The imaginary friend- Chapter 13
Emily seemed quite nervous, and Claudia put her hand on Emily's shoulder to try and calm her. They drove in silence for a while as they followed Derek in his car, and then Emily said something rather strange.
"I've always felt that it was my fault that they died."
"Don't be silly Emily. How could you even think it was your fault? You were not even there."
"Exactly. If I was there I could have warned them, and they would have survived."
"It's been a very long time to carry such a weight on your shoulders Emily. I've learned that everything in life works out the way it is supposed to. When my son's father left, I felt it was my fault, but in time I accepted that he had a new life, and we did not fit in with that. David has never met his father."
Emily smiled.
"Very true, but I have made peace with everything. My life turned out pretty well, other than the fact that I never had kids. I always dreamt of having a little boy just like my brother, but it never happened."
Claudia sighed.
"Life works in mysterious ways."
"What made you come to the city?" Emily asked unexpectedly and caught Claudia totally off guard.
"I wanted to start over. Get a grip on my own life you know...to give my child the opportunities that I never had."
"That is a good enough reason. Are you enjoying staying in the city? It must be so different from the farm?"
"I found a great job. I love it, and I absolutely adore the apartment.....but things have been a little difficult over the last week. I haven't been back there. To be honest, I don't miss the farm at all."
"I remember this street...." Emily said sounding very sad again.
They were just around the corner from the park, and Emily suddenly felt overwhelmed and found a parking.
"Would you mind if we walked the rest of the way?" Emily asked and climbed out the car.
Claudia grabbed her handbag and quickly got out.
"Come we can walk as slow as you want. It must be very overwhelming for you."
Emily smiled.
"It kind of is....but I'll be fine. There are just so many memories here, I am a bit overwhelmed."
Emily locked the car and started walking slowly towards the park.
"That was the building where my dad worked..."
Emily pointed to a building across the road. She was pointing out shops where she and her mother used to go shopping, and when they past a cafe on corner, Claudia could see that Emily felt very anxious.
"This was the last place where we were all together as a family...."
"Would you like to go inside?" Claudia asked trying to support Emily.
"I'm sorry.... It's just very weird being here, and it's taking me so far back."
"Take all the time you need." Claudia said, sounding very comforting.
When Emily was ready to move on, Claudia took Emily's hand and asked her to turn around.
"We are here."
Claudia pulled Emily's arm lightly and asked her to turn around.
Emily took a deep breath and turned around. Tears were flowing freely again while she took a good look at the park. She took Claudia's hand again and they slowly walked towards a bench. Emily took a seat.
Claudia could see that Emily needed some alone time and told her that she was going to find her son. Emily nodded and appreciate the fact that she had some alone time.
Claudia went to meet Sandy and Derek, and David was so glad to see her. They had been having a lovely time playing with a ball and Sandy had already told her that they had more than enough to eat. Derek took the boys and started playing soccer with them, while Claudia took a seat next to Sandy on the grass. She quickly brought her up to speed and she was still busy telling her about Emily when suddenly Emily announced herself behind them.
Claudia jumped up and introduced Sandy to Emily. They offered her something to drink, but Emily refused.
"I'm ready to go now."
"You mean to the apartment?" Sandy asked and Emily nodded.
"I've come this far, I might as well get this over with."
Claudia looked at Sandy.
"Would you mind if David stayed here with you?"
Sandy nodded.
"Don't worry, we will be here. You should go with Emily."
- To be continued -
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Excellent story It will be very hard for Emely to remember everything as she begins to live the past where I leave them, I imagine how Claudia feels, with all this situation it must be very difficult, thank God it is only a story. Hahaha
Thank you for coming back to read this!