Jenny attempts to control the urge to cry, as she tenderly holds Maude’s bony hand to infuse into it some warmth. Its skin is translucent and paper thin.
How lamentable it is that as people grow older, they seem to revert in age. As they become more dependent on others, and their vitality and vigor seems to evanesce.
-“Please don’t be sad Jenny, in truth I am elated! I’ve been on this earth for ninety years, and that’s plenty of time.
Know that I’m not afraid of the journey, for when I leave this wrinkly shell, my Self will go on to another plane. I can’t wait to see what’s beyond that threshold.” Maude said as her pasty skin tone, and dry lips, did not deter the fire in her eyes.
-“I’ve met some wonderful people in my path, including you! I don’t think that there are too many coincidences in life Jenny. Perhaps we had already met in a past life, and that is why I did not hesitate to take you in. Perhaps yet, we will meet yet again.
But in the meantime, you must live your life well.
I have instructed how I want to have my things settled, and you are included to help you in your studies. I am very proud that you have gotten your secondary school certificate and that you are continuing with higher education. Remember that you must be prepared to land on your own feet."
Jenny could not help but cry, as she sensed that Maude was willing to depart without much of a fight. She leaned over her and embraced her while she still had the chance.
-“Please don’t go Maude; I don’t want you to go until you are at least a hundred years old. Are you going to leave me all alone?” Jenny said as she sobbed with heartfelt pain.
-“Now you are really being very selfish Jenny. You are not alone. You’ve got your Self. And you also have Robert and Andrew, as you are part of our family now.
My body is in too much pain Jenny, why prolong the suffering when I now the best is yet to come? Inadvertently you have helped me along the way to evolve, and know that I will go in peace and full of joy!"
-“You should wait at least for Andrew to arrive. He’s aware that you’re taking a turn…he’s making the arrangement to come back.” Jenny said in between sobs.
-“My darling boy, he’s given me so much joy. He’s turned out to be such a fine young man. Jenny, why don’t you give him a chance? He’s told me on several occasions that he likes you, but is bidding his time to tell you since you are both too focused in school. I would love that. The two people I dearly love to join their lives. Please consider it Jenny; you won’t find a finer man than my grand baby.”
Jenny did not heed Maude’s words she sobbed and told her over and over not to leave her alone.
The sun brilliantly shined in the middle of winter. The skies were clear, and the clouds resembled thick mounds of cotton on the day Maude’s body was lowered to rest underground.
It had been so long that Jenny had tuned off the contact with her angel. Yet, as she sat to disconsolately sob on a chair, she felt his comforting presence near and a chaste kiss on her brow.
Sensing before seeing a presence before her, Jenny looked up to see a hand extended towards her. Looking up with puffy eyes, she saw Andrew standing before her. She took his hand and embraced him, as the dolorous lament was muffled when she hid her face on his chest and cried yet some more.
When it was inevitable that they leave, as most of the guests had already left - as the ground was covered with a carpet of thick grass, adorned with flower arrangements of all types. Jenny leaned on Andrews frame, as they walked away to his car.
Andrew had slept at Maude’s house since the day of his arrival, so as to keep a close vigil on her development. Jenny did not want to stay alone, and was glad for Andrew’s company.
To be continued…
