Tuesday, 6 December 2016

Roses are red

I found this rose in front of the house. There's a card attached onto it. From 'S'

Hmmm..

Aren't you curious who could have sent this to you?

No. I'm not curious.

How come?

I know who it is from.

Ahh! You have a secret admirer? I know some are seeking your attention but I'm surprised there's someone out there who's serious enough to send you a flower.

Go to my room. Open the brown cupboard at the left corner of my room. Look at the bottom and then come tell me of your findings.

Ok. Ok.

Did you see?

Yes. I saw many stalks of dry roses. All with the card with the initial 'S'.

.....

So, who's this mystery man?

Someone who was in my life. Long ago.

Long ago... I've been here for almost six months now. I've no idea, you had someone.

I don't have someone. Only the children.

The many children who come and go.

And mine.

Yes yours. And you find this sufficient?

More than. It is my choice to be alone. After awhile i made discoveries. Men are not worth my time.

And this S?

Was my husband!

Husband? Was?

No.. Still is actually. In the legal sense.

How long have you been apart? Separated.

Many years now.

But why?

It just happened that way. He couldn't get along with my children. He couldn't get along with me. It seemed to be like a war zone all the time.

There was no room for reconciliation?

The opportunity did not come. The situation narrowed to impossibility. There was no peace. We lived in fear.

So you left?

It wasn't as easy as that. First i had to get a house. The financial issues. Moving out wasn't easy either.

Why?

He didn't want us to leave. He was insecure. He gave us a hard time. I had to get refraining order from the court. It was quite ugly.

Ohh! He doesn't do that anymore, he only sends this flower?

In the beginning, he didn't know where we lived. For about two years. He used to try following me from the children's school but we managed to avoid him. Then someone tipped him off. I used to see him passing by but he never attempted to come here. I have clearly told him that I'd call the police if he ever disturbs us in any way.

That sounds very mean.

I have to be mean. I cannot allow him to hurt us anymore.

Now... The roses?

In this period of separation he made a few discoveries.

Discoveries?

He realized loneliness. He shed his ego. He stopped accusing, he stopped his harsh speech. In the beginning he used to shout in foul language whenever he called. He used to ask many people to call and insult me for leaving him. I kept silent.

I can imagine that. You seemed to have all the patience in the world.

Well, I've had good training.

Then why aren't you accepting him?

I made my own discoveries.

You met someone, your soulmate... Judging from that smile i know I've guessed wrong.

I discovered freedom. I discovered service.

Those children.

Yes. I also discovered that men are the main cause  for all these neglected children.

Huh? I don't understand. By men, you mean?

The fathers.

How does these happen?

Some of the fathers died young. They had drinking habits. They had bad eating styles. They died of liver failures, heart attacks. Some due to drunk driving.

Ahh! I see. The children are affected because their fathers died.

Yes. And some children lost their fathers to other women. The men left their family for more excitement. They forgot to consider their children's future.

That's very sad.

Yes it is. So, I decided to take over these kinds of children. As you can see it has not been easy but we're making slow progress.

Slow but good progress. Yes, I can see that. But can't you consider accepting him. All those roses must mean that he really cares for you. Perhaps it will be more convenient. You'd have more support.

No. I'm comfortable as i am. I find relationship taxing. Men are not worthy of me. I'm happier now. I don't intend to jeopardize my freedom anymore. I'm free and I'd remain free.

What is to become of him then?

He is a friend. He will remain that for always. If he wants to move on, he may do so.

Hmmm. Hope you are happy with your decision.

I have no regrets.

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