Chapter 4: Family Ties

When the first rays of the morning sun seeped through the shabby, torn curtains, Tamara was wide awake on the couch where she had spent a restless night.

She nearly tripped over her warm, fur-flannel slippers as she walked over the window. Through the glass, she gazed at the wide, snow-covered meadow stretching toward Sapphire Mountain. Amidst the snowy landscape, tufts of golden swamp grass peeked out, casting a pinkish hue when touched by the rising sun.

Tamara and her family lived in the busy city of Arcanvale, which was known for its luxurious high-rises, lavish homes, and high-society events. Their modest apartment was on the outskirts of the city, offering a glimpse of the urban landscape with its towering skyscrapers and bustling streets.

Their quiet suburban area was a big contrast to the bustling city, and it had a different kind of charm. Here, in this humble area, life moved at a slower pace, and the area was less grand than the rest of the downtown area. It was a place where people were kind and simple, and the tranquil atmosphere was very different from the high-society glamour of the city.

In their small two-bedroom apartment, her ill mother took the more spacious bedroom, and her younger sister, Brianna, took the other. Tamara chose to sleep on the couch instead, turning it into a makeshift bedroom in the small living room. This way, she could be closer to her mother.

Her mother had been battling a chronic illness for years, and each day seemed to bring new challenges. The doctor said her mother had something called Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). It was an incurable disease, but there were some treatments to make her life better and help her stay alive. Of course, these treatments came with a hefty price tag.

She had become all too familiar with the routine of doctor's appointments, medications, and breathing exercises for her mother. Despite the difficulties, her mother remained determined to make the most of each day and cherish the moments they shared together.

When Tamara prepared a cup of coffee to keep her awake, she couldn't help but feel worried about making the day as comfortable as possible for her family. From the next room, she could hear the familiar sound of her mother's labored breaths and occasional coughing.

After cleaning the room, she busied herself in the kitchen, whipping up breakfast for her and her younger sister, Brianna. For both of them, she made fluffy scrambled eggs sprinkled with a pinch of grated cheese, served with buttered toast. It was a simple but delicious morning meal.

For her ailing mother, Tamara prepared a special breakfast. She cooked a small pot of creamy rice porridge, a comforting dish that her mother could easily swallow. After putting it into a bowl, she added scrambled eggs and garnished them with a sprinkle of chives to infuse the dish with a delightful flavor.

The porridge came with a warm cup of Chamomile Tea, which her mother found soothing for her throat. At last, she prepared a tray of prescribed medications, each pill carefully sorted into tiny compartments.

As Tamara carefully carried the trays to her mother's bedroom, the aroma of freshly brewed tea and the comforting scent of breakfast filled the air, promising a warm and nourishing start to the day.

"Morning, Mom," she greeted softly as she walked in and gave her mother a kiss on the cheek.

Her mother, Amber Lambton, who was once full of energy and vitality, now rested in bed, her face marked by the signs of pain and fatigue. She mustered a feeble smile while gazing at her eldest daughter. "Good morning, sweetheart. How did you sleep?"

"I'm good, Mom."

In fact, she had hardly slept in the past few weeks. Her nights were often filled with worry and exhaustion, especially since Henry's funeral and the troubling incident at the Beauregard estate. Her heart was heavy with grief, and the encounter with Judson had left her feeling more burdened than ever. Still, she put on a brave face for her mother, striving to be the pillar of strength that her family needed.

She carefully placed the tray on the bedside table, then went to the window and drew aside the curtains before returning to her mother's side.

As she helped her mother sit up and take the bowl of porridge, Amber's voice trembled as she said, "It must be freezing out there, dear."

"Yes, Mom, it's quite chilly today," Tamara replied with a hint of concern in her voice.

"Is your sister up?"

"No, not yet, Mom. She must have a late night, so she's still asleep."

"She was fast asleep when you returned last night, dear. It seems like she's been going out quite a bit lately."

"Yeah, Mom, I kind of expected her to stay awake and wait up for a bit."

"Well, you know how she can be. She's young and likes her beauty sleep.”

“I think she'll be up soon."

"She might be a little spoiled sometimes, but I hope you can find it in your heart to be patient with her, dear."

"I know, Mom. I'll try to be more patient with her."

After serving her mother the porridge, Tamara was alerted by the noise from the hallway. She turned to see Brianna storming into the room with heavy, stomping footsteps. Her hair was disheveled, and the frustration on her face was unmistakable.

"What's all this noise so early in the morning?" Brianna grumbled with irritation.

Getting used to her morning grumbles, Tamara managed a strained smile. "Morning, Brianna. You know how it is."

Brianna just waved her off as she didn't really care about how her sister took care of them every day. She yawned loudly to show that their mother's illness didn't bother her at all. "Whatever. I've got plans today, so keep it down, okay?"

Tamara exchanged a knowing glance with her mother, a silent understanding that their daily struggle continued, even when Brianna chose to remain oblivious to it.

Amber shook her head in disbelief at her youngest daughter's indifference. She gazed at her eldest daughter with a somber expression on her face and sighed softly as she said, "She's young, sweetheart. Maybe one day she'll understand."

"I hope so, Mom. I really do."

"You know, sweetheart, maybe it's time you should consider taking a break. You're working yourself to the bone, sweetheart," she said, shaking his head.

“Mom, I appreciate your concern, but we've been through this before. I can handle it," Tamara replied with determination. “Besides, I’m not really tired. I’m good.”

"Alright, sweetheart. Just promise me you'll take care of yourself too."

Tamara nodded, her expression softening as she reached out and gently took her mother's hand. She began to give her mother a soothing hand massage. Amber closed her eyes, a faint smile gracing her lips as the tension in her frail body seemed to melt away under her daughter's caring touch.

"The doctor said a good massage will increase blood circulation," Tamara said, her fingers expertly moving in gentle circles along her mother's back. She knew the power of touch and how it could provide comfort and relief. "It helps with the pain and discomfort, Mom. You'll feel better after this." Her touch was not just about physical relief but also a way to convey her love and care for her mother, a silent promise that she would always be there for her.

Amber sighed contentedly, enjoying the sensation of her daughter's skilled fingers working their magic.

"You always know how to make me feel better, sweetheart," she murmured, her voice filled with appreciation.

Tamara smiled warmly as she continued to massage her mother's shoulders. "I'm just happy I can help, Mom."

Amber expressed concern as she gently touched Tamara's hand. "Sweetheart, I appreciate all you do for me, but I don't want to hold you back from your job. You should be getting ready for work now."

"Mom, nothing's holding me back at the moment. I don't have class today, and since the library is closed in the morning, I've got some free time. My shift at the restaurant doesn't start until this afternoon."

“What about your work there?”

"Mom, you don't need to worry about it. I've already talked to the owner and the staff there. They've always been understanding and flexible with my schedule. They’ve always been good to me, you know."

"It's good to hear that," Amber replied, a faint smile on her lips. She appreciated Tamara's dedication and the way she had managed to balance her responsibilities. "Just don't overexert yourself, sweetheart. Remember to take care of your own health too."

Tamara smiled warmly at her mother as she continued massaging her mother's shoulders. "I promise, Mom, I'll take care of myself. You and Brianna are my top priorities, and I won't let anything happen to you both."

"You're such a blessing, Tamara. I don't know what I'd do without you."

"It's my duty, Mom. Don't worry; we'll get through this," Tamara replied softly. Tears welled up in her eyes, but she blinked them away. She couldn't afford to break down. Not now.