Lily

I'll try to write my best here, because this post deserves nothing short of near-perfection.  Plus, I cheated by taking some writing tips.

This is not about the flower of which carries her name.  This is about Lily Isaac, the woman I love.

I ran down the stairs of my new/old house, and proceeded to slouch into one of the the rattan chairs in the living room.  It creaked from the strain of my weight on its half-broken frame.  The construction workers still sawed, hammered, and buffed their way through the kitchen segment.  

"You got down here quick" quipped mama as she stared at her laptop, not breaking eye contact.

"Had no choice.  Papa wanted me here quick.  Had to settle for a half-poop session too."

Mama rolled her eyes.  "Forget about it".

"You asked".

I shifted my attention elsewhere, peering outside the house.  To my surprise, I saw her.  It was Lily.

How she still looked dashing was beyond me (plus the four-year absence in between when I was away from home).  Her beautiful sarees were swapped with a plaid shirt and jeans, but she was still the same lady I had known for all my life.

Her hands cupped by face.  I usually don't like being touched in the face (ask my sister some few days back), but somehow, I was okay with it this time.  She kissed my cheek and I hugged her tight.  It was odd to so much affection to someone, having not seen them for so many years.

"So have you been a mama's boy, or papa's?".  She planted her palm on my chest.

I assumed this was with regards to my return.  "A little bit of both", I smiled. That answer was surprisingly diplomatic.

"You two have raised him well." as she turned to face my parents.  You could still hear the whir of power tools from the kitchen.

"Got a job?" she asked, as her eyes waited in great anticipation.

"Nope.  Still waiting for responses"

"Be patient.  It took Ruben a year before he got his job.  He's doing very well now.  I'll pray for you to be the same.  I should get going now.  You take care".

We escorted her to the door.

"Maybe next time you should come by my place", she smiled.

"I will" reciprocating a smile.

And she left, without looking back.

It was definitely welcoming to see Lily again.

Well, Lily to you. Nextdoor neighbor Aunty Lily to me.

Television - You Won't