EdwinaDespite my attempts to find sleep by counting sheep, reciting the twenty times table, and singing, restlessness consumed me. Midnight had arrived, accompanied by the distant sounds of crickets and an owl's hoot. While I usually enjoyed the tranquility, recent concerns about home invasions made me hesitant to venture outside to gaze at the stars. Frustrated, I got up, adjusted my blanket, donned my slippers, and quietly left the room I shared with my sisters.A week has passed since my dad and I rescued Justice and brought him home with the hope of nursing him back to health. However, my expectations of his swift recovery were shattered as I observed his lethargy over the last two days, spending hours in uninterrupted sleep. Concerned, I gently opened the door to the parlor and was shocked to find him shivering despite the heat, his breathing unnaturally rapid. Kneeling beside him, I checked his temperature, only to hastily withdraw my hand – it was hot enough to boil an egg an
A year ago Max's face lit up with a bright smile as he read his best friend's message on his phone, completely ignoring his father's heartfelt Skype speech. Finally nineteen, a Harvard graduate, and liberated from books for the next two years, until he was ready to delve into the family businesses. "Maximillian, are you even listening?" His father questioned. Glancing from his phone to his laptop, Max shot his father a lopsided grin. "Thanks for the speech and gift, dad, but I've got to go." "Wait..." "Bye!" Waving, he went offline, closed his laptop, snatched his new car keys, and raced out of his room. Running into his brother Julian on the way downstairs, Max groaned as Julian refused to step aside. "Where are you heading?" inquired Julian. "Just out. Out and about," replied Max. "Remember, we have a family dinner tonight," Julian reminded him. "I'll do my best. Happy birthday, bro," Max warmly slapped his brother's back and continued on his way. Same to you!" Julian calle
Edwina A week later For nearly a week, Justice remained in a deep slumber, causing me constant worry about the possibility that he might never awaken, despite the doctor's assurances. Taking turns with my sisters to care for him, the challenge arose from our rural location in securing transportation to town. Primarily relying on Steven, who occasionally made delivery trips, I endeavored to hitch a ride whenever possible. As I wrung out the water-soaked cloth, continuing to gently mop Justice's face, I couldn't help but send a silent prayer for his swift recovery. The thought of never seeing his captivating gray eyes again and hearing his occasionally annoying words weighed heavily on my mind. "I really shouldn't be dedicating so much time to you, Justice with no surname," I muttered aloud, aware that he couldn't hear me. "I have a thousand and one things to do back home, so I can't afford to waste this much time being your nurse." Turning back, I dipped the cloth in water again.
MaximillianHaving survived numerous near-death experiences, I couldn't help but think I must have nine lives. Each time, I emerged from the brink of death, only to wake up in a hospital bed, battered and bruised. As I contemplated this seemingly recurring pattern, I wondered if this constant brush with mortality would become my new normal, especially now that my immunity had been compromised.As I surveyed my hospital room, I noticed its solitary occupant – myself. A flat screen TV adorned the wall across from my bed, prompting me to reach for the remote. Switching it on, I was met with the unexpected sight of my father inaugurating a children's hospital in South Africa, with my mother proudly standing by his side, captured by the news broadcast.Her smile, as the camera zoomed in on her face, lacked the usual radiance that illuminated her from within. It was a mere façade, concealing the devastation within, a defense against the world witnessing the pain caused by her heartless son'
EdwinaMy father held a belief in showing kindness to everyone, even in a community where most did not warrant such generosity. Unfortunately, this ideal clashed with reality when it came to Justice, a man we had extended our help to during a time of need. We had helped nurse him back to health, gone above and beyond during his hospital admission, and even donated clothes when he lost his belongings. Yet, in return, Justice insulted Steven, who had generously supported him. It became evident that some individuals would go as far as biting the hand that fed them, leading me to draw the line when Justice insulted my best friend."Why in God's name are you fetching water from the barrel?" I demanded upon seeing him. "You've already bathed this morning, haven't you?""What do you want?" He sighed. "You ignored me for days, and now you're suddenly concerned?""Get over yourself," I snapped. "I'm just asking a simple question.""How many things do you use water for?""I'm not in the mood f
Maximillian Startled awake by a loud thud, reminiscent of someone forcefully attempting to breach a door, I struggled to sit up. Squinting at the wall clock, I groggily registered it was 2 am. As I rubbed my tired eyes, the entrance violently gave way, admitting five masked, armed intruders who pointed their guns at me, ordering me to kneel. Two of them hurried to wake Edwina and her family, ushering them into the sitting room to join me on the floor. Helpless, I listened to Esther whimper and Evelyn cry, the realization of my inability to protect them weighing heavily on me. "Where's the money?" One of them demanded. Cyril's voice shook as he replied, "What... What are you talking about? I don't have any money." "You better don't play games with us," Another warned. "We're not here to play with you." Oddly, the voices of the two men sounded familiar, though I couldn't place where I'd heard them before. "The loan you got from your cooperative society... Where's it hidden?" Inqu
EdwinaEarlier today, I may have crossed a line by labeling Justice as an idiot following the robbery incident. I was deeply upset and vented my anger, hoping it would help, but it ended up being a futile argument. Throughout the night, I stayed awake, longing for my sisters to join me in bed for a conversation, but they chose to stay in the sitting room, engrossed in discussions with Justice. He had become their go-to person, and I resented it. It felt like he was intruding into my sisters' lives, attempting to replace me and making me feel like an outsider. Yesterday on the farm, I noticed the radiant smile on my father's face as he observed Justice at work, leaving me with the impression that he silently wished Justice were his son."Ed, you've got to let go of these thoughts," I sighed, running my hands across my face. "I'm sure he wasn't thinking that."Justice's voice came from behind me, "Are you okay?"Turning to him, I pointed to myself. "Are you talking to me?"He scoffed,
MaximillianSince the accident last year, genuine smiles were rare until today, sparked by a 5'10" rebellious woman grappling with her insecurities. Our confrontation ended in laughter, a mutual benefit, and she declared a truce after failing to catch me."Truce? I'm skeptical." I said, shaking my head. "How do I know you won't break it and attack me unexpectedly?""I'll find a way, and you'll realize it when the time comes." Her smile took on a devilish tone. "Sleep peacefully; you're not worth the trouble of landing in jail. No need to keep an eye open.""I don't trust you at all." I narrowed my eyes."I swear on my late grandmother's grave not to harm you while you sleep." She raised a hand in the air, the other on her chest."Fair enough." I shrugged, still wary but accepting her pledge."I'm grabbing water. Want some?" She offered."I have hands and legs. I'll manage it myself.""Good for you," she huffed before walking away. After about an hour, she finally left the house, leavi