Previous Challenge Entry (Level 3 - Advanced)
Topic: COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS (Don't write about the song) (04/16/15)
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TITLE: A Brother's Perspective | Previous Challenge Entry
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04/20/15 -
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I searched her bloodshot eyes in disbelief. “Why?”
She sobbed into her soiled hanky.
Leaving the kitchen, I wanted answers, but had to pack my troubles in the old kit-bag and try to smile.
“Mother’s sad again?” my younger brother asked from the bottom upstairs step.
I nodded.
“She needs a hug!” Robert bounded forward.
Grabbing his hand, I said, “Not this time. Say, listen. ”
He sat down, his blue eyes firm. “We’re moving.”
“Not forever.”
“You said we’d stay together after that man said Daddy was gone.”
“I guess life doesn’t always go the way we want it to.”
Mother appeared with the bags. “Robert.”
After he left, I asked, “Wher’re we going?”
“Manhattan.” She dropped my bag.
I banged the carpetbag against my trousers and ascended the stairs. Faint sobs trailed behind me. I wanted to ease her pain but couldn’t get near without an argument ensuing.
Reaching the attic bedroom, I found Robert. “All packed?”
“Yep. Where’re we goin’?”
“Aunt Charlotte and Uncle Grainger.”
“When we went there with Daddy, Aunt Charlotte gave me peppermints and Uncle Grainger smelled like dirty cigars.” Rob wrinkled his nose. “Think they’ll have an Erector Set?”
“Dunno.” I tousled his brown hair and walked to my dresser.
“I’m bringin’ Theodore to keep me comp’ny.”
I crammed clothes into my bag. “Is he ready?”
Robert, studying the rumpled teddy, said slowly, “I don’t know.”
“Tell him he’s gonna sleep in a big bed. Maybe he won’t be sad.”
An automobile idled in front of our apartment.
“They’re here!” Robert bounded out of the room.
I followed slowly, not ready to leave the memories. Friday Parcheesi games in the living room. Daddy’s deep laughter. Mother’s gently scolding for his chasing us into her kitchen while she kneaded bread.
“Mother, where’re you goin’?” I heard Robert ask.
I reached the bottom step as a gray-uniformed nurse led Mother out the door. “Mother! What’s going on?” I ran after her, but she stepped up into the back of a Red Cross auto.
“Jim, take care of your brother.” Sullen eyes contrasted darkly against her pale dress.
Uncle Grainger shut the door. I stared, scared and confused, as she rode away.
“James.” Uncle Grainger gripped my shoulder. “Get in the car.”
With renewed anger, I wheeled around. “What do you think—”
He yanked the passenger door. “You have no choice.”
Robert pressed his face against the backseat cushion, clutching Theodore. Eventually, he wiggled close and my shirtsleeve became soggy.
Although we had visited before, the estate seemed unfamiliar. Vines crawled along the stair railing like giant spider legs.
A butler whisked our luggage away; another opened Uncle’s door then ours.
“James! Robert!” Aunt Charlotte enveloped us.
“Charlotte, don’t smother them.”
Immediately, she straightened.
“Let Agnes show them their rooms. Orson is waiting.”
Aunt Charlotte kissed us and followed him into the library.
“Why’s he bein’ mean?” Robert whispered.
“Maybe he forgot his morning cigar.”
Robert snickered.
Agnes sailed into the room, smiling.
While the housemaid showed Robert his room, I crept downstairs.
“That’s not how Hillsdale operates,” a man argued.
“Can’t you just sign the papers yourself?” Uncle Grainger asked impatiently.
“That’s a mistake.”
A chair creaked. “I do not make mistakes.”
I clenched my teeth. The glass doorknob reprimanded me as I turned and shoved it.
“What is the meaning of this?” Smoke jumped from Uncle’s Havana cigar.
I raised my chin. “Where is Mother?”
Aunt Charlotte held a teacup. “James, dear—”
“Son, you have no permission lurking where you’re not invited.”
“Why’re we here?”
Uncle Grainger grabbed my arm. “This is enough impudence—”
“Answer the boy,” Orson interrupted. “He’s obviously concerned.”
Uncle Grainger stood between us, contemplating his actions. His cheeks flushed, and the anger washed from his eyes.
Sighing, he released his grip. “I’m sorry about this morning. Our paths crossed unexpectedly.”
“We weren’t supposed to know?”
He puffed his cigar. “When she telegrammed, I knew she needed medical help.” He gestured toward Orson. “Your mother needs special medication.”
“Jim?” Robert peeked into the room. “There’s an Erector Set in my room!”
Uncle Grainger motioned toward the door.
I followed, meditating on the conversation. Mother’s hunched figure reminded me to take care of Robert. Older brother pride swelled. I was blessed I had my brother with his optimistic spirit to keep me company in this large house.
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Well written and powerful in content and deliver.
Great job with this.
God bless~