Why So Soon???

Short Story 2

“Why So Soon???”

T

hat is a fine afternoon, just nice to go for either indoor or outdoor sport practice. Andy and Lita are ready for having their exciting time. In the family room Aunt Ima is busy do all the cleaning.  With a feather duster on her left hand and a broom on her right hand she tries to complete the job as soon as possible. Afterwards, she has to cook dinner.

“Aunt, where’s my shoes?  I’m in a big hurry”, says Andy.
                “How about my dress? My friend is waiting out there” exclaims Lita.

In a weak voice Aunt Ima answers “Sure, but in a minute, please”. 

The boy and girl look impatient. They show a view of anger on their face as well.

“Can’t you work a bit faster?” Andy said.

Mrs. Jeny, their mother, hears and comes close to them. She can’t stand getting mad over their children’s behavior.

“Andy, Lita, you must be more polite to adult” she said.
“It’s Okay” Aunt Ima interrupted.

“Let them be so, children are children”, she added.
                  “But I have to practice football” Andy said.

“And I can’t miss the party” Lita exclaimed.

Mrs. Jeny tries to make them calm down by suggesting Andy to put on the other pair, and Lita to wear another dress. Even though she manages to control them, they still feel angry with Aunt Ima. And when they have gone Mrs. Jeny asks aunt Ima.

“Why do you look so pale recently?

Are you sick?” Aunt Ima doesn’t say a word. There looks like something she must keep a secret. Because of Mrs. Jeny doesn’t get any answer, she goes and thinks Aunt Ima must be fine.

Days change. Aunt Ima must endure the hard times. Almost ten years she has worked at the family. And she finds herself already being a member of it. Both Mr.Bram and Mrs. Jeny treat her very well. However, she feels guilty that she doesn’t tell them the truth. There must be something she has to reveal. Yes, that she has suffered from a serious disease. The one that is incurable. But, she won’t keep the family in a deep mourn of her.

Is it possible?

When’s the right time?

How is it done?

Or will she be retired?

Those are questions that occupy her mind all the time. There is, however, an even greater question.

Does the doctor say an honest thing?

That her life will last in no longer than two months?

Everything is complicated that she leads her life in desperate. One thing she can’t deny is that she has to entrust all this just merely in God. That is why her belief in God is growing be stronger now. She thinks her remain short life must be spent on charity by doing a lot of favor to others.

It is 2 p.m. now. Andy and Lita already back home from school. Having done the washing, they head for the dinning table. It seems there’s nothing served for lunch. Soon Andy calls his servant.

“What’s the food for lunch?” he said.               

“You’re a neglecting servant. Go out of this house. You’re fired” Lita remarked.

“Calm down kids. I’ll give you a surprise”. Aunt Ima answered calmly.

“What do you mean SURPRISE?” Andy asked curiously.

“We’re very hungry. We can’t wait any longer. Come on give us food!” Lita exclaimed.

Aunt Ima explains she intentionally does not cook the lunch because she would like to treat them. She knows well what they like to eat; chicken- meat balls with curry. The seller with his wheel barrow often passes by the house. And this proves to be true when they hear his call out to offer.

“That’s coming” Andy shouted.

“Five bowls, please!” Aunt Ima said to the meat balls seller.

“Why five?” Lita wondered.

“Today I want to share my happiness with anybody in this family. I’ll pay all” Aunt Ima answered.

Mr. Bram, Mrs. Jeny and the children feel something unusual with Aunt Ima’s conduct. But they can not deny her offer. They enjoy the meat balls. This is a very special moment they never had before. They still do not understand. Usually the family treats her, but this time Aunt Ima takes her turn to pay. More surprisingly, she takes something from her bedroom after the meals.

“See, I have another one. It’s for you Andy, and this is for you, Lina” she said.

“Wow, it’s wonderful. Thanks” Andy said to Aunt Ima.

 “It’s great. Thank you Aunt” Lita added.

Aunt Ima, the servant, gives a special gift to the children. A cute dress and a new leather ball. Andy likes foot ball, and Lita likes dressing up. Those are matching. The children feel badly spoilt. It is a really unforgettable moment in their lives.

Morning has come. Mr. Bram goes to the dinning table for breakfast, but he finds nothing on it. Then, he heads for the kitchen where Aunt Darmi works. But, she is not there.  He tries another room, in her bedroom. He calls her out. On his view, she is still soundly sleeping. But she does not say a word. In curiosity he comes closer and wakes her up. The woman is lying weak with her face getting so pale. Mr. Bram calls his wife. Andy and Lita hear and follow her. Now they are gathering in aunt Ima’s bedroom. They feel deeply pity to see her condition. The loved servant looks dying. In her soft voice the woman whispers.

“My time’s come” then she closes her eyes forever. In a big tear they cried

“Don’t leave us, Aunt Ima. We do love you!”

THE END