The Greatest Love

Chapter One: Mourn

[Amy’s Point of View]

One week had passed since our father's untimely death due to a sudden cardiac arrest. It was a week that had irrevocably changed our lives. Everything about our home felt different. The four corners of our once-happy abode had lost their vibrancy. Our father's booming voice, which used to fill these walls, was now but an echo in our memories. His laughter, the warmth he brought into our lives, all of it was now painfully absent. The way he used to pick me up from work every evening had become a cherished memory. Oh, how I missed him, my dear Dad.

"Why are you still here on a Monday morning?" I asked my younger sister, Amanda, who was picking at her breakfast but not really eating.

"I just don't have the energy to attend class," she replied in a tone laced with exhaustion.

"Amanda, you're twenty years old and in your third year of college! You can't just keep skipping your classes," I scolded.

Amanda shot back, "And yet, here you are at 24, yelling at me."

"I have the authority to do so because I'm your elder sister, and don't forget I'm the one responsible for paying your tuition," I said, hoping to make her realize the effort I put into providing for her education, hoping it would motivate her to take her studies seriously.

"Don't worry, I'll look for a part-time job so you can stop controlling me," Amanda retorted.

"I'm not controlling you, and by the way, it's only been a week since our father passed away. Why are you drowning your sorrows in bars and booze, Amanda? What kind of woman are you becoming?" I couldn't help but worry.

"My life, my rules—got it?" She said, before walking away.

My sister had changed since our father's passing, and so had I. I worried about her, and she was a constant challenge to deal with. At only twenty-four, I often felt like I was carrying the weight of someone much older.

"It's already 8:30 in the morning; you're going to be late for work," my mother spoke as she continued to gaze out the window.

"I'm planning to submit my resignation," I whispered.

"Are you sure?" My mother asked, and I simply nodded in response.

Just as I turned to leave, someone started shouting at our front door.

"ANA MARTIN! Hey, can you pay back the money I lent to—"

I asked my mom about the commotion I just heard, and she admitted to owing a debt.

"I didn't realize Amy was here; I'm sorry," she said, giving our neighbor a sheepish smile.

"Did my mother borrow money from you?" I inquired.

"You can head to work now, Amy, dear," she said, gently shoving me out the door.

"No, please tell me everything, including how you spent the money," I demanded, not used to her asking for anything I didn't already provide.

"It seems she used it to indulge in her vices by frequenting casinos," our neighbor explained.

"I'll take care of it; she's my mother, and she's currently unemployed," I declared.

"I'm impressed that your younger sister can earn money while studying at the age of twenty. It's only $200 since your sister Amanda has already paid the $500," our neighbor added.

Amanda had paid $500? This was news to me.

"Tomorrow, I'll pay you," I replied, and our neighbor simply nodded before walking away. My mother couldn't even meet my gaze.

"Mom, can you please refrain from causing me more trouble?" I sighed, tired of providing for them and watching them squander my hard-earned money.

And then, she slapped me. I was taken aback. She had never done that before.