Lisa got up extremely early the next day. She often did. There was so much she had to do before leaving. She started a fire in the fireplace and began cooking breakfast. They were almost out of both bread and beans. She would go shopping after work and grab some more.
Once her morning work was done, Lisa paid the sisters a quick visit. Riley had come downstairs in the middle of the night. She always ended up sleeping with Sally. The two girls were curled up next to each other. Riley's face for once had a look of peace on it. She looked so relaxed and carefree. She must be lost in a happy dreamland. Sally's head was gently resting on her sister's shoulder. But her little fingers clung to Riley's shirt as if her life depended on it.Both girls were breathing softly.
A small smile touched Lisa's lips. This was when they were happiest, or so it seemed. If only they could always feel this safe and at peace. If only she could make things better for them. They had been struggling but surviving for about five weeks now. But they could only survive for so long. The sisters needed to live. They needed time to rest and learn and play. Both of them were carrying more than most adults could shoulder. When would things change? Lisa knew they couldn't bear living like this forever. Neither could Lisa for that matter.
She hated working in small dusty shops. The work itself wasn't what bothered her. It was that her work made no difference whatsoever. She would sort magazines that would never be read and clean stores that would never be visited. Her work didn't help anyone. Every morning, Lisa would see her medical supplies collecting dust. They could be used if push came to shove, or if there was a disaster. But for the most part, they just sat there and stared up at Lisa.Her work no longer mattered. She couldn't help anyone. No, she wouldn't let herself think like that. She was helping the sisters. They were the reason she did what she did. If her work kept them fed and clothed, that was enough. Lisa finished setting out breakfast. She sat down by the fire to savor a tiny bit of rest. Just then she heard the sound of a door opening. To her surprise, Sally's face greeted her. Normally Riley got up first and it was rare to see either of the sisters up so early.
"Hey, honey. Did you sleep okay?" Lisa asked. Sally sat down next to her and rested her head on Lisa's shoulder. "You okay?" Lisa slipped her arm around the small girl's shoulders. They were so small and slender. Had Sally been eating enough? She hadn't gained much weight since Lisa had met her.Lisa frowned. Eating must be a difficult task for Sally. But she needed to gain some weight. Sally nestled up closer to Lisa and closed her eyes. Sally always seemed to be filled with fear. But unlike her sister, she seemed to embrace affection without any doubt or fear.
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Sally followed Lisa around like a small puppy as she did her chores. Every once in a while she would make an effort to help Lisa, using her good arm. That was a good sign. Sally was interacting with the world around her. She was no longer trapped in her own mind. Lisa often talked to Sally. Sally couldn't talk back and there was a good chance that Sally couldn't understand a word she said. But the child seemed to find some comfort in it. Lisa decided to wake up Riley to say goodbye. She didn't want Riley to wake up and worry because Lisa wasn't there. Riley's face still looked relaxed and happy. Lisa hesitated. The poor thing needed her rest. Maybe she should leave. Suddenly, Riley stirred and let out a soft little grunt. Her eyes opened and she sat up. For a moment, her eyes glowed and she smiled up at the ceiling. Then, the joy faded as reality set in and Riley's fearful and frustrated expression appeared once more. The sight of that broke something in Lisa
"I'm leaving soon. Breakfast is ready for you. I'll see you this evening. See, I promised I would still be here for you?" Lisa forced a few spoonfuls of cheer into her voice. Riley smiled up at her. She didn't say anything, but she got to her feet and gave Lisa a goodbye hug. That was enough to put a spring in Lisa's step as she made her way down the street that day. The world was still dead and grey and cruel. But Lisa's heart was glowing with new hope. Suddenly, the world around her felt beautiful and welcoming. Work was lighter that day. Or at least it felt lighter to Lisa. Her mind was filled with the sister's smiling faces. Maybe she had done the right thing after all. Maybe she had helped them a little. That thought carried her through the day. Lisa flew through the day and flew back home to the girls. It was shocking how something as small as a smile could make her feel so good. She was so excited that she almost forgot to check her messages after work. Luckily, she did remember.
Hopefully, she'd be able to say sorry to him someday. She should have listened to him. Maybe if she had, she wouldn't be here. But then, she never would have met the girls. They were waiting for her by the fireplace. Their small faces lit up at the sight of her. She rushed over to pull them into a hug. Things were getting better. Or at least that was what Lisa was going to tell herself. She had her girls. She had someone. That was something.