Shadow Among Us

Have you ever left a life you’ve grown up to know all your life? Leaving behind childhood memories, family, and friends, though I never had one.

Moving down to a different city was something I never thought was going to happen.

I stared out of the car as it zoomed across trees and the wind blew quickly, and birds in the sky passed by, singing their songs.

I wished I was free like them, not bound in the shackles of my own thoughts.

Am I going to adjust right? Will the new people I meet like me? And am I going to summon up the courage to make at least one new friend?

Those were the thoughts swirling around as the car sped past the road, leaving its dust behind.

I could see my mum’s eyes on me through the car’s front mirror as she continued driving, probably wondering what was going on through my mind.

I wasn’t in full support of us relocating, and I guess we both needed it after what happened.

The sky looked so vibrant. Summer has always been my favorite season, but summer in Chicago is vibrant and full of energy, with a mix of warm weather, cultural events, and natural beauty.

As we drove into the city of Seattle, I took in a fresh breath, considering this was a new start for me in a city I wasn’t familiar with, unlike Mom.

Seattle was Mom’s hometown, where she grew up. I guessed moving back here wouldn’t be a problem as it was for me because this was where she basically spent her childhood and teenage years until she moved down to Chicago, and now we are packing here again.

The city looked peaceful compared to Chicago, which is always busy due to the large population of people living there. Rush hours are even worse.

“Dee, we are here.” Mum’s voice brought me out of my thoughts. Then I looked up to see the car already parked in front of a house. I looked around.

The house was nestled in a quiet, tree-lined neighborhood where the rhythm of life seemed to flow at its own gentle pace. Other homes stood nearby, each unique yet harmoniously arranged, with neatly trimmed lawns and flower beds in full bloom. The street was quiet, save for the distant hum of a lawnmower and the occasional chirp of birds flitting among the leafy canopy.

The house stood proud, its exterior painted a crisp off-white with deep navy shutters that added a touch of classic elegance. The front yard was meticulously cared for, with emerald grass bordered by vibrant flowerbeds bursting with dahlias and hydrangeas. A short, cobblestone pathway wound its way to the front steps, flanked by sleek, solar-powered lights that glowed faintly even in daylight.

Everything still looked vibrant. I guess that was because my mum paid someone to take care of and maintain the house while she was away after the death of my grandparents.

The porch was spacious and inviting, with a pair of wicker chairs topped with soft navy cushions. A modern, charcoal-gray door stood at the center, its brushed metal handle gleaming in the sunlight. Above it, a rectangular transom window let in natural light, and to one side hung a wreath made of dried lavender and eucalyptus. The windows on either side of the door were large, their panes sparkling as if recently cleaned, with crisp white curtains visible through the glass.

I glanced around. Everything looked too modern. Maybe it was also refurbished in preparation for my arrival and also to match my mom’s taste because this was totally her style.

Despite the house’s tidy and modern appearance, it exuded warmth. It felt like a place built not just to impress but to welcome—a home designed for comfort and connection.

As the door swung open, I was greeted by a flood of natural light streaming through large windows at the back of the house, giving me a full view of the airy, open floor plan. The walls were painted a warm ivory, and the hardwood floors, polished to a soft sheen, stretched seamlessly from the entryway into the main living areas.

To my left was the living room, anchored by a plush sectional sofa in a soft gray fabric, accented with colorful throw pillows. A sleek, stone-clad fireplace served as the centerpiece, its mantle adorned with a few carefully chosen decorative pieces: a ceramic vase with fresh greenery, a framed family photo, and a small sculpture that seemed to hint at her grandparents’ refined taste.

I could see my mum glancing around and took a minute before she took her eyes off the family photo hung on the wall, her eyes getting teary.

I shrugged my shoulders, then looked away. This place carries an ounce of her life itself.

To my right, the dining area flowed seamlessly into a modern kitchen. The dining table, a rich walnut with matching high-back chairs, was set near a bay window overlooking the back garden. The kitchen itself was bright and contemporary, with gleaming quartz countertops, sleek white cabinets, and stainless steel appliances. A trio of pendant lights hung over the island, their soft glow making the space feel inviting.

I guess I’m going to put the kitchen into a lot of use, cooking being one of my favorite things to do.

Straight ahead, glass doors opened onto a wooden deck with a view of the backyard. The deck was fitted with comfortable outdoor seating, and beyond it lay a neatly landscaped yard bordered by tall hedges for privacy.

This place is not as bad as I thought it would be. I guess Mom put in a lot of work and money to make sure it feels like home again, but it doesn’t mean I’m not still angry at her for making us move away.

“Your room is upstairs,” Mom finally said after a moment of silence and looking around.

I nodded my head, going upstairs and moving my heavy suitcase behind me.

The room stood bare, its smooth white walls untouched by paint or adornment.

It felt stark, almost clinical, as though it were waiting for someone to breathe life into it.

I smiled softly. I guess Mom left it for me to decorate it the way I like and to my own taste.

I jumped on the bed and stared blankly at the white ceiling. This is a lot to take in.

“Darling, when you’re done settling down, let’s have dinner together,” Mom called from downstairs.

I muttered a low yes because I was just too exhausted to yell back. Maybe I should just rest for a few minutes, then join her for dinner.

I was suddenly woken up by a loud noise, which I didn’t know the source of.

I frowned and shouted in anger and frustration.

How long have I been sleeping anyway?

Holy freaking ball, it’s way past dinner time.

But who plays loud music by this time of the day, disturbing the whole neighborhood? I figured out the noise was coming from the house next door.

I quickly went into the bathroom to freshen up and go downstairs.

When I got to the sitting room, I met my mum watching a show on the large TV screen, her favorite show, I guess. She was so lost in whatever she was watching that she didn’t even notice I was standing right there beside her.

I cleared my throat, then she looked up and smiled.

Not a fake smile like the ones she’s been putting on for the past few months, but a genuine one. She deserves to be happy again, and I’m happy she’s back here again if that’s what makes her happy.

“Your food is in the microwave. I came up to call you, but you were sleeping. Figured you must be really tired,” she said, returning her attention back to the show.

I muttered a quick thank you, then went ahead to dish my food.

I was munching on the delicious meatball when she suddenly spoke up again. “Tomorrow evening, we’ll be going to Alice’s for dinner.”

“And who is she?” I asked curiously.

“My high school friend.”

“Ohh, so we’ll be taking the car?” I asked again, looking up from my food.

“Car? No, she stays next door.”

“You mean she’s our next-door neighbor?” She just nodded her head.

I quickly finished my food, then headed back to my room.

I’m going to resume school back here again by Monday. Am I even going to blend in?

Would anyone even want to be friends with me? Who even changes schools a few months before their finals? I guess that person is me.

I’m probably overthinking things. I don’t need friends to survive. I do better on my own, I convinced myself.

My blaring alarm woke me up the next morning. I think I was just so exhausted that I didn’t notice I had fallen asleep again.

I guess I’m going to use the whole morning for unpacking and bringing life to this little room of mine.

Did I just call it little? This is far from being little.

I almost forgot about the dinner at our neighbor’s house this evening.

The day went by as quickly as it came, and now I just have 30 minutes to prepare for the dinner.

I entered the bathroom to take a bath and wash my hair. Coming out looking all fresh and clean, I decided to go with a short dress that Mom got for me last year’s Thanksgiving.

Not doing too much, I decided to pair it with my flats. Looking into the mirror, I just didn’t know what to do with my hair. I ran a brush through it and decided to leave it at its wavy, natural look.

I grabbed my mascara and applied it and applied my favorite cherry lip gloss on my lips.

“Dee, are you ready? We should get going now.” Mum’s voice broke through the room.

That woman must be tired with the amount of time she has shouted to ask if I was ready. I laughed.

Taking the last glance at the mirror, I was so satisfied with what I was seeing.

One thing I’ve come to learn is that you should love your body and appreciate yourself.

I quickly went downstairs and saw Mum tapping her foot impatiently.

Can’t blame her. She must be eager to meet her long-time friend again.

“I’m ready. We can get going now,” I said, making her look up from whosoever she was looking at on her phone.

“Took you long enough.” I muttered a quick sorry to her, not wanting to piss her off, as she hates lateness.

It didn’t take us 2 minutes to get next door, and Mum decided to knock.

The door swung open immediately, as if they were waiting for us at the door already.

“Damnn.” Looking at the person at the door, that was the first word that escaped from my mouth.