The Cat's Tail-Chapter 39: When It Comes To Someone You Love

The old woman Adela called Mama appeared to be in her 70s. But looking at her, one could tell where Adela inherited some of her traits.

A gentle expression was plastered on her face.

"Would you like the usual," she offered under a soft voice.

Adela's lips curved into a small smile. "Yes, please."

Adela's mother gave her a slight nod, inviting Adela inside the residence.

The big house's interior design very much reflected the picturesque traditional filipino architectural style—having most of the materials that make up the house made of wood with intricate art carved into them, giving the home more character on top of being a rather cozy place.

Adela found herself in the living room, the cold of the wooden floor hugged the soles of her feet and so did the refreshing wind coming from all open windows surrounding the place.

The brunette sat on one of the wooden chairs just as the old lady entered the living room, two mugs of hot cocoa with each hand.

"Here you go," said the old lady in a soft voice as she placed the mug of hot cocoa in front of Adela.

"Thank you, Mama," Adela responded gratefully before taking a sip, a contented sigh escaping her lips.

Mama took her own seat across the table. She gazed at Adela as if studying her daughter.

Mama took a sip of her own cocoa.

"Ever since you became a mother," she started, her gaze darting from the steam coming off of her cocoa to Adela. "Your visits became a rare thing. Now, the only time you visit me and your Papa is when you needed help."

Adela nodded slightly. "And I appreciate you both for it everytime."

"And yet," the old lady continued. "Here you are. You seem like you had a problem, but you already resolved them. So what brings you here? What can I help you with?"

Adela took another sip of her hot cocoa before putting the mug back atop the table. "You're right. I just need a listening ear. And parents happened to be the best listener."

Adela's mother smirked at her words. "Well, I'm all ears, Daughter."

"Thank you, Mama."

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From the deepest corner of Adela's heart, something was telling her that Leona was still out there somewhere. Despite what Raymond and Phillip showed her back then, despite the irreversible truth that was in front of her, Adela still believed that Leona was still well and alive.

After all, when she looked at the lifeless body of her eldest daughter, there was no connection. She couldn't feel that feeling a parent naturally get from their child, a feeling that makes a person gravitate towards their loved one.

There was nothing.

Her belief blinded her from seeing the cruel reality.

But over time, she could feel it slowly creeping into her mind. Like a ghost whispering words into someone's ear.

All it took was Karen Endo to give her the push she needed to see the truth.

She finally knew what needed to be done, for her to accept the hard truth. To let go.

However, Adela still couldn't get the thought that Leona was still alive and was out there somewhere out of her mind. Her heart was telling her so, and she found it hard to believe otherwise.

And so, after the shareholder meeting in the White Lotus Trading Co., she literally spent the rest of the day thinking things through.

It was a tough decision to make. But she made up her mind.

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"I see," Adela's mother took a sip of her hot cocoa, her expression calm with a hint of understanding. "It is indeed a difficult decision to make. I would never wish for my worst enemy to go through something like that."

Adela nodded in response, her hand clenching around her lotus necklace. "I'm not sure if I'm making the right choice. Even so, this is what I want to do. This is it."

Adela's mother smiled at her, an affectionate expression contorting her wrinkly features before turning to face the open window, the loud chirping of birds echoed from the outside.

Chirp, chirp!

Chirp, chirp!

"When it comes to someone you love, there is no wrong or right answer," said Adela's mother. "You either do what you gotta do, or don't. Simple as that."

Adela followed her mother's gaze. She found herself agreeing to her words.

There was no need for her to figure out what is right or wrong. She only needed to do what she had to do, to follow through her choice.

Adela's gaze returned to her almost empty mug of hot cocoa. A soft smile curving her lips as she took the mug to her lips, drinking the cocoa down to its last drop.

Adela let out a sigh, as if releasing a heavy burden off her shoulders. "Thank you for listening to me, Mama."

"Don't mention it," Adela's mother beamed a gratified grin. "You're always welcome here if you need help or just talk."

"I'm heading out now," Adela declared as she stood up. "They're waiting for me."

"Yeah. Take care, Adela." ƒreewebɳovel.com

Before she turned around and walk towards the exit, Adela noticed a hint of sadness and longing from her mother's eyes. As if her mother was hoping for her to stay a little bit longer.

Adela's hand reached for the door handle, only to stop half-way.

Her mother's breath hitched as she noticed the abrupt pause, wondering to herself what the matter was.

Adela turned around once more, facing her mother one more time. A vulnerable expression was etched on her features.

"The truth is, I came here because I also wanted to see you two," Adela revealed, her voice heavy with emotion. "I'm sorry for not visiting you often."

A fond smile curving Adela's mother's lips. "It's fine. Next time, I'll make sure your Papa is not hanging out with his old friends."

Adela approached and gave her mother a warm embrace. The gesture lasting longer than a moment as she committed her mother's warmth to memory.

"I'll see you soon, Mama."

"See you soon, daughter."