original

GLAMOUR AND GRIT

Chapter 1: Living in the after

Under the cloack of twilight, whispers of the past danced through the walls of the modest abandoned halls of the modern Floura mansion,where a girl named Thuany sought refuge from the storm of life that set outside.

Thuany's appearance was marked by a touching blend of resilience and sorrow. Her eyes,once overflowing with the light of laughter now carry the weight of loss. Strands of hair fall untidly on her slumped shoulders a testament to the sleepless nights and the tears that have been her only companion since the time her loved one was laid to rest.

Her mother Floura had always been her world. A world that was always painted in the vibrant shade of her mother's love. A love that was as fragrant as the jasmine that bloomed outside in the garden. But fate, in its unpredictable nature had whisked her mother away, leaving behind silence and beautiful memories that echoed through the rooms adorned with handcrafted furnishings that whispered tales of luxury.

Due to being isolated by people whom she grew up knowing to be her relatives. Thuany was left with no choice but to spend her day filled with echoes of silence combined with lanterns of solitude. She wandered through the gorgeous garden which had always been her mother's favourite spot for ages. This was the garden which was the gateway to her mother's success.

As she came close to the section where they used to sit together, suddenly,in her mind Floura's laughter lingered like a gentle breeze among the leaves.Once she had sat down she quickly pulled out her book in a bag woven from the fabric of countless adventures.It was her mother's favourite book which contained funny and amazing tales that was once her lullabies. Immediately, she spotted her mother's photo, her eyes which were like two drops of coffee in a cloud instantly began to sparkle with the light of a thousand stars.

Thuany felt whole again as she experienced her mother's presence by her side.She knew deep down that Floura's images were nothing but illusions, but her mind refused to shake them off. After a span of three hours, Thuany finally stood up and swore to live in the present.

In a fraction of a second,she began moving with a purposeful swiftness, her feet barely touching the ground. Her strides were long and determined,each step a silent testament to the urgency that propelled her forward. The surrounding blurred around her, as a fusion of colours and shapes began to meld into the edge of her vision.

Seconds later,she silently opened the door of the mansion and stepped inside the house. A soft sigh escaped her lips as she stood still surveying the dust laden surroundings. It was as if time had stood still within the walls,preserving the memories of a bygone era.

With a determined nod, Thuany rolled up the sleeves of her faded black leather jacket ready to work. She began in the living room, where the furniture wore thick coats of dust like winter garments. One by one she lovingly tended to each piece, her hands moving with practised ease as she wiped away days of neglect. The once-dull surfaces of the coffee table and bookshelves gradually revealed their hidden glory,gleaming under her attentive care.

Thuany moved from room to room, her presence a silent whirlwind of activity. The mouldy scent of disuse was soon replaced by the fresh,crisp aroma of lavender-scented cleaner. She hummed a tune only she knew,her movement conciding with the melody as she danced with the vacuum cleaner across the carpeted floor.

By this time the sun had already kissed the earth's edges, slipping below the threshold. Shadows lengthened, streching across the landscapes like dark fingers. While the first stars had dared to twinkle in the deepening blue above.The entire mansion had undergone a gorgeous transformation. Each room breath life once more,the air clear and the spaces inviting. Thuany stood at the threshold of the last room, a satisfied smile gracing her features. She had entered a house forgotten by grief and given it a new beginning, her touch restoring not just the shine of its surface,but the soul of a beautiful home waiting to be lived in once again.

Thuany felt the day's isolation weigh upon her. She decided to fill the mansion with the comforting aroma of a home-cooked meal. She then made her way to the kitchen, a spacious room furnished with copper pots and pans hanging from above. The kitchen like the rest of the mansion, was a blend of the old world and the new, with modern appliances nestled among antigue furnishings.

Thuany pulled her pink flowery apron off its hook and tied it around her waist. She washed her hands in the sink and set about her task. She decided on a simple yet a hearty meal- a pot of spaghetti with minced meat. A childhood favourite that always brought warmth to her heart.

In the bright light of the kitchen, Thuany set a pot of water and watched as the flames licked its bottom, turning it from a cold steel to a warm glow. She sprinkled a pinch of salt into the water, like a ritual to ward off blandness from her meal. As the water began to murmur with heat,she turned her attention to the minced meat waiting patiently on the counter.

She coated the bottom of a frying pan with olive oil, just enough to glisten over the surface and set it over medium heat. The oil shimmered, ready to embrace the minced meat with its warmth. With a wooden spoon in hand, she tipped the meat into the skillet. It sizzled upon contact,a chorus of crackles filled the room as she stirred.

Thuany moved the meat around, watching it transform from soft pink to a rich brown. She reached for the garlic,ginger and onions,already diced and mixed together,and scattered them into the pan. The aroma that erupted was immediate and comforting, a promise of the meal to come.

As the water in the pot announced its boil with a rolling tumult, Thuany grasped a handful of spaghetti. She held it over the pot and then snapped it in half,the strands cascading into the bubbling water. They softened,surrendered to the heat and began to dance in the boil.

Back the skillet,the meat was now browned and she poured into a can of crushed tomatoes, the red sauce bubbling up around the meat. She seasoned it with salt, pepper,a pinch of sugar to cut the acidity and a handful of basil leaves for a fresh, herby note. The sauce thickened as it simmered,the flavours melding together in a rich, hearty embrace.

When the spaghetti was cooked,just firm to the bite,thuany drained it and then tossed it with the sauce,ensuring each strand was coated in the savory,meaty mixture. She served it hot with a few basil leaves for garnish.

As she sat down to eat, the steam rising from the plate,Thuany felt a sense of accomplishment. She picked a fork twirling it capturing a nest of spaghetti strands,each one glistening with the rich tomato-based sauce. The minced meat clung into the pasta, its savoury aroma mingling with the steam that rose in gentle wisps. With a delicate motion, she brought the fork to her lips,the anticipation building like the crescedo of a symphony.

As the first bite passed her lips, the flavours burst forth-a symphony of tangy tomato,aromatic herbs and the deep,satisfying taste of the meat. The pasta was well done, offering just the right resistance against her teeth,a testament to the care taken in its preparation. The minced meat, tender and flavorful,complemented the pasta's subtle chewiness creating a harmonious blend of textures.

She savoured each mouthful,closing her eyes to fully immense herself in the experience. The meal was simple, yet each ingredient spoke of quality and attention to detail. It was more than just sustenance.

With every bite memories surfaced- of family dinners,of laughter shared over similar meals,of a sense of belonging. The spaghetti and minced meat became a bridge to the past,a connection to cherished moments that,though gone were never truly lost.

She ate slowly,deliberately, allowing the flavours to linger,reluctant to rush through the experience. And as she set her fork down,a contented sigh escaped her,a silent ode to the simple yet profound joy that delicious food could bring.