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Fantasy Fiction Happy

Jericka didn't notice the slow disappearance of colors on the rug as she cried. This spot had always been a source of comfort, absorbing her tears and offering solace. The soft touch of the rug under her feet never failed to bring her comfort. Its bright colors had the ability to brighten the room, even when there was no light.

Jericka's grandmother dedicated herself to hand stitching this exquisite rug, making it a heartfelt housewarming present. She had prayed over it and allowed it to become imbued with the love and warmth of her intentions. Although Jericka couldn't fully grasp the depth of her grandmother's words, she knew one thing for certain - this rug was a precious treasure that demanded her utmost care and attention.

Jericka's grandmother had always been a significant figure in her life, providing love, wisdom, and a sense of security. So, when her grandmother passed away, Jericka found a way to cherish the rug, incorporating it into every aspect of her daily routine. Whether dancing, studying, or taking a nap, the rug became a comforting presence in her home.

And when she was upset, she’d come to this rug. It absorbed her emotions like a sponge, each tear a drop of life breathed into its threads. It always seemed to ripple gently beneath Jericka's weight, responding to her anguish with a tender caress.

Today, however, she finally realized that it was fading as if it mirrored the somber tones of her mood.

With a sense of urgency, she pulled her laptop out of her bag and started scouring the internet for any places that could restore the precious rug her grandmother had lovingly crafted for her. The rug felt like a tangible connection to her grandmother, keeping her memory alive. Maybe she had neglected to properly care for the rug over the years, and she had been so busy with life that she hadn’t stopped to notice that it had been fading.

Jericka was fully immersed in her online search when she suddenly noticed the rug underneath her starting to ripple in a way that wouldn’t come from the wind gushing through an open window. The fibers moved with an unusual purpose. Taken aback, she looked down at the rug, half questioning if it was just her imagination.

She was astonished to see the rug transforming its colors. It turned into a calming shade of blue, a color that brought back memories of her grandmother's eyes. The fibers softly caressed her legs, almost like giving her a warm hug.

Jericka's heart skipped a beat as she realized that her grandmother's love had not just been sewn into the fabric but had somehow given life to the very essence of the rug itself.

The rug's colors shifted again, this time to a warm, golden glow. It pulsed with a subtle energy, and Jericka could almost sense a message in the air. 

At that moment, Jericka understood that her grandmother's spirit lived on in this extraordinary rug. It was a conduit for love, a vessel for shared memories and emotions.  She shut her laptop close, deciding not to seek external help but to reconnect with the rug in a way she had never done before.

She sat cross-legged on the rug and began to reminisce about the cherished moments with her grandmother. She recalled the laughter, the stories, and the warmth that filled her heart. The rug responded, changing colors with each memory as if reliving those moments together. Jericka felt an overwhelming sense of peace and connection, knowing that her grandmother's love wasn't just a memory but a living, breathing presence in the fibers.

“I miss you,” she whispered to the rug.

The reason she had been crying today was because life had been proving to be very difficult. After college, everything seemed to go downhill. She had been having trouble finding a job, even with her bachelor’s degree. With no experience, employers just were not interested in what Jericka had to offer. And rejection after rejection was really starting to take a toll on her.

Her grandmother used to tell her that life's challenges were like storms that would pass, leaving behind opportunities for growth and strength. “When one door closes, another one will open.” Jericka held onto these words as she sat on her precious rug. She took a deep breath and exhaled slowly, feeling the tension leave her body. She had faced challenges before and had come out stronger. She would do it again.

Once she reopened her laptop, she immersed herself in the task of job hunting once again. Uncovering some overlooked opportunities, she dedicated herself to creating personalized cover letters with great enthusiasm. She felt gentle caresses on her fingers, almost as if a guiding force was pushing her towards success. It was as if an invisible hand was guiding her, helping her craft the perfect resumes and cover letters that showcased her skills and experiences in the best possible light.

Shortly after submitting another application, she promptly received two emails from employers who expressed interest.

Jericka couldn't contain her excitement and grinned widely, leaning back on the rug and letting out a joyful squeal.

It was fascinating to see how quickly her tears had dried all because of the rug’s changing colors and warm embrace. She had turned a new leaf just as quickly as she had noticed the vibrant colors return into the sentient fibers. And as if her grandmother was just as happy for her, the rug transformed into a mixture of different greens, creating a vibrant and monochrome contrast against the wooden floor.

Closing her eyes, Jericka drifted off to sleep with a smile on her face. She would wake up the next morning, chasing the colors of the rug and her dreams, knowing that her grandmother was with her every step of the way.

And as Jericka slept, she felt the gentle touch of the rug against her skin, its colors pulsing with life, and she knew that her grandmother's spirit truly was alive, guiding her through the darkness, back into the light.

February 29, 2024 22:46

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RBE | Illustrated Short Stories | 2024-06

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