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Mama's disease
Dark clouds ravaging the sky, the wind had picked up tempo and continued to add to the dark symphony. The thunder roared and warned every being to go inside, the wind continued to blow and then it started to rain. It was silent and mysterious, no one was to be found on the streets, not even the cats who liked to roam the streets after dark.

Pneumonia the doctor announced to Michael and me; Your mother does not seem to be getting any better, said Mister Charles, her fever continues to worsen along with her temperature. I regret to say this Ms, Davis, but I’m afraid your mother might not make it; I am sorry. Michael, who always had something to say, was silent that evening. He was of an outspoken character and always believed his intelligence surpassed everyone else. Even as we were children he followed this notion, but at this point Michael was silenced by his emotions.

Mama’s disease was a shock to us, she was always strict about our health, she regularly had Mr. Charles make routine check-ups to assure we were well taken care of. The idea of her leaving us was hard and devastating to us, especially to Michael.

Jane brought in some tea; I thought you might like some hot tea Ms. Davis, I am dearly sorry about Ms. Mary, she was always a delight to serve, she brought a sense of positivity to the house. Well thank you Jane - you may leave the tea tray on the table. As Michael and I sat next to the fire beside each other, I wondered why I never had a close relationship with my mother. Perhaps it was my attitude after the death of my father when I was thirteen, after that experience a series of changes, this event was emotionally draining to me. I separated myself from everyone, lived in a shadow of unending sorrow, and practically shut down every reality surrounding me.

As we sat there, Mama muttered a word, unable to speak efficiently, she managed to say something. She called out our names, when we got close to her she extended her arm out and grabbed ours. In her weak voice she said; Michael, Suzi, you both were wonderful children to raise and I am proud of what you both have become. In her dying breath, as she struggled to say her last words she said, I love you both and don’t forget ……. At that point the thunder roared and announced her death on 22nd Lincolnshire avenue.

There was sorry in the house, no one seemed to keep together, Michael was weeping, but for a short period of time because he did not want anyone to see him in that state. He believed for a man to cry was a sign of weakness. Every housemaids and house workers paid their condolences and told me how wonderful my mother was. Michael and I planned to have the burying ceremony tomorrow, we shall bury her next to my father so she may join him and be by his side once more.

Father Stanley arrived at the house at 10 o’ o'clock the next morning, a bit unprepared, he began the sermon, his breath hot and smelled like alcohol explained his tardiness and the sluggish way he walked when he arrived.
Looking at mama’s grave made me think of the qualities I never saw in her, all I’ve done was just pushed her way as I do with everything else. I remember her last words, the part about loving us, but there was one thing she said but did not finish. I wondered what could she possibly mean. I would not know until I looked around me, and I saw it, a tear ran down smoothly wiping all the hate and bringing out the light.

I KNEW

© M.X.M