Previous Challenge Entry (Level 2 – Intermediate)
Topic: Personal Peace (06/01/06)
-
TITLE: Forget Me Not | Previous Challenge Entry
By Rachel Rudd
06/06/06 -
LEAVE COMMENT ON ARTICLE
SEND A PRIVATE COMMENT
ADD TO MY FAVORITES
“Good morning, Charlotte. Did you have a good night’s rest?” A nurse calls as the door swings open.
Who’s Charlotte?
“Charlotte, I’m going to take your blood pressure and your temperature. Then you’re going to have a nice breakfast. It’s your favorite this morning, scrambled eggs, grits, and orange juice.”
I don’t want to eat.
“Now, Charlotte, I heard your mumble of protest, but you need your strength today. Your son is coming to visit.”
My son?
“See, here he is in this picture, all dashing and handsome in his army uniform.”
My son?
“Wow, your blood pressure is excellent. You look so serene this morning. You must have really slept well. Now, how about some food?”
How do I eat?
******************************
“Alright, Charlotte. You did such a good job eating. Now, I’m going to push your chair outside so you can get some fresh air. Are you warm enough? Do you need another blanket, Charlotte?” The nurse wraps her legs in woolen warmth.
Sitting on the veranda, a breeze ruffles wisps of Charlotte’s hair. The strands of white can not recall their positions when the wind finishes its playful dance.
A man carrying a bouquet of flowers approaches her. “Hello, mom. How are you doing today?”
Who are you? Why are you kissing me?
“Sarah sends her love. Her and the kids went shopping for school clothes today. ” Michael grabs a chair and positions himself in front of Charlotte.
Who’s Sarah?
“I know how much you love it when the twins come to see you, but I wanted you all to myself today. See what I brought with me. It’s a photo album from our vacation to Canada. It was the summer after I graduated from high school. We visited Niagara Falls and you were so afraid that we would all fall in! Do you remember how much fun we had?”
No.
“Look, here’s Dad. Here he is pretending to throw you over and there you are screaming your head off with fright.”
Me?
“That night at the hotel you let us stay up until midnight so we could see the fireworks display. I remember the way you jumped every time one exploded.”
Me?
The lines crease in Michael’s forehead. “Mom, please look at me when I’m talking to you. You remember me, don’t you? Your son, Michael? I hear you mumbling, but I can’t understand what you are trying to say.”
I don’t know who you are.
A milky white void stares at Michael from his mother’s eyes.
“Mom, please talk to me. Please tell me that you love me. Tell me something. Anything.” Drops of tears water the flowers in his hand as his shoulders hunch and his head falls.
A childlike melody interrupts his grieving. Tranquility is stealing the emptiness from his mother’s face. He lays his head on her lap and her hand rhythmically pats him as she hums.
I’ve got peace like a river,
I’ve got peace like a river,
I’ve got peace like a river in my soul,
I’ve got peace like a river,
I’ve got peace like a river,
I’ve got peace like a river in my soul.
The opinions expressed by authors may not necessarily reflect the opinion of FaithWriters.com.
If you died today, are you absolutely certain that you would go to heaven? You can be right now. CLICK HERE
JOIN US at FaithWriters for Free. Grow as a Writer and Spread the Gospel.
