A letter to the post man

Over the next few weeks, Nath and I started spending more time together. It wasn't something I planned—it just… happened. He would randomly show up at my apartment, sometimes with food, other times with coffee, and an excuse to talk about work or something mundane.

I should've found it annoying, but instead, I found myself looking forward to it. There was something comforting about having someone around, even if that someone was Nath.

One evening, he showed up unannounced again.

"You've got to stop doing that," I said, opening the door to find him holding a bag of takeout.

He grinned. "What, showing up with food? You're welcome."

I rolled my eyes but let him in. "Fine. You're lucky I haven't eaten yet."

We sat on the floor of my small living room, eating in comfortable silence. It was strange how easily we had fallen into this routine.

"Reina," Nath said after a while, his tone more serious. "You've been so quiet today. What's on your mind?"

I hesitated, the fork hovering in my hand. It wasn't like me to open up to people, especially about my past. But there was something about Nath's presence—his quiet persistence, the way he seemed to really listen—that made me want to share.

"My dad cheated on my mom," I said abruptly, the words surprising even me.

Nath looked at me, his expression softening. "I'm sorry. That must've been hard."

I nodded, staring at the food in front of me. "It broke her. She tried to hold on for my brother and me, but it was too much. After the divorce, she worked so hard to keep things normal for us, even when it was impossible."

"What happened to her?" he asked gently.

"She died," I said, my voice cracking slightly. "It was a car crash. She was on her way to buy stuff to bake me a cake for my success . I had a text written "

Nath's brow furrowed, his eyes darkening with sympathy.

"She called me on her way ," I continued, my voice trembling. "She was so excited—kept talking about how she couldn't wait to surprise me. Then… then I heard loud noises .She never made it to the grocery store "

I swallowed hard, trying to keep the tears at bay. "Alex and I were sobbing non stop "

Nath didn't say anything, but I could feel his presence beside me, steady and grounding.

"After that, everything fell apart," I said, my voice barely above a whisper. "My dad wasn't in the picture—he left when we were kids. It was just me and Alex, trying to figure things out. I had to put my dreams on hold to make sure he could stay in school."

"You're still taking care of him, aren't you?" Nath asked softly.

I nodded. "He's in his second year of university now. Architecture. He's brilliant—way smarter than I'll ever be." A small smile tugged at my lips. "I just want to make sure he has a chance, you know? A chance at a better life."

Nath leaned back against the couch, his expression unreadable. "You've been through a lot, Reina. More than anyone your age should have to deal with."

I shrugged, trying to brush it off. "It's life. You deal with what you're given."

"But you don't have to do it alone," he said, his voice soft but firm.

I looked at him, surprised. There was something in his eyes—something that looked a lot like understanding.

"Thanks," I said quietly, not knowing what else to say.

He smiled, but it wasn't his usual teasing grin. It was softer, almost tender.

For the first time in a long time, I felt like I wasn't carrying the weight of the world entirely on my own.

"Your encouraging words have kept me going, Nath," I said.

"I hope you remember."

He laughed. "Of course I do. Life's good!"

We both chuckled, but then he stared at me intently. I couldn't help but blink, feeling slightly uneasy under his gaze.

"It's getting late," I told him, shifting the mood. "You should go."

He rose to leave, handing me the same candy as always. "Sweet tooth," he said with a playful grin before walking out.

Later, I changed into my pajamas, preparing for bed. Tomorrow would be a big day. Catharine and I would finally execute our plan.

Morning came quickly. I took a deep breath, threw on something casual, grabbed my bag, and shoved some bread into my mouth before rushing to work.

At the office, Mr. Khan called a meeting to hear our plans. Catharine stood confidently and presented the ideas we had worked so hard on. Her father was impressed, and so was the entire team.

"Excellent," Mr. Khan said. "Let's move forward. Advertise our new brand, Peacock Fabric, and promote it aggressively."

Soon, demand for our goods soared. By the following month, our success was undeniable. Mr. Khan called another meeting to congratulate us on the company's incredible growth.

"I have an idea," Mr. Khan said. "We should walk the runway to showcase our new fabric and designs to the public."

The suggestion was brilliant, but something struck me.

"Mr. Khan," I began, "how about having the mastermind behind the designs walk the runway as well?"

Catharine pinched me discreetly, whispering, "Oh, Reina, you know modeling isn't my thing."

I laughed and added, "Mr. Khan, I think Catharine should wear the fabric. She loves animals, she's well-known, and her involvement will elevate the company even more."

Mr. Khan's face lit up. "You're absolutely right. Let's train Catharine for the runway."

The team erupted in cheers.

"Are you sure about this?" Catharine asked me later.

"Yes, I'm sure. Your family can't rely on me forever. They'll need a proper heiress for this job—and who better than you?"

Overcome with emotion, Catharine hugged me tightly.

"I love you so much, Reina. You're always here for me."

I smiled and hugged her back. "I love you too, Catharine. Now let's get you ready."

Afterward, I couldn't help but think of Nath. His presence lingered in my mind, but I quickly brushed the thought aside.

During lunch, curiosity got the better of me. I decided to check out the candy Nath always gave me. Why was it so special to him?

A quick search led me to some surprising revelations. The candy, called Sweet Tooth, belonged to a company run by a woman whose business had tragically fallen apart. Production had ceased years ago.

As I dug deeper, I discovered the candy's connection to Nath's mother—Thessa.

Suddenly, memories of a hospital encounter flooded back. Thessa had been such a successful, elegant, and composed woman.

The following week was all about Catharine. She was taught how to walk the runway, and to everyone's amazement, she was a natural. In just three days, she had mastered it effortlessly.

"Reina," she said, laughing, "walking the runway is actually fun!"

I chuckled. "Oh yeah, and you're a natural, Catharine."

She suddenly added, "Reina, how about you come to my house tonight? I'm going on a date with Nath, and I think I'll be needing you around."

I was stunned by her suggestion. "Catharine, I don't think I'll be needed."

"Oh, please," she said, rolling her eyes. "It's not like I want you to be the third wheel. I just love having you around, and I think Nath wouldn't mind."

Reluctantly, I agreed.

She drove me to the Khan villa and took me to her room—a sight to behold. A large portrait of her mother hung on the wall, and her room was filled with pictures of the animals she had rescued.

"Wow, your room looks just like you," I said, smiling.

"Oh, yeah?" she replied with a grin.

I pointed at the portrait. "Is that your mom?"

Her expression softened as she touched the image gently. "Yes, this is my mom. She was so kind… and I've missed her."

Her voice cracked, and she looked like she was about to cry.

I understood her pain all too well. Having lost my mother as well, I knew exactly how it felt. I stepped closer and hugged her tightly.

"I always wanted a sibling," she said softly. "I'll take you as my little sister, Reina."

"Sure," I replied, smiling. "I'll always be your sister."

Catharine sniffed and smiled back, then went into her wardrobe and pulled out a beautiful blue dress.

"Here, put this on," she said, handing it to me.

After handing me the clothes, I tried them on, and they fit perfectly. Catharine tossed over a pearl necklace, which complemented my features beautifully.

She wore a pink dress and a matching piece of pearl jewelry. Catharine had long black hair and carried herself with grace. A tall woman with delicate features, everything seemed to fit her perfectly, as though the world itself adored her presence.

But as I looked at her, I was reminded of my promise to Alex. I knew I had to leave the northern lands soon. The thought of breaking the news to Catharine weighed heavily on me. She would be devastated. But with Vulgari now leading, I had to think of myself.

I decided to tell her after the date.

Not long after, a car arrived to pick us up. It was a Mustang, sleek and unfamiliar. The vehicle drove us to a wide, open field where a group of white horses stood grazing.

Out of the mist, a man rode toward us on a white horse. It was Nath.

I blurted out, "Snowball!"

Catharine turned to me, stunned. "You two have already met?"

I hesitated. "Oh, yeah. I met Snowball in my hometown. It's… a pretty long story."

Catharine looked amused but didn't press further.

Nath climbed off the horse and greeted Catharine with a warm embrace. I stepped back awkwardly, feeling like a third wheel. Catharine noticed and quickly pulled away from him.

Nath turned to me with a quick smile. "Hi," he said. Then he gestured toward the horses. "Choose one."

"You guys know I don't know how to ride a horse, right?" I said hesitantly.

Nath chuckled. "Oh, yeah. I remember."

Catharine, now even more curious, looked between us. "Why don't you ride with Reina, Nath? She can't ride alone after all."

I quickly shook my head. "Oh, no. It's your date. I don't mind sitting here and waiting for you two."

But Catharine insisted. She chose a black horse named Midnight, which, I later learned, already belonged to her.

Nath gently helped me onto the horse and climbed on behind me. It was just like the last time. The familiar scene played vividly in my mind as his arms steadied me. When the horse stumbled slightly, he held me tighter.

It felt like something out of a romantic movie.

Catharine, blissfully unaware, rode far ahead on Midnight.

As we trotted along the field, Nath broke the silence. "So, what's with Alex? Are you going back?"

I hesitated before answering. "Yeah, probably soon."

Nath nodded. "Alright. Can you see my mom one last time before you leave?"

I deflected. "Nath, I think Catharine is free. You should ask her."

He paused for a moment, then replied simply, "Okay."

When the horse finally stopped, I hurried to dismount but nearly twisted my ankle in the process. Nath reached out to steady me, but I brushed it off quickly.

Catharine rode gracefully over to us, a natural on Midnight. I felt uneasy the whole time, unable to shake the feeling that Nath's attention toward Catharine stirred something uncomfortable in me.

We went straight to the cinema after our ride.

The movie we watched struck a chord. There was a scene where a sister betrayed her own sibling over a man. It lingered in my mind, echoing in my thoughts like an unwelcome reminder.

After the movie, Catharine suggested we visit the zoo. But I was too exhausted, both physically and emotionally.

"Catharine, I think I'm not feeling well. How about you two drop me off and continue your fun?" I suggested.

She looked disappointed but agreed. Nath drove me home.

As I sat alone in my room that night, I couldn't shake the strange, heavy feeling in my chest. I didn't know if it was jealousy or something else entirely, but it hurt. I buried my face in my pillow, hoping writing would help me make sense of it all.