Recall Me When It Rains
by R.L. Zahra
Akan diterbitkan April 2023
Disunting oleh Farah Fakhirah
Novella, 73 halaman
dalam Bahasa Inggris
ISBN belum tersedia
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Starting sophomore year with a rough beginning, this witty-heartwarming-coming-of-age-melancholy teenage story tells about the life of a sixteen-year-old girl, Hillary Violet Grace who suffered the most suffocating disease throughout the following years. With a bunch of help and accompaniment from her lovely affectionate mother and family, as well as her two flattering love interests that pretty much colored her teenage days, Hillary strikes the fight of her life without cancer. Will she make it out?
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Hillary Violet Grace. A lovely name that my Mom got for me. Well, she had always loved violets. She named me because of her hobby gardening those stunning flowers in our backyard. I used to really love helping her after I got home from school. Back when we still lived together with Dad, we all often had picnics on weekends, one of my favorite moments.
I was born on November 8th, and I remembered the first person I saw was Dad. He looked the happiest he had ever been, his face beamed as he smiled widely and let those dimples beamed out of his face whenever he felt bliss. People always say “dads” or “fathers” are their daughter’s first love. I have to say it’s true. Dad was in his 30s when I was born, and believe me; he looked like a Hollywood star. He was even most known in my neighborhood for his good looking appearance. Mom also says that when they were still in high school, he was always the popular guy everybody wanted. My Mom was sure glad to have him, but I guess high school sweethearts don’t always last long.
When I was 5, they started having lots of arguments. Although back then, I didn’t really know and didn’t really care what they were arguing about. It happened everyday and I began to worry a lot. I saw Dad sleeping in the living room sometimes. One night when I wasn’t asleep yet, I climbed down my bunk bed and walked outside my room to the living room and asked.
“Dad, what are you doing here? Why aren’t you sleeping in your own room? It’s cold out here!” I said, concerned.
“Oh it’s alright sweetie. Tonight, your mom and I just need some space for a while. I’m sure in the morning we’ll be okay,” he answered, trembling a little.
I nodded and hugged him goodnight and headed back to my room with tears running down my face. Karen, my older sister, was peering out from the door and went inside my room to calm me. I sat on her lap as she whispered, “Everything is going to be ok, Hillary.”
I didn’t know if I should believe Karen. I didn’t even know what was going to happen, but I guess it’s terrible, because Dad lied. It wasn’t just for one night, it became even worse. Dad rarely ever comes home, and I often heard mom crying on the phone call with Aunt Emily, who was her favorite sister to let out all those emotions and stories. Honestly I was very sad back then, but all I could do was just help out at home and cheer her up by being a well-behaved daughter.