Chapter 5
To:
Episode Three (Part One)
[Why Do Loved Ones Leave? Because I Want to Prepare Our Home in the Next Life]
Doris‘ voice came from off–camera, “Elowen, are you sure about this? You want me to come home with you?“>
“It’s just for two days. I want you to capture my life, you know? Like a keepsake. I want to leave something behind for my parents.“}
They’ve only enjoyed the good life with me for a short while. And now, they have to face the agony of losing their child.”
“What should I say I am then?” she asked cautiously, “How about your assistant?“}
“Friend,” I smiled at her, “Aren’t you?“}
Doris‘ tears reached through the camera, straight to my heart.
“Oh, Elowen, it’s so nice to be your friend.“}
I could only imagine my parents crying too, and just thinking about it made my heart ache.
“I’ve thought of so many ways to tell them the truth, but I’m still scared,” I said, driving us towards home. “When the doctor first told me it was just one type of cancer, I locked myself in my room for two days. When I finally came out, I’d decided to keep it a secret. I thought maybe I could face it alone, maybe even beat it. But then, things got worse. I couldn’t keep up with its spread.“}
“Don’t cry, Doris. The camera will shake, and my parents will think I bullied you. They might even scold me.“}
“Life has its regrets, doesn’t it? What can you do? Money or not, some things just can’t be fixed.“}
My parents were already waiting by the door when we arrived.§
They instinctively reached for my bag. “Just one bag?”
“Oh, dad, getting two days off was hard enough.“}
My mom immediately started fussing, “Why have you lost so much weight? Is the catering on set that bad?“}
one.” “Mom, it’s for the new role. I’m playing a girl from a poor family. I can’t be chubby for this
“What kind of nonsense is that? Making you lose weight like this?” She grabbed my arm don’t care about you.“>
“Look at you, all skin and bones. It’s like they
“Okay, okay. Once this project wraps, I’m taking a long break. Then, you can feed me all your delicious food and fatten me up, alright?“}
My dad chimed in, “Come on, get inside before someone snaps a picture.”
I laughed, “Dad, you’re learning to dodge paparazzi now.“}
“After you left the spotlight, I thought I could finally go grocery shopping without sneaking around. Then you started acting again, so I have to be cautious. You women and your ever–changing minds, I tell you.”
Doris followed me inside, “Hello, Mr. and Mrs. Pierce. I’m Elowen’s friend.”
“Such a charming young lady. But why are you so skinny too? Come, let me fatten you up.“}
“Sure, thank you!” Doris grinned, “Elowen’s told me all about your cooking. I’ve been dying to try it.”
That comment froze everyone in the room.
I sighed, shielding my eyes. I forgot to brief her.
My mom’s cooking is… experimental. Unique, you could say, but tasty? Not really.
My dad’s the one with the culinary skills, but we all pretend it’s mom’s doing.”
I reached out, “Dear Sienna, I’ve been singing your praises. Don’t you think I deserve a little reward for that?“>
Ask your dad. I’m saving my pin money to buy you candy.“>>
The atmosphere was so warm and familiar.
I suddenly remembered being a kid, “Mom, you spoiled me too much. I had so many cavities. Are you trying to ruin my teeth again?“M
The two of them prepared a feast.#
“Oh my goodness, am I a pig?” I scolded them jokingly, “Are you planning to live off leftovers after I leave? I’m telling you, that’s not healthy Promise me you won’t do this again.“%
Then it hit me. That sounded like a farewell.%
My mom playfully swatted me with a spoon, “You’re not grateful at all. When you called to say you were coming home, your dad was up
10:00
at 5 AM to buy groceries.“N
I yelped, clutching my head.
Doris chimed in between bites, “Mrs. Pierce, your cooking is amazing.”
“Sweetheart, you’ve got a good friend,” my mom beamed, “Eat up. Tomorrow, I’ll have him buy more groceries.” She almost slipped, “I’ll cook you more.”N
“Sure thing.”
After dinner, I sprawled on the couch, letting my mind drift.
My stomach hurt, really hurt.
My parents were busy tidying up.
“As soon as I get home, they let me be the princess, insisting I just relax and recharge from work.”}]
“Elowen, your family’s wonderful.“N
“They really are.” This house, the same old place even after my success in the entertainment world. I’d bought a new house, but they never moved, “It’s a bit small, so you’ll have to share
a room with p
me tonight.”
“Really?” Doris‘ eyes lit up with excitement.
She didn’t hold back, “Hey fans, I’m living your dream! I’m having a sleepover with Elowen!“}]
The pain subsided, leaving me tired, and I dozed off right there on the couch.
When I woke, Doris was watching me, a blanket over me.
The evening sky was darkening.N
“Why didn’t you wake me?“N
Doris‘ voice was gentle, “I couldn’t. I watched you for two hours. You’re pretty.””
After dinner, we both went to freshen up.
The phone on its stand captured everything.
When I emerged from the bathroom, my morn couldn’t hold back any longer, worry in her voice:”
“Sweetheart, tell me, what’s going on? Why is your hair gone?“M
