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Sixteen Years Later
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Anna's P.O.V✓
I walked into the house, still catching my breath from my Saturday morning jog. "Grandma Lily!" I shouted, dropping my sneakers by the door. "I'm back!"
I poured myself a glass of tea from the jug in the kitchen and walked over to Grandma Lily, who was sitting in her favorite armchair. "Oh, oh, oh," she said in her shaky voice, "I told you not to shout again." She scolded me gently, and I apologized, feeling a bit guilty.
As I massaged her shoulders, she smiled and said, "I have some good news for you, Anna." I looked at her curiously, wondering what it could be. "What good news?" I asked, my curiosity piqued.
"You're going to California on Monday," she announced, a sly smile spreading across her face.
I shrieked in excitement, nearly spilling my tea. "You don't mean it!" I exclaimed, hardly able to contain my excitement.
Grandma Lily chuckled and said, "I do mean it, dear. You'll be living with your mother from now on."
I felt a mix of emotions: excitement, nervousness, and a hint of sadness. I had grown up with Grandma Lily, and the thought of leaving her behind was difficult to bear.
"But it's too fast," I complained, feeling a bit overwhelmed. "I should be given time to prepare myself and organize a farewell party."
Grandma Lily smiled and reminded me of Omri's phrase: "Always remember that it is important to do things before it is too late, do not postpone to do it at the specified-time."
I nodded, feeling a bit better. We had recited that phrase countless times, and it always brought me comfort.
As I sat in front of Grandma Lily, I told her, "You will be so lonely when I'm gone."
She smiled and assured me, "Don't worry, I have children who will keep me company."
I had been living with Grandma Lily since I was three years old. My mother, a business tycoon, lived in California and owned several companies, including Hera Companies, Fashion Palace, Hotel, Shopping Mall, and Boutique.
The thought of finally living with my mother was exhilarating. My sixteenth birthday was on Wednesday, but I wouldn't be able to celebrate it with my friends.
I wore a pink top and jeans and headed out to visit my childhood friend, Linda. We had attended the same school, Royal Busan High School, and had been inseparable since we were kids.
As I walked to Linda's house, I felt a mix of emotions. I was excited to see Linda, but I was also sad about leaving her behind.
I rang the doorbell, and Mrs. Hartley, Linda's mother, opened the door. "Anna!" she exclaimed, welcoming me with a warm smile.
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Linda's P.O.V✓
I rushed downstairs to the sitting room when I heard Anna was at the door. "Anna!" I called out, excitement radiating from my voice.
"I was about to call you," I told her, dragging her up the stairs to my room.
As we sat on the bed, Anna told me, "I have something to tell you, Linda."
I looked at her curiously, wondering what it could be. "What is it?" I asked, my curiosity piqued.
Anna took a deep breath before blurting out the news: "I'm going to California on Monday."
I was taken aback, hardly able to believe what I was hearing. "You mean this coming Monday? You're going to California to live with your mom?" I asked, trying to process the information.
Anna nodded, and I hugged her tightly. "I'm going to miss you so much, Anna," I said, feeling a lump form in my throat.
Anna comforted me, saying, "It's alright, Linda. I'll be back to visit soon."
As we hugged, I felt a pang of sadness. We had been friends for as long as I could remember, and the thought of being apart from Anna was difficult to bear.
After chatting and laughing together, Anna got up to leave. I escorted her to the sitting room door and bid her goodbye.
"I'm expecting your call tomorrow," Anna said, waving at me as she walked away.
I shut the door and fell onto the sofa, feeling dejected. My mother came out of her study and asked, "Is Anna gone?"
I nodded, feeling a bit down. My mother asked if I was okay and sat down beside me.
"Anna is going to California to live with her mom on Monday," I explained, feeling a bit sad.
My mother put her arm around me and said, "It's okay, darling. I know how you feel. Anna is also feeling the same way right now."
"Should I make your favourite pasta" she asked
"Yeah!!!" I shouted enthusiastically
"You are sixteen yet you behave like a kid" she chided as she entered the kitchen
Being sixteen doesn't make one old enough.