Chapter 1

Miranda's P. O. V

      " Mom, you're being too loud." I groaned as I stared out the window, watched as the trees zipped by.

      " Sorry, sorry. " She muttered, her voice apologetic. I sighed, running a hand through my hair. Glancing at her, I let out a small smile.

      " It's okay, I'm not angry. Just tired."  I said.

      " And I know that more than anyone. Don't worry dear, we're almost there. You're going to love it here! It's so quiet not to mention how clean the air is. It's going to be such a great change for you due too.…" And just like that, my mum continued rambling.  I couldn't get angry at it though, it was her way of coping. She always talked a lot when she was nervous.

     I stared ahead, my gaze unseeing. Here I am, a twenty four year old lady who's life is about to come to a standstill due to a terminal disease. I was diagnosed of pulmonary disease during my teen years and although I had been managing it just fine, it just got worse recently. As a result, I had to move away from the city to a much quieter, greener place since I wouldn't stop falling sick. The news broke my mom's heart because she loved the city I grew up in but of course, she would do anything for her precious daughter. So here I am, leaving all beautiful Las Vegas to a small town in Tennessee.

 

     We soon arrived at an opening and my mother turned, getting into the little drive way. A small cabin house came into view, surrounded by trees. The air would be much nicer here, that's for sure. We drove closer and I was able to look at the house. It wasn't that bad looking and I instantly liked it.

     " And here we are!" My mom announced, turning off the engine if the car. We stepped out, the fresh air hitting our faces. I breathed in appreciatively.

     " The air sure in nice. " I mumbled, closing my eyes. Opening them, I put my arms in my waist. 

      " Okay... Let's carry this boxes inside." I muttered, going towards the boot. My mother opened and we began carrying the moving boxes. We stepped in front of the entrance and my mother fetched out the keys, opening the door. It let out a creak and we walked in, my eyes surveying the space. It was already furnished so I didn't have to bring in a lot of things.

   

       " Some people had already worked here before we came so it's free of dust. You don't have to worry about cleaning anything." My mother informed. I nodded, dripping the boxes on the floor.

       " I like it. Love the hardwood. It's has the rustic and cozy feel to it."

     " As what you would expect from a cabin house." My mother seconded. We continued bringing the boxes inside till we were through.  

     " And... Done!" My mother announced, dropping the last of the boxes. " I could use a big lunch right now." She mumbled.

     " Can we order?" I suggested.

      " I'm not sure but I'm not taking any chances. Let me whip up something for the both of us." My mother said before disappearing into the kitchen. Trudging towards on the chair, I dropped on it. Letting out a sigh. A beep on my phone reminded me it was time to take my pills. I immediately fished out from my bag and took a gulp. 

      My mother won't be staying with me, she can't leave her business in las Vegas to stay with me here in Tennessee. I'm sure she hates it but there's little she can do. I looked around, wouldn't it be too lonely?

      You're used to loneliness Miranda, my subconscious reminded me. I couldn't help but agree. At age twenty four, I barely had friends. I couldn't even boast of an ex or boyfriend. My sickness had taken the most of my time and when I wasn't falling sick, I was  busy as an interior designer. You can say my social life is sort of dead.

      " Lunch is ready." My mom announced, drawing me out of my thoughts. " Nothing fancy, just bread and jam. It would do till we can eat something proper." She said, placing the plate that has been piled up with slices of bread in front of me.

 

      " Thanks mom..." I muttered, smiling as I took a piece. I took a bite from it, munching for a while. She smiled at me and continued eating. We stayed like that until I spoke up.

       " Shouldn't you be heading back home?" I asked and my mom stiffened.

      " I will honey, once I see you're all settled in." She replied. I scoffed, rolling my eyes.

      " Mom, I'm not a little kid anymore. I can take care of myself. Is something goes wrong, I'll always call. You can trust me on that." 

      " I know, honey. I know. I just…" she trailed off. " I just don't know about leaving you here all alone." She mumbled, glancing outside, slightly displeased.

      " You promised you'd visit." I reminded her. " Besides, it's not that bad here. Its quiet, the air is nice and there are tons of hiking trails here. You're right, I might like it here.  And who knows... I might even get better and move back to Las Vegas with you."

    " That's true…" my mother mumbled thoughtfully. " But... What if you get worse? And there's no one to help you? What if..." I cut her off.

    " Nothing will happen to me mom, you're just being paranoid." 

    " Maybe I am. But I'm just so worried about you." 

    " And I've told you countless of times, I'll be fine. Don't let us start this again." I said gently. She nodded her head, blinking the tears away. I smiled softly. She was always worried about me. Sometimes I wondered what would have happened if I didn't have the sickness at all. My mom loved life and I'm sure she wanted me too. But with the possibility of dying early and being sick all the way, it was hard.

     " I'll call all the time okay? Don't forget to visit as well." 

    " Okay." She muttered ruefully. We continued eating and soon we were through. She helped me arranged my things before realizing that she was late and if she didn't hurry back, she would miss her flight to Las Vegas. A quick hug and kiss on the cheeks, my mom hurried out of the house and disappeared in her car. I sighed softly. I was alone again. 

      I continued arranging my things, stopping at few times as I got tired easily. By sundown, I still wasn't through but a good portion of my things had been arranged. I settled down for a quick dinner before going up the stairs to my bedroom. Tomorrow I'll have to shop for groceries and have the water running. Afterwards, I'll settle to a solitary life, doing my best to heal.

       I laid on the soft bed, staring at the ceiling.  Is this how I'm going to live my life? Watching from the sidelines? Tears welled up in her eyes and went I closed it, they crept out. I wasn't one to cry but I was feeling overwhelmed lately. I just want to be happy for once, without so many people worrying about me. I turned to my side, listening to the night sounds. There were crickets chirping and the occasional hoot of a owl. And once in a while, I heard a howl. Where there wolves in this area? I didn't know as I didn't bother to do any research before I moved. I don't think mom did either. She just bought the house.

  

     Well, it's not like as if I'll be disturbing them. I'm sure they won't be disturbing me as well. That thought in my head, I breathed out and settled to sleep.