Secrets of the Past

CHAPTER 1: A PROUD MOTHER Kelvin was busy washing the dishes while his mother cleaned the house. When she was done, she came out and saw that Kelvin had finished doing the dishes. She asked him to take them to the kitchen and then come join her in the sitting room, which he did. Mrs. Frank looked at her son, smiling, while Kelvin looked happy. "I’m so happy that you are hardworking, and I know you’re going to make me proud in the future," she said. Kelvin promised himself that he would always make his mother proud. He went to school, paid attention in class, minded his business, read his books, and went straight home after school. His school examinations were close, and he had not paid his fees. When he reminded his mother, she promised to give him the money the next day before he went to school, which she did. Stephanie, Mrs. Frank’s colleague at work, told her that they were relocating to the city because her husband had gotten a good job that paid five times her salary. Mrs. Frank was surprised that such a huge opportunity existed in the city. Kate was a quiet and reserved girl who hardly talked or mingled with people. Dr. Johnson, her father, provided everything for her, but she was never happy because of her mother, who always wanted her to do whatever she said, believing it was the right thing. Mrs. Johnson had a habit of wanting things to go her own way and controlling everyone around her. Mrs. Frank got home that day thinking about everything that had happened at the office, feeling that there were more opportunities out there. She had always wished for an opportunity that would change her life and that of her son. She went to her son’s room and saw that he was sleeping. She covered him with the duvet, pecked him on the forehead, and went to her room. When she got to her room, she dropped her bag and sat down, thinking. She brought out her laptop and began searching online for better opportunities. Eventually, she fell asleep on it. The alarm woke Kelvin up. He turned it off and got down from his bed. He went straight to his mother’s room and found her sleeping uncomfortably. He took her laptop from the bed and placed it on the table. As he tried to adjust her, she woke up. She checked the time. "Gosh! My neck!" she exclaimed. "Sorry, Mum," he said. "No problem. Go and get ready for school, okay?" she replied. He left while she got ready for work. Dr. Johnson had tried many times to make Kate join him and his wife for breakfast, but she refused. She preferred taking her food to school to eat, which did not sit well with him. However, her mother didn’t care—as long as she topped her class, that was all that mattered to her. Kate was a very smart girl. She didn’t need to study extra hard before she topped the class, but she rarely came out of her room. If she wasn’t studying, she was on her phone or reading novels. She preferred her quiet space rather than being with her controlling mother, who believed the world revolved around her. Dr. Johnson always tried to find out what the problem was, but his wife would tell him not to worry. He would believe her and go to work still feeling uneasy, hoping for an opportunity to speak with Kate. He believed that talking through issues was better than staying silent. Dr. Johnson was known as the best doctor in the city, someone who understood his patients and cared deeply for them. Many people believed he had a perfect marriage—and yes, it seemed like he did. After a few days, Mrs. Frank waited to be called for interviews. She was called, but she didn’t get the job. So, she gave up on her relocation plan and moved on with her life. The thought of remaining in that environment and continuing to struggle made her feel sick, but she couldn’t bring herself to relocate without first securing a job in the city.