Last evening, I came back home early. Aaliyah was out with her friends. I made myself a cup of coffee and then started reading a new novel. After thirty minutes, the doorbell rang. I opened the door and it was Mrs. Bradley!

“Hey, Mrs. Bradley! Good evening! Come in!” I said. She came in and sat on the couch. She got us a cake that she had baked on the occasion of Chocolate Cake Day. I made coffee and served it with muffins.

I could see that she was not herself. The shine in her eyes was missing.

“What’s the matter? You don’t look fine!” I expressed.

“As you know, I’m not keeping well for the past few weeks. On top of that, many of my students are moving out. Currently, I don’t have too many of them for giving music lessons. Also, I miss both my sons and feel extremely lonely at times! Overall, just very worried and upset!” She replied.

Mrs. Bradley was not in the right headspace. With everything happening at the same time, it was overwhelming for her! It would be like that for anyone for that matter! During times like these it’s important to be there, encourage and show a ray of hope. It was time to cheer her up and give her the kind of strength that she usually gives others!

“You will get better in no time. With medicine and a proper diet and lifestyle, you will get fit like before! And, your music lessons have always been great so don’t worry! You will soon have new students flooding in. We will spread the word among our friends and across the various platforms!” I replied.

“Thanks, this makes me feel a little better already!” She replied while sipping her coffee.

“And, as far as staying away from your sons and feeling lonely is concerned – Aaliyah and I will not let you feel that way! We will be there to brighten up your days just like you do it for us!” I said with a smile.

Listening to this Mrs. Bradley rose up and hugged me. “Oh, Thank You, Bob! You and Aaliyah are my pillars here!” She said with a happy voice. I could see the relief in her eyes. “Don’t thank us! Remember, it’s you who made this place home away from home for both Aaliyah and me!” I said.

Then the rest of the evening we enjoyed having muffins and coffee.

At times the strongest person we know feels vulnerable and low. Blame the situation, they too feel weak! At that time, we should remind them that it’s just a phase and this too shall pass. It’s the time when we should be there for them and support them with immense affection and strength till they bounce back!