Grieving over a loss

“Good morning, ma'am. It’s time to wake up.” The maid gently placed a hand on Serena’s, stirring her from her sleep on the cold tiled floor.

As she opened her eyes, an unfamiliar face loomed close, prompting her to jerk back. “Uhh,” She groaned, trying to shake off the disorientation.

She cleared her throat.

“I apologize for startling you, ma'am. Mr. MacDonald needs you downstairs in thirty minutes, and you must take your bath first.” The maid paused, glancing at the new white sleeveless dress laid out on the bed. “I’ve prepared a warm bath for you, ma'am.”

Despite the maid’s polite words, Serena noticed the way she avoided direct eye contact. Nevertheless, she had little time to dwell on it.

Rising from the floor, Serena felt a sharp pain in her head. The splitting headache was a consequence of the tears she'd shed the night before. “Argh!”

“Are you all right, ma'am?” The maid's voice was laced with concern.

“I need to see him now.” Serena murmured, determination creeping into her tone as she attempted to exit the room.

The maid quickly stepped in front of her, blocking the way. “Please, you must listen. If you don’t comply, I’ll be in trouble.” She pleaded, her anxious gaze locked on Serena.

Serena huffed a defiant edge to her voice. “He didn’t say that. You did. Now move aside before I make you.” The fact that she hadn't seen him since last night ever since he locked her in. She had to leave the mansion and go to the hospital where Raquel was.

Just then, Felix, a man in his late fifties, entered the room with an air of authority. “Good morning, Serena. It’s in your best interest to listen to the maid. Mr. MacDonald isn’t available to see you right now. The most prudent action is to be compliant. Take your bath and join us for breakfast downstairs. You have thirty minutes.”

Serena watched as Felix turned and walked away. Though she yearned to argue, her instincts warned her against it, and she forced the frustration down. After a warm bath that assuaged her tension a little, she dressed and made her way downstairs.

Upon entering the dining room, she noticed Felix near the large table brimming with food. He glanced at his watch, seeming indifferent. “If you need anything, let the maids know or inform me. Please enjoy your breakfast.”

Serena couldn't decipher his politeness. If it was part of Henley's instructions or Felix was just naturally a nice man. Although he treated her with a little respect, it was better than how Henley treated her last night.

Her eyes scanned the room, searching for him. He was nowhere to be found. “I’m not hungry. Where is Henley?”

“Mr. MacDonald is out of the mansion,” Felix replied, gesturing for the maids to leave them alone.

“When will he return?”

“I can’t disclose that, and when he does return, he has made it clear he doesn’t wish to see you. So I need to keep you out of his sight.”

Serena clenched her fists, fury bubbling beneath the surface. “If he hates me so much, why is he keeping me here? I need to go home. Raquel needs me.”

“I’m afraid you can’t leave the mansion. That’s his order.”

“Who does he think he is? I’m not some possession! I made mistakes, but this is too much. I haven’t heard from Raquel, I don’t know about her surgery, and I don’t know if she’s okay. I need to see Henley. I need to leave.” She sobbed. Her emotions surged as she fought back tears.

“I’m sorry, I can’t help you. I can’t let you see him. He’ll only hurt you. Does your arm hurt?” He gestured to the redness on her left arm.

Serena glanced down at the mark left as a result of his tight grip around it, the pain still lingering. “If I can’t leave, can I at least call my mom?” She ignored his question.

After a moment of hesitation, Felix decided to extend a small gesture of kindness. “You can use my phone, but only if you promise to have breakfast later.”

Serena nodded gratefully. “Thank you.”

He retrieved his phone and handed it to her. Dialing her mother’s number, she found it disconnected after several attempts. Frustrated yet determined, she switched to calling Eric, a colleague.

“Eric,” She said as soon as he picked up.

“Serena?”

“Yes, it’s me. Sorry, my phone was confiscated, so I'm using someone else’s phone to call.”

“Jesus, Serena. You owe me explanations, but that can wait. Where are you?”

“I know. I’m sorry for everything. Just tell me how Raquel is. About her condition. Is she in the ICU?”

Silence stretched between them until she called his name again. 

“They didn’t tell you?”

“Tell me what?” Panic surged through her.

He sighed heavily, the weight of his words palpable. “I’m sorry…”

“Don’t you dare say it…” She whispered, tears streaming down her cheeks as she locked eyes with Felix, shaking her head in disbelief.

“I regret to inform you that Raquel has passed away. We did everything possible, but unfortunately, she didn't make it before we could operate. I’m truly sorry I couldn't save her, Serena.”

The phone slipped from her grip and hit the floor. Serena sank to the ground, surrounded by the shattered remnants of her loss, her face reflecting the deep grief that enveloped her.

“Raquel…” She whispered, her voice breaking as she stared at her hands.

Felix noticed her distress and crouched down in front of her, repeatedly calling her name. She barely heard him, lost in her devastation. “Are you okay? Do you need me to call the doctor? What’s going on?” Worry laced his words.

With her head bowed and tears streaming down her face, her breathing became uneven, her sobs filling the silence like a heavy lament. Finally, she looked up, meeting his gaze with anguish. “She…she's dead. My sister is gone…” The weight of her words settled heavily in

 the air, and before Felix could respond, Serena fainted in his arms.

“Serena!”