HELP ME

TEARS

Mrs. Robinson was a widow, her husband passed away years back. After the death of her husband, she devoted her time and efforts into looking after orphans. She brought Raymond, George, Charlotte and Kimberley into her house when they were about thirteen years old.

Mrs. Robinson took care of them for seven years. They used to go at a very special school that was sponsored by the well-wishers. They had completed their school and were waiting to go to college.

She had looked after them with plenty of love like she gave birth to them. Because of this, everyone in the house, including the neighbours loved and appreciated her. She was known as “Woman of Love.”

Later, after Mrs. Robinson calmed down. The officers decided that it was time for them to go.

Mrs. Robinson asked, “So, where is his body?”

“At the mortuary,” replied the tall officer.

“Can I come with you?” she insisted.

“No. That's not a good idea,” the tall officer discouraged.

“I deserve to see him, for the last time at least,” she persisted.

The officers saw the determination and motherly love in her eyes. At that point, it was almost impossible to discourage her. They looked at each other, they said nothing to each other.

The short officer said, “Fine. You can come with us. But, you need to control yourself.”

Mrs. Robinson ran upstairs and said aloud, “Ladies, the breakfast is on the stove. Serve yourselves I'm going out!” She ran back down stairs to the officers. They got into the car and drove away.

When it was lunch time, Mrs. Robinson prepared food for everyone in the house. She served the food in the dining room.

She assumed that no one knew anything about Raymond’s death. She tried to act natural so that no one should find out. But, little did she know that everyone in the house knew about his death.

Meanwhile, Charlotte was in her room with Kimberley and George. They were all silent, they did not speak to each other. Their hearts were still broken. Charlotte sat on the rocking chair, Kimberley sat on her bed and George sat on Charlotte’s bed.

Charlotte asked as she looked at a photograph of Raymond, “Do you know what hurts me the most?”

“What?” responded George.

“It was not the first time I dreamt that Raymond was calling me."

“What do you mean?” inquired George.

Charlotte then explained the dream she had to George.

She continued, “Before I had that dream. I had a similar dream; that Raymond was calling me but this time, nothing pulled him. It was like; he was still alive, waiting to be rescued...”

As she finished talking Mrs. Robinson yelled, “Lunch time!” as she was walking up stairs.

When Charlotte heard her, she stood up promptly and instructed, “Mrs. Robinson doesn't know that we know about Raymond’s death. Let us keep it that way. Everyone act natural.”

Kimberley wiped her tears and powdered her face. It would be difficult for anyone to know that she was weeping. They quickly brushed their hair because Mrs. Robinson was walking towards their door.

Mrs. Robinson knocked on the door.

“Come in!" Charlotte answered.

Mrs. Robinson opened the door slowly, first her face was hidden behind the door, then slowly she popped out her head and looked at Charlotte. Mrs. Robinson had a beautiful smile on her face.

“Lunch is served,” Mrs. Robinson began.

“Thank you. We will be right out.” Kimberley replied with a more beautiful smile. Dimples were visible as she smiled back at Mrs. Robinson.

They all walked out of the bedroom and pattered downstairs. They walked into the dining room and sat down on the chairs, respectively.

Mrs. Robinson passed the food to Charlotte. When Charlotte finished serving herself, she passed the food to Kimberley and Kimberley did the same until everyone had food on their plates.

Charlotte looked at Mrs. Robinson. Her face showed everything that she hoped to hide. She did some ridiculous mistakes; scooping soup with a spoon. It was clear that something was troubling her.

Mrs. Robinson said aloud when she was about to take a sip of the strawberry juice, “Tomorrow afternoon, prepare yourselves because you will be going to a very good friend of mine. She will look after you better than I have.”

Kimberley responded, “What do you mean?”

“It will be as I have said. As soon as you have finished eating, go to your rooms and pack for your trip tomorrow,” she continued.

“But why are we leaving?” asked Kimberley.

“You won't understand,” Mrs Robinson assumed.

Kimberley became angry and asked in anger, “Is it because Raymond passed away? Is that why you are sending us away?”

Mrs. Robinson paused. She put down the fork, looked at Kimberley and asked, “Who told you that?”

“Does it matter how I found out?” Kimberley rudely replied with a question.

Charlotte quickly said to Kimberley, “Quiet Kimberley.”

Kimberley stood up in anger and said, “No Charlotte! You know that I'm right. Why doesn't she tell us anything? Is it because we are orp...” Kimberley was slapped by Charlotte before she could finish her sentence.

Kimberley was hurt. Tears rolled down her cheeks. She sobbed quietly before running upstairs to her room and locked herself inside.

Charlotte then motioned everyone to continue eating. They ate their food quietly. Charlotte was also hurt by the way she reacted. She promised herself that she would go and apologise to Kimberley later.