Celix's POV :
The air was thick with smoke and silence. I stood on the edge of the balcony, cigarette dangling loosely between my fingers, eyes fixed on the horizon. The world felt muted, like it was holding its breath. Six days since Mom left this world, and yet the reality hadn't sunk in. Maybe it never would.
Behind me, I heard a knock sharp, persistent. I didn't turn.
"Celix," my father called from the other side of the door.
I didn't answer. Didn't even flinch. I just took another drag.
I knew he'd come in anyway.
Sure enough, moments later, the door creaked open. I heard his footsteps crossing the room, approaching the balcony.
"Celix," he said, standing behind me. "I have something important to talk to you about."
I didn't look at him. "Whatever it is, say it here."
He hesitated. "Come inside. I'll explain everything there."
I exhaled slowly, the smoke curling around my face like ghosts. Then I stubbed out the cigarette, walked past him, and sank into the sofa.
He followed and sat down across from me. His eyes looked tired but then, they always did.
"Celix," he began, with that formal calmness he always wore like armor, "ever since your mother passed away, you've changed. You're reckless. Lost. And as your father, I can't just stand by and watch."
I stared at the floor, silent. What did he know about loss?
"I know you're feeling alone," he continued. "And I've made a decision. It affects both of us, especially you. That's why you need to hear it directly from me."
I frowned, lifting my gaze slowly. "What are you talking about? What decision?"
He looked away for a moment, as if choosing his words. Then he met my eyes.
"I've decided to remarry."
My breath caught.
"I'm getting older," he said. "And we both need someone. You need someone to care for you a mother figure. That's why I've made this choice."
The rage that flared inside me was instant and uncontrollable.
"What are you saying? That Mom is gone and forgotten? That she's replaceable?" I stood up, my voice rising. "She's not gone! She's still here with me, in every breath I take! And now, six days just six damn days and you're already talking about bringing someone else into her place?"
He tried to speak, but I didn't let him.
"Someone to take care of me? You never did. You were never around! Office meetings, business dinners, client trips that was your world. You left Mom to cry herself to sleep, to hold on to me like I was her only anchor. And now you want to act like you care? Now you want to fix things?"
He raised his voice slightly. "Celix, listen to me"
"No! You listen to me for once! You don't get to make this about me. You weren't there when I needed you, when she needed you. And now you want to talk about decisions? About what's best for me? Stop pretending like you know me."
He sighed, looking frustrated, maybe even genuinely hurt. "I do care, Celix. I know I haven't always shown it, but I do. I want to fill the gap your mother left behind. I want to bring peace back into this house."
I laughed bitterly, tears stinging my eyes. "You think you can fill her place? You think anyone can? This house isn't empty because she's gone it's empty because you were never in it."
I turned away, wiping at my face angrily. "Don't make decisions for me. Don't think for me. You've done enough."
He stood now too, voice firmer. "I won't change my decision, Celix. If you want to live here, you'll have to accept it. I'm getting married in two days. I thought it was only right to let you know."
The words hit like a slap.
My hands were shaking. I stormed to my dressing table and slammed my fist into the mirror. Glass shattered, the sharp edge slicing into my skin, but I didn't feel it not really. I grabbed the bottle of whiskey tucked behind the drawer and stumbled out the door.
I didn't care where I was going.
Blood dripped from my hand as I took swigs from the bottle, the alcohol burning down my throat. My feet took me where they always did when my soul felt too heavy the beach.
The sky was dimming, dusk settling over the waves like a blanket of sorrow. I sat down on the sand, the wind tangling through my hair, the bottle resting by my side. This was my place, my sanctuary. Here, I could scream without being heard, cry without being seen.
Mom used to say the sea holds secrets for those who listen.
I pressed my bleeding hand into the sand, feeling the sting, welcoming the pain. It was the only thing that felt real.
Six days.
Six days was all it took for him to move on.
But me? I was still in that hospital room, holding her hand as her warmth faded. I was still hearing her last words, still remembering the smile she tried to give me even through the pain.
She was my world. And now my world was gone.
And he wanted to rewrite that world with someone else?
No.
Let him do what he wants. But he should know this my mother's place is sacred. Untouchable.
No one will ever take her place in my heart.
Not now. Not ever.
The night was cold, but I barely noticed. The waves crashed quietly, as if the sea itself was mourning with me. I sat alone on the edge of the beach, a half-empty bottle dangling from my hand, the other wiping away tears that wouldn't stop falling. My mind was clouded with memories and alcohol, a combination that only made the ache in my chest worse.
I looked up at the dark sky, searching for something anything that might ease this emptiness. The stars above stared back indifferently, and I finally broke the silence that had become my constant companion.
"Mom," I whispered at first, my voice trembling. "Why did you leave me all alone?"
The question echoed inside me, louder than the crashing waves.