Chapter 36 - The bitter aftertaste and its medicine (1/2)

It was already dark when Bella Lim and little pumpkin reached their home. They entered the house after paying the taxi fare. Inside, little pumpkin tugged the edge of his big sister's loose blouse. His big eyes were glued at her back.

The sudden pull made Bella Lim turned around. She chuckled when she realized that it was little pumpkin's deed. She bent her knees and pull herself in as she sat on her heels.

”What's wrong?” she asked with a gentle smile on her face.

”Big sister, are you alright?” little pumpkin asked with a stifling voice. The emotion in his eyes made Bella Lim quivered. She felt a lump on her throat, making it difficult for her to speak.

Little pumpkin saw the strain on his big sister's face, so he leaned forward and hugged her head. ”There, there...” he patted her head gently. This action finally pulled Bella Lim's tears down.

Her cry began with a gentle weeping which gradually became louder. She wailed like a kid, her tears burst forth like water from a dam, spilling down on her face. Little pumpkin felt his big sister's chin trembled and his shirt wet from the unceasing tears of hers. However, he was still standing there, offering his tiny shoulder for her comfort, hugging her head while patting on it gently.

This was the first time Bella Lim had really cried after the death of their parents. Before, whenever she faced hardships, she wouldn't allow herself to entertain the problem. Instead, she would just ignore it after settling them down. But, today was different. Today... she was ditched by one of the most important things in her life.

Bella Lim recalled that her role as manager was one of the compensations given by the messenger of God. It was really a satisfying gift when she first greeted and accepted her 21st years old self. Now, appreciation and gratefulness have left her entire self. What was the point of giving her something when in the end she was bound to lose it?

That was when a realization came to her. Now that she lost her job, did it mean that soon something would happen to little pumpkin?

Bella Lim snapped from her somber as she stared at her six years old little pumpkin. She recalled that he was also part of the compensations.

God, please don't be so cruel! She prayed in her heart as tears once again rolled down her cheek. She realized that her fear was probably just paranoia after everything that she had gone through today. Still, logic was screaming into her ears as if it would really happen soon. Her grips on little pumpkin's shoulder tightened.

No! She would protect little pumpkin with her life no matter what happened! Bella Lim made an oath in her heart.

”Sorry,” she muttered as her watery eyes looked at little pumpkin who was smiling cheerfully at her.

”Big sister, everything will be okay. You can find a job again,” little pumpkin was still smiling. Bella Lim felt blessed when she saw his smile. It cleansed her worries away like magic.

Still, she knew she needed to let go for the sake of herself as well as little pumpkin.

Bella Lim took a deep breath and let it out. She closed her eyes, trying to find herself again. Not long after, her lips broke into a gracious smile following with a relaxation that swam over her whole body. When she opened her eyes again, she knew, she would be okay.

”Little pumpkin, what do you want to eat? Should we make your favorite cheesy chicken?” Bella Lim asked in a cherry tone. Little pumpkin who was filled with worry earlier was now clapping his hand as his eyes widened in excitement.

”Big sis, let's make sweet potato wedges as well!” he proposed with full vigor. He laughed in joy when Bella Lim shook her head in agreement.

Then as if nothing had happened, the two went to prepare their dinner with a happy vibe. The whole dinner time was filled with two siblings chatting and laughing.

After dinner, Bella Lim read little pumpkin's favorite book which soon lulled the little boy into sweet dreamland. She kissed his forehead a goodnight kiss and walked to her room.

Inside, the silence made her recalled the incident at Simply Cafe. However, she was no longer affected by the three selfish people, instead, the faces of Lily and Daniel who were begging her to stay came into her mind.

Subconsciously, she took out her phone and scrolled through it. There were lots of miscalls and messages from Lily and Daniel asking her if she was okay. She knew she had made these two worried about her, therefore, she sent a message telling them that she was okay and other good stuff to ease their worried heart.