RALI
She was already waiting outside when I pulled over. I could practically see her restraining herself to come meet me before I opened the door.
But the moment I was out of the car, she was on me.
"Hey!" she exclaimed, wrapping me in a tight hug, her cocoa-scented perfume flooding my senses.
She drew back, her hands resting on my shoulders as her eyes swept over me. "You look good. I love the dress."
I glanced down at the knee-length floral fabric. Didn't think it was a big deal before, but hearing it from her suddenly made it feel like it was.
I smiled. "Thanks."
She looked better than she'd been at the hospital a week ago. She hadn't exactly gained back her weight, but her face didn't have those dark circles anymore. Light had slowly returned to her eyes.
"I'm so glad you're here. Please, do come in."
Holding my hand, she led me into the house.
This was her personal home—a massive duplex that looked built for a noisy family of six. The exterior alone was breathtaking. Inside was even more elegant. Funny how she had called it somewhere simple on the phone.
We didn't stop at the living room but passed to the kitchen. The woman was almost vibrating with happiness.
"I'm making broccoli cheddar soup. It's my favorite, I'm sure you'll love it too." She picked up the knife and resumed dicing half-cut onions she'd abandoned earlier "I thought I'd be fast enough to finish before you came. Sorry I'm still here."
"It's fine." I said, sitting on one of the stools at the island.
She diced the onions with a speed that mocked me.
"Oh. I should get you some juice." She moved to the fridge and pulled out a sealed pack, returning moments later with a glass. She was about to pour when I gently took it from her.
"I can do it, don't worry."
She hesitated, as if she truly wanted to be the one to serve me, then finally let it go.
I watched her as she got busy in the kitchen, moving from one bowl to another, from one pot to the next.
"I'm sorry..." I muttered. "About your position."
After her suicide attempt, there'd been a lot of controversies. The government had labeled it irresponsible that a first lady would attempt suicide. As a result she was asked to step down from her position.



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