ABANDONED DREAMS

CHAPTER 6

Chapter 6

Freddy“I have sent Stephen and Felo in France.” Emmy told me as she sat on the bed next to me. She had been caring for me in our home since the wedding. I had not left the bed since I saw them wed. It was beautiful. They even honored me by using some of the American traditions that I talked about when being married in the states. I truly loved him as a son and her as a daughter now. The business was thriving and it was due to them. They stepped in as I had spent more and time in the house. And in the bed.  Before I had visitors, I would always have my son and wife help me down to the living room and put a glass in my hand and files in my lap. I wanted to look strong.

To look as if our business was doing so well, I could trust it to others. I need not even come in. And it worked. As least I thought it did. Until Stephen whispered in my ear that I needed to leave and rest at the wedding celebrations. I closer to God than I cared to admit and he knew it. The next day, Stephen came rushing in with his new bride by his side. This time, I was too weak to put on any façade. I lie in the bed, unable to move my limbs. This Muscular disorder that I had saw to that. My lungs and heart were failing as well. I could feel it beating abnormally in my chest. Each breath was a struggle.

My sweet, dear and beautiful wife would see that I had oxygen and breathing treatments to help me. I had just finished one before he arrived which helped my lungs to feel strong enough to speak to him. The look on his face hurt me to my heart. I knew this would surely break his.

“Stephen.” I said as he walked in.

“I knew something was not right. I knew it. Felo, did I not say this to you on the flight?”  he asked her.

“And before.” She agreed as she sat next to Emmy and wrapped her arms around her shoulders for support.

“Yes. I know that you know me well. I didn’t want word to get out as Junior is still young. He is only just begun his studies in school. I wanted him to follow in my footsteps and I wanted to be here to train him to do so.” I lamented. “It will now be on you to do it.”  Stephen took a deep breath before he spoke.

“You know that you have left Felo and I to watch over him. And we will do what you have asked of us. You need not worry for that. And mama Emmy too. She will be surrounded by love and care.”

“You don’t know how much that means to me. Knowing that you will love her as son and care for Junior. Even when he is difficult.” I slid in there. As we could see already that he was one to walk his own path.

“Yes. Even then, we will just love and care for him more. If it is even possible.” Felo answered with Stephen nodding his head in agreement and understanding with his wife. Emmy quietly sobbed and I reached for her hand.

“Stephen, the business…”

“….Will be in capable hands.”

“I know. I have left word with my attorneys. They will let everyone know what is what once I am gone.”

Again, he nodded his understanding. They all stayed with me for the next week as I grew weaker and weaker. One day, I found that I woke but could not see nor hear. All I could do was move my mouth. I felt their hands on me. Their lips as they kissed me. Every second, I had to struggle to take a breath. I knew this was it. Yet, I had peace. Knowing that Junior and Emmy would be cared for by someone I considered a son. Stephen. With that weight off of my shoulders, I took my last breath.