“Right. Yeah. I don’t like to miss such festivities. I’ll leave immediately after.”

“Cool.”

“Will you be there? I’d love for you to be there.” She said.

“I’ll try.”

Secretly, I wondered whether Jacob was going to be there or not.

“I’ll make us tea,” I said, going into the kitchen.

A few moments later, Mom joined Daisy in the living room, after having set the dough inside the oven.

On my way back to the living room, I happened to overhear my mom and Daisy’s conversation. At first, I didn’t know they were talking about me, but then I soon figured it out.

“She’s merely pretending to be okay.” My mom said.

“I don’t know what to do to help her.”

“I don’t think we are capable of actually doing anything to help. The ball is in her court.” My mom responded.

“Right. I hope she plays the ball soon. Jacob is devastated.” Daisy uttered.

“Hopefully. I hope Jacob will be fine.” Mom said.

“He’s holding it together. I think I’m beginning to envy his love for Clara, it’s insane. I have never seen him so down and because of a woman. I think Clara is really lucky.”

“If only she could come to terms with her feelings. Jacob would do anything for her. He’s such a nice man.” Mom commented.

“Clara is strong. She’s been through a lot, emotionally. I, myself, was a coward. I wasn’t brave enough to be there for her during her difficult times. But I won’t let my action repeat itself. I’ll be by her side.” Daisy mused.

“I don’t think she could have a better best friend.” Mom said.

“I did not see Jacob’s car in the driveway,” she continued.

“Yeah, he visited Mom. He should be back today anyway.”

“Oh, nice.”

The tea gradually grew cold in my hand. I continually stared at it, contemplating what to do with my life. I was definitely at a crossroads.

The memories of the past three years flashed through my head.

I remembered how I had been left alone.

I remembered the tears that streamed down my face.

I remembered my endless slumber in bed because I didn’t want to wake up to the reality of my miserable life.

I remembered my mom’s fervent complaints about how fast I was drowning in my despair.

I remembered how I hated walking on the street when I finished work because I became nauseous whenever I saw happy couples walking hand-in-hand.

I remembered how I had been laid off because my boss evaluated my proficiency to be less than the minimum accepted by the company which I worked for.

I remembered sulking over a pathetic email.

I remembered going on a getaway where I mostly indulged in pacing up and down my bedroom.