Laughing is, and will always be, the best form of therapy.
                             — Dau Voire

Paloma rolled a pen between her fingers and her eyes dimmed as she dived into deep thoughts. After a few beats of seconds, she blinked and her eyes returned to the papers spread out on the desk in front of her. 

Moisture filled her eyes as she stared at the petition still marked with only Gael Davenport's signature. The empty boxes glared at her and made her heart swell with despair. 

For the rest of the day, as she ran various errands, the petition had been Paloma’s constant companion everywhere she went. She presented her cause to everyone she came across. But alas, they barely spared her a few minutes before they shunned her. 

Her heart bled the most from events that evening. 

How could people be so uncaring? She wondered as the events of her fateful day flooded her memory. 

Paloma had entered her church’s evening service with a spring to her steps, hope in her heart, and expectations high. She believed her church family would not turn their backs on her. With a happy grin, she presented the petition to the pastor and pleaded with him to encourage the members to drop their signatures. 

However, the pastor and members alike chorused the same answer, "it is futile to try and change the government's mind". Her heart cried as each person scoffed and walked off. 

She returned home with a heavy spirit. Her family noticed her displeasure and questioned her repeatedly but she evaded their questions and locked herself away for hours. 

How could she tell them that the people who they considered as their kin turned their backs on them?

She flinched as a loud knock sounded on her room door.

"Come in," she called out. 

The door squeaked open and footsteps drew closer. She looked up and greeted her elder sister with a strained smile. 

"What's new?" Iris asked as she drew closer. 

"Nothing." Paloma shook her head and heaved a sigh. 

"Figured that." Iris slipped onto the edge of the desk. "You have been quite sour since we got home. What's up?" 

"Nothing much; things just didn't go as planned." She shrugged and looked away. 

"Hmmm, what do you mean? Didn't any of the Church members sign?" 

Paloma's eyes clouded and she muttered, "Sadly, no. They believe it is hopeless to try and stop the deforestation." Her shoulders slumped forward in defeat and exasperation. 

"That's unbelievable!" Iris said with a loud voice. "I understand their skepticism but I can't believe they won't assist us." Her ponytail swung as she shook her head, "I mean, they stood by us after Mamà accident and in every other difficult time we have faced. So why would they redraw now?" Her voice filled with shock. "Especially since the entire town will benefit if the deforestation is stopped."

"Exactly, I share your thoughts. But I guess they fear the government will take action against them if they get involved." 

"Hmmm, that's fair enough. The government can be unpredictable sometimes." She clucked her tongue. "But I feel pain because they didn't support us in such a noble cause." Iris's voice cracked at the end. "What are we going to do?" 

"I don't know. I may be saddened but I have not lost hope. God will guide our path." Paloma's lips curled into a small smile. 

"I sincerely hope so." Iris's lips lifted into a smile of her own. "Maybe I could take the petition with  me to work to get the signatures of some of my colleagues." 

"That would be nice but I have to say no." Paloma's eyes gleamed with a new glint. 

"And why would you say that?" Iris's eyes widened. 

"Because I was the one who brought up the idea of the petition so I want to see it to the end." Determination brimmed in her eyes. 

"That's preposterous!" Iris said sternly. "We are your family and we are very much affected by everything going on. So we have a right to get involved and do what we can to stop the deforestation." Her voice rose with each word. 

"Believe me, I understand what you mean. But please, I want to handle everything." Paloma pierced her with a beseeching look. 

"Stop being stubborn! We have a right to support you. Why should you do it all alone?" 

"Because I was the one who started the petition." Paloma's chin tilted in obstinacy. "So please, Sis," she placed a hand on Iris's arm, "Let me take total responsibility for everything."

Iris stared at her for minutes before she heaved a sigh. "Fine; you win!" She huffed and turned away. "You have always been the most stubborn in the bunch."

Paloma let out a chuckle. "And you sulk the easiest in the bunch." Her eyes sparkled with mirth. 

Iris tossed her a glare in response. 

Paloma leaned back with a huge grin."And besides who said you can't support me?" Her eyes sparkled with laughter at her sister's bewildered expression. She grinned wider and declared, "Your support and prayers are the greatest support I need." She patted her sister's arm affectionately. 

"Well, be rest assured you are at the top of my prayer list. And I will always be ready to feed you words of encouragement." Iris smiled and squeezed her hand. 

"Thank you so much! Knowing that has lifted my spirits." Paloma beamed, squeezed her arm again, and redrew her hand. 

The two sisters beamed at each other as a cool wind wafted through the room and a certain calmness overshadowed the occupants. 

"Maybe I shouldn't have broken up with Byron," Iris suddenly broke the silence. 

"What do you mean?" Paloma swung to face her with large eyes. 

"Well...um...you know...he was the son of the special advisor to the Overseer." Iris's cheeks colored sheepishly. "So...um…he could have helped us arrange an audience with the Overseer." She wrung her fingers and looked down. 

"You gotta be kidding me?" Paloma exclaimed in a loud voice. "He might have clout. But remember he was a first-class scoundrel to you." She narrowed her eyes. 

"Well, it was only one slap," Iris muttered with lowered eyes. 

"And a few punches!" Paloma added quickly. "We shall have no dealings with such a person." Paloma's jaw tightened in resolution. 

"Fine!" Iris huffed and crossed her arms, "I just feel bad I am not doing enough." 

"Pfft, didn't I tell you your prayers and encouragement are more than enough?" 

"Well, I am not convinced." Iris shook her head. "But I will settle with it for now."

"Yes, thank you, Sis!" Paloma sent her a smile of gratitude.

"You are welcome!" Iris mumbled with an unsatisfied look. However, her expression cleared and she swiftly hopped off the table, and dusted her skirt.  "Anyway, I gotta go; I got some marking to do." 

"Ahh, have fun, Miss teacher!" Paloma snickered and stuck out her tongue.

"Hmph!" Iris scoffed. "Don't call me that!" She produced a playful pout. 

 "That's never going to happen!' Paloma smirked with mischief shimmering in her eyes. "Anyway, I got some patients to visit." She picked up the papers and stood.

"Well then, I will take my revenge." Iris smirked. "Have fun, Miss Apothecary!" Her eyes sparkled with mirth. 

"Not funny!" Paloma huffed and pretended to sulk. However, she couldn't stop the laughter that bubbled out. So soon, both women were thrown into fits of laughter. 

The statement— Laughter is good for the soul played out In the lives of the women. 

Because as their laughter bounced across the house, a flame of joy was kindled amidst all the cloud of doubts.

                           ★★★★★

Awww, poor Paloma😭 It hurts when people you hold dear turn their backs on you.

Anyway, on a lighter note, what are some things that make you laugh when you don't feel like laughing?

Personally, some people just have a funny sense of humor that makes me produce a chuckle or two when I don't want to. XD

Anyway, happy Valentine in advance.
I love you all❤

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Until next time, keep laughing 😁