17 A Beautiful Picture

Between two closely stacked bookshelves, a disheveled woman sat on a small stool near the window. Being late into the day, no sunlight was entering through.

Elena had bloodshot eyes that contained no focus. With her head down, she was completely motionless. By the look of things, she had been in such a state for a long, long time. Under the gloomy clouds outside that reigned above in the sky, it made for a very sad picture.

Over this past month, she had searched everywhere for her son. She asked every passing person if they have seen her child but was met with the same answer every time without fail. Each slipping day, Elena felt like a part of her was dying inside.

The maids who were friendly with Elena watched in pain as her indomitable spirit dwindled into desperation and depression. By now, without any news of Austin's whereabouts, Elena was on the verge of giving up. She did not know what would happen once she gave up, but she did not think past that point. It was an outcome that would make her not care anymore... about anything that is.

Elena was a head-strong woman that did not rely on other's help when getting things done. But right now, she did not know what to do anymore. The world was falling on her shoulders. She needed someone, anything that would give her strength.

Her only support pillars - Elizabeth and Austin's father, were nowhere to be seen right now. Elizabeth had her own hands full with finding Austin and comforting Laura. Whilst her husband's duties prevent them from seeing each other for long periods of time.

Elena's drooping eyes were closing and opening continuously, a sign of her immense fatigue in the past few days. As usual, silence encompassed the empty library, broken every now and then with her weak exhales. She had nearly fallen off the small stool that was unfit for her size multiple times, but exerted whatever leftover strength there was to stay on it every time.

She wanted to stay on the stool that held trace remnants of her son...

In truth, Elena was very astute, and would not be in such a weakened state if she had used her time more efficiently. But the one who had gone missing was her son, and she had lost all rationality as her concerns overpowered overall. For the past month, she had abused her body to the point it was no longer capable of moving.

It was yearning closer - the desire to rest. And her will to stay awake was on the verge of fading...

"Mother..."

A clear voice broke the silence in the room. At the same time outside the window, a glint of sunlight pierced through the thick, grey clouds, lighting up Elena's face as if it was giving a little life to her eyes.

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The voice rang clearer in Elena's head, she felt her world shake.

Sounds of swift, strong footsteps approached from behind her. The voice was one she could never mistaken and her eyes trembled slightly upon this realization.

She mustered all strength hidden deep within her body and miraculously was able to raise her head. However, before Elena could turn around, a pair of arms embraced her, supporting her tightly from behind.

"Mother... I'm back. I won't go anywhere so just rest now. Please, go to sleep and rest..."

Turning upwards, she saw a warming face wrinkled with concern. The light from the window shined brightly onto him. He looked like a saint here to save her from the darkness that was ready to claim its prey.

Slowly and unsteadily, Elena's trembling arm reached upwards towards his face, wanting to clasp it in her hands. A teardrop was forming in her ailing eyes. A teardrop of relief, happiness, and sadness of not being able to hold him at this moment.

Stopping Elena's arm in its track, Austin held it against his cheek. He smiled warmly at her with moisture in his eyes.

Elena's head laid on his small chest, one that seemed capable of supporting the entire world despite its size. His other hand was gently coiled around her body, supporting it so she did not need to expend any energy to lean against him.

"Sleep now Mother, I will be here when you wake up."

His delicate and soft voice was filled with gentleness, making her unable to resist as she was caressed into sleep.

Feeling the warmth that blanketed her and now occupied her entire heart, Elena's eyes closed. A blissful smile appeared on her face.

The dark clouds parted with a wider gap, making way for an impatient ray of sunlight that had been longing to break through.

In the dark library, a small area by the window was brilliantly lit up, and the picture it made was so very beautiful.