whirlwind of emotions within her, reminding her once more of the profound loss she had endured.
Finding solace in the presence of her dear friend, Aurora settled down on the grave, leaning her back against the cold stone. With a heavy heart, she began sharing the events of her challenging day, recounting the ways in which she had helped someone navigate the painful journey of losing their mother. Resting her head on the headstone, she uttered softly, "I miss you so much, Ruru."
Just as she was immersed in her quiet conversation with her departed friend, her phone vibrated insistently in her pocket, interrupting the moment. Retrieving it, she answered the call, greeted by the cheerful voice of her older sister, Rebecca. The concern in her sister's voice was evident as she questioned her sister. “Mom expected you home by now. Did a client meeting run late?”
“No, I decided to come see Ruru today.”
“Are you okay?” Her sister sounded worried.
Sensing her sister's genuine worry, Aurora reassured her, "I'm fine, Beca, really. I just miss her."
“Let me pick you up.” Rebecca said. “Sure you know where to find me!” She said, and hung up the phone.
"I can allow myself to feel sadness for Ruru without spiraling, but I appreciate her concern nonetheless," Aurora reflected. While her education had equipped her with various coping mechanisms, she was a teenager when Ruru died, and her family had sought the help of a psychologist after Ruru's death to navigate the depths of her grief.
As the golden light of the evening gradually transformed into a serene blue, Aurora sat in peaceful contemplation. The approaching headlights signaled her sister's arrival, prompting her to rise from the grave. Tenderly patting the headstone, she whispered, "See you later, Ruru," before making her way to Rebecca's car.
Opening the car door, Aurora was greeted by her sister's exuberant voice. "Girl, I'm starving! Get in!" Rebecca's lively tone brought a smile to Aurora's face, momentarily easing the weight of her emotions. Playfully teasing her sister she said “You left Morgan at home to entertain the in laws?” She laughed at her own joke, but she quickly quieted down upon seeing her sister's face.
"Did I not tell you?!" Rebecca exclaimed, frustration evident in her voice. "He doesn't want to get married! What kind of nonsense is that? Why would I invest four years in a relationship if we weren't going to get married?"
Caught off guard by the revelation, Aurora looked at her sister, her concern mounting. "Have you asked him why?" she inquired, trying to maintain a calm and understanding demeanor.
"No, I've been avoiding him for a few days because he made me mad," Rebecca confessed, her voice tinged with frustration.
Sensing her sister's defensiveness, Aurora gently offered a different perspective. "Maybe you should talk to him, before jumping to conclusions. Have you considered that he might just be scared?"
Rolling her eyes, Rebecca retorted, "Don't go all shrink on me, I'm your sister, not a client."
"Okay, okay," Aurora conceded, raising her hands in surrender. "I'm on your side. But please, talk to him. If nothing else, do it for closure."
They arrived at the family home, their car gliding smoothly into the expansive driveway. As they stepped out, Aurora admired the familiar double doors on the front of the house, and reflected on how comforting it was to come home.
"Oh by the way, Travis isn't here," Rebecca announced matter-of-factly, breaking the silence.
"Again? This kid..." Aurora sighed in exasperation, rolling her eyes at the thought of her elusive brother.
"This has been one heck of a rebellious stage," Rebecca chuckled, acknowledging the challenging phase Travis seemed to be going through.
"Tell me about it!" Aurora agreed, empathizing with her sister's frustration.
With their conversation lingering in the air, they walked towards the front door, ready to embrace the warmth of their family home.
Suddenly, a burst of energy erupted from within as Emily, Aurora's younger sister, came rushing through the door, screaming with excitement.
"AURORA!!" Emily called out, her voice filled with joy as she enveloped her sister in a tight hug.
Aurora's face lit up with delight. "Emy!!" she exclaimed, unable to contain her happiness at the sight of her beloved sister. "How is grad school going?"
"One more semester and I'm DONE!" Emily exclaimed, throwing her hands up in the air, a mix of relief and accomplishment evident in her voice.
"That good, huh?" Aurora chuckled, proud of her sister's determination and hard work. "I understand why you stopped at your masters."
As they walked inside, Emily collapsed onto the couch, visibly exhausted from her rigorous studies.
"I'm so exhausted!" Emily groaned, her voice tinged with weariness.
Aurora laughed, understanding the toll that higher education can take. She turned her head as she heard their mother approaching.
"Rory!!" their mother exclaimed with genuine excitement, her eyes lighting up at the sight of her daughter.
Aurora warmly embraced her mother, feeling a sense of comfort and love that only a mother's presence can provide.
"Dinner will be ready in about 5 minutes. Go ahead and get your sisters to wash up," their mother instructed.
"Sure, mom," Aurora replied dutifully, ready to assist in any way she could.
With determination, Aurora approached Emily and playfully pulled her off the couch like a limp noodle. "Come on, you heard her, get up," she urged, a mischievous smile dancing on her lips.
Soon, everyone gathered around the dinner table, their hunger palpable. Rebecca and their mother skillfully placed the dishes on the table, and with a sense of togetherness, they all helped themselves to the delicious meal, savoring not only the food but also the warmth and love that filled the room.
The Rodgers family dinner was a lively affair, filled with laughter, animated conversations, and a contagious sense of happiness. As they gathered around the table, the room seemed to come alive with the warmth of their shared bond.
Rebecca and their mother had meticulously prepared a feast, and the tantalizing aroma wafted through the air, teasing their taste buds and invigorating their senses. The clinking of cutlery and the clatter of plates added to the joyful symphony that filled the room.
Aurora couldn't help but feel a surge of joy as she looked around the table. Her sisters, Emily and Rebecca, were engaged in a spirited debate about the latest movie release, their voices full of excitement and enthusiasm. Their laughter echoed through the room, filling it with an infectious energy that touched everyone's hearts.
Their mom, a pillar of strength and love, joined in the conversation with a sparkle in her eyes. Her voice resonated with warmth and affection as she shared her own opinions and experiences, effortlessly weaving her presence into the vibrant tapestry of the evening.
The room seemed to crackle with the electricity of shared stories and cherished memories. Aurora found herself caught up in the magic of the moment, as the love and connection between them all became tangible and alive.
As they savored each bite of the delicious food, their taste buds danced with delight. The flavors mingled on their tongues, but it was the joy and camaraderie shared around the table that truly nourished their souls.
Laughter erupted frequently, punctuating the air with bursts of pure happiness. Inside jokes were exchanged, causing fits of giggles and knowing glances.
In that moment, all the worries and stresses of the outside world seemed to fade away. The family dinner became a sanctuary of love and happiness, a reminder of the deep bond they all shared. It was a time to celebrate, to cherish one another, and to create new memories that would forever be etched in their hearts.
As the evening drew to a close, and empty plates were pushed aside, the room was filled with contented sighs and grateful smiles. The energy lingered, like a warm embrace that wrapped around them all, reminding them of the incredible gift they had in each other.
After cleaning up the dishes and tidying the mess from the delightful family dinner, Emily approached Aurora from behind and enveloped her in a warm, sisterly hug.
"Rory, sleep in my room tonight," Emily whispered, her voice filled with affection and playfulness. Aurora couldn't help but giggle, she was reminded of all the nights over the years they had been in each others rooms, realizing how it may seem a bit childish to do rooms as adults. However, there was nothing wrong with cherishing and their deep sibling bond.
With a wide smile spreading across her face, Aurora replied, "Sure thing, Emy." The thought of spending the night in Emily's room brought a sense of joy and comfort, reinforcing the special bond they shared.
As they finished the remaining cleaning tasks, they bid their parents goodnight and made their way to Emily's room. Aurora climbed into the cozy mountain of Emily's bed, nestling herself amidst the abundance of pillows. Though Travis, their younger brother, was the only sibling still living at home, all three girls frequently returned, and their rooms had remained relatively unchanged since their high school days. Emily's room still bore the remnants of her teenage years, adorned with nostalgic photographs and trophies, showcasing her pastel-colored obsession from that time.
Excitement danced in Emily's eyes as she settled in beside Aurora under the covers. Pulling out her phone, she leaned closer, eager to share her secret. "I want to share something with you!" she whispered, her voice filled with anticipation.
“I’ve met a guy.”
Aurora's face instantly lit up, but Emily quickly placed her hand over her mouth, stifling any potential outburst. "SHHHH! I don't want mom to know yet!" Emily glanced cautiously at the door, ensuring their conversation remained confidential.
Aurora couldn't help but laugh at Emily's secretive nature. "Why on earth would you want to hide that from mom?" she playfully questioned. The idea of their mother's reaction brought a mischievous spark to their conversation.
"I don't know him THAT well yet, but I really like him. Mom will definitely give me an earful," Emily explained, her eyes reflecting a mixture of excitement and apprehension. “I don’t want her scolding me for jumping the gun,” Aurora reached up and gently ruffled her hair, understanding the delicate nature of the situation.
"Okay, it's our secret," Aurora reassured her, a sense of trust and confidentiality settling between them. "Does Beca know?" she inquired, curious about their other sister's awareness of the budding romance.
Emily hesitated for a moment, glancing around the room before responding. "I feel like I'd just be rubbing salt on a wound if I told her right now," she admitted, her voice tinged with empathy.
Aurora contemplated for a moment, her mischievous side resurfacing. With a playful smile on her face, she asked, "Can I at least see a picture of him?"
Emily's eyes darted around the room, subtly avoiding the question. "Okay, fine." she finally acquiesced, giving in to Aurora's curiosity.
