Previous Challenge Entry (Level 2 – Intermediate)
Topic: Sibling(s) (05/01/08)
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TITLE: Seeing Double | Previous Challenge Entry
By Linda Oswald
05/08/08 -
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“I don’t know how much more I can take,” Valerie complained.
Courtney’s smile faded.
“They are cute,” Courtney attempted to cheer her friend up.
“Sure they are,” Valerie replied stoically.
Ian and Ryan entered the world as twins three years ago. Friends, family, even strangers gushed over the darling identical babies. For Valerie, the never-ending crying, dirty diapers, and feedings had changed her life forever. Her mother was in dire need of all the help she could get, and Valerie was the most available. Dad had to work extra hours to allay the sudden financial burden. The family had to learn to get by with less money, less sleep, less time for leisure, and now that the boys were mobile, less privacy. The blue-eyed, blonde-haired twins were mischievous partners in crime, constantly getting into Valerie’s personal belongings, breaking things, messing things, always busy turning their surroundings into perpetual chaos. Valerie was only fourteen, yet she assisted her mother with the responsibilities of raising two rambunctious little boys. Of course, Ian and Ryan didn’t seem to realize how much disorder they had afflicted upon their family. As much as Valerie and her mom attempted to teach them manners and how to say ‘thank you’, they showed very little, if any, gratitude.
It was a chilly October evening when Mom and Dad chose to go out on a rare date while Valerie watched after the boys. The overly active dual had refused to stay in bed that night, reluctant to settle down to sleep. After the battle, at last Valerie was able to enjoy her cozy serenity curled up with a magazine on the living room couch. Soon drowsiness started to set in. It wasn’t long after she set down the magazine when she slipped into delicious slumber.
It only seemed like a minute later when the pounding at the door startled her awake. Glancing blearily at the clock, Valerie realized it had been over an hour since she had drifted off to sleep. Approaching the door, a burning sensation caught in her throat. Coughing and dazed, she looked towards the stairs. Horrified, she observed smoke billowing down with flames leaping at the top of the stairs. The pounding continued at the door.
“Open up, this is the fire department!” The voice was urgent.
Rushing to the door, Valerie fumbled at the lock, finally opening the door.
“My brothers are up there!” She choked. “Please help them!”
Another fireman arrived and guided her outside. Curious neighbors stood at the end of their yard watching her and the burning house. Valerie stood sobbing, sick with anxiety while men in yellow wet suits rushed inside with hoses and equipment.
“Valerie! Are you okay?” Courtney’s voice was concerned as a comforting arm wrapped around her.
Grateful for a familiar face, Valerie buried her face into Courtney’s shoulder, sobbing. Nothing in the world mattered more than the two precious lives inside the burning house. She could see Ian and Ryan’s faces in her mind, their eyes so full of life. They were only three years old! At that moment she realized that life would never be the same without them. In fact, she wouldn’t want life without them. Even their chaotic life. All would be so empty without them. Yes, she loved those two wonderful boys, and she would give her own life just to give them their’s. Through burning tears, Valerie looked towards the house. She couldn’t just stand there, she had to do something!
Suddenly she noticed figures emerging from the smoke. The fireman was carrying two bundles. Running up, she gathered the precious cargo from the man. Both Ian and Ryan grabbed their sister’s neck, choking, crying, and calling her name. Valerie hugged them close, never before remembering feeling such relief and joy. She vowed to never again resent God’s wonderful gifts.
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