While at work, Tilda was taken aback when she received a call from Rosalind, her voice hoarse and filled with an unspoken weight.
“What happened? Didn’t my cousin say your mom was in the dark about this?” Tilda inquired with concern.
“It’s not about my mom.” Rosalind hesitated on the line before finally speaking with difficulty, “Can I… stay at your place for a few days? I’ll find a permanent place soon, no more than a week!”
Surprised by the request, Tilda questioned, “You’re not keeping your place anymore?”
“… Yes, something like that.”
“Why go through the hassle of temporary arrangements? Just move in with me! Remember how I mentioned this before? It would be great for us to live together. You could cook, help around the house, and keep me company. Let’s make it official, move in tonight!” Tilda suggested warmly.
“Okay, let’s discuss it further when we meet after work,” Rosalind agreed.
After the call, Tilda, with a mischievous glint, dialed her cousin Malcolm.
“Prepare to be roped into service. Rosa’s moving today and could use some muscle for the heavy lifting!”
Malcolm chuckled on the other end, “You sly one, speaking in puzzles now?”
“Don’t be coy. I’m not the one vying for her attention. Your help is appreciated but not required!”
“I’ll be there!” Malcolm laughed, “I’ll swing by after work. Thanks for orchestrating this.”
“Exactly as planned!” Tilda teased, “Don’t doubt Rosa, she’ll rise above her current challenges. And when she does, you’ll have a talented and lovely wife to boast about!”
“Absolutely.”
“See you tonight then.”
Tilda sighed with relief, eagerly anticipating the possibility of her best friend becoming family.
…
Rosalind meticulously packed her belongings and tidied the master bedroom before carefully storing the scattered strawberries in the fridge, respecting the effort that went into their arrangement.
Although not hers, she couldn’t let them go to waste.
As she stood before the fridge, she plucked a strawberry and savored its sweetness, reflecting on Ulric’s emphasis on cleanliness-both physical and emotional.
Realization dawned on Rosalind. This marked the end of her association with Ulric. Per their agreement, he would not pursue her mother’s medical bills after initiating their separation.
She resolved to repay him once she had the means, a step towards reclaiming her self-respect.
At six in the evening, she arrived at Tilda’s apartment building, where Tilda and Malcolm greeted her with warmth and excitement.
“Finally, you’re staying with me! It means the world to me, Rosa,” Tilda beamed.
“I’ll only be here temporarily. Once I find a place, I’ll move out,” Rosalind asserted, determined not to be indebted for too long. She feared relying too much on Tilda’s generosity.