Disclaimer: No copyright infringement intended.
Mother
Game night was always so much fun. The whole family played, laughed, ate and drank and told funny stories until each of them was positively drunk on happiness. And tonight was exactly like that. Having played several rounds of trivia, everyone was exhausted and the room had gone quiet. Lena sighed contentedly and got up, stretching.
"You tired?" Nia said from the couch, yawning herself.
Lena chuckled, "Actually, not really – just very relaxed. But I think I'll still get some air".
Nia smiled and Lena made her way out onto the balcony. She inhaled deeply, enjoying the cool, fresh air of the early winter night. The city looked like an ocean of lights and when Lena lifted her eyes to the heavens, the sky was like a diamond-studded canvas. She closed her eyes and warm tears started to cascade down her cheeks.
"Hey, you should better put your coat on or you'll catch a cold", Kara said quietly, approaching her best friend.
Lena, taken by surprise, stiffened but then turned and smiled softly, "Thank you, Kara".
When she handed over the coat, Kara's brow crinkled, "What's wrong?"
Lena put her coat on in silence and took a deep breath, "I was just thinking about Lilian".
Kara gave an understanding smile, "I'm so sorry, Lena".
"So am I", Lena whispered and turned to gaze out over the city.
Kara stood next to her, silent.
"It's strange, you know", Lena said quietly, almost as if she were talking to herself. "All my life I was convinced she didn't love me. Even though she once told me wearing a baby truth seeker. But I just dismissed it; sure she hadn't really meant it. And now", she sobbed, squeezing her eyes shut.
Then she felt Kara grasp her hand and intertwine their fingers.
"I think she did love you", Kara whispered after a while.
Lena nodded, "Yeah", she choked, "I know that now and for that I'm grateful".
She bowed her head, trying but failing to keep more tears from falling.
Kara embraced her and Lena clung to her friend, closing her eyes and resting her head on Kara's shoulder.
Neither of the two knew nor cared how long they stood like this but when Lena released Kara, she wiped her eyes and whispered, "She just loved me in a way I couldn't see or understand. And she could never show me the kind of love I wanted. And, yet, it was still there."
Kara smiled, "Yes, it was and I'm glad you found out".
She took Lena's hands and squeezed them, "Are you cold?"
Lena blinked, "Ah, not really, no. Just my hands a bit."
She squeezed Kara's hands.
Kara chuckled, "Well, it's a good thing I'm holding them then."
"It is indeed", Lena whispered, smiling. "I'm so grateful for you, Kara. You and this family I have now."
