Architect of paradise (PART I: Out of the Ruins)

8. "New Leaf"

     I try to be cool and calm. The previous evening was intense and frightening. Now, with the day's light, I am okay. At least, I want to believe this. I really don't know what is he thinking? Why is he doing this to me? I know that I am a stranger. I know that I am an introvert person. Why is he torturing me? I wish that he would stop. I can't stand this situation. What can I do for him to stop?

While I have all these thoughts, the bell of the door rings. It's Mrs. Gilberts and I can guess that it is not for something good.

-"Good morning, Addie! I can call you with your name, can't I?"

-"Yes, of course."

-"I want to discuss something with you. I have already talked to Mr. Arnolds. I think that the festival is great but we need to do something more, something for the Christmas's spirit."

-"You talk about charity."

-"Exactly. We live at the countryside. We can't come in touch with big charity organizations. I think, we must do something to the point, something about this small society."

-"You must talk with the major. He knows better the area and its needs."

-"I know that the major will report a couple of problems that needs money. However, I am talking about something in a humanitarian level."

I sigh. Mrs. Gilberts wants to do the difference and to offer a great Christmas to everyone but I don't understand. Does she think that I am a box with the golden ideas?

-"I'll think about it."

-"We need to hurry." She presses me before returning at school.

I can't escape from this. I find some books so I can think something. It is not easy to do something that can deeply touch the other without offend him. On the other hand, nobody will admit that he needs help. The first step is to put some priorities. 

   The festival is taking place due to the will of the students. So the charity event must be involved with them. They could help the poor families. But every single one of the families survives with the necessary. They work hard at their fields or at the mines. Some others have their own shops. They are not rich people but the opposite. 

     In their hard life, they have pride in the way they survive and live. It will be offending if you simply give them money. Of course, there are families that don't even have the necessary. These families need indeed money or goods. This is a move that can't be done without some planning and the help of those that can provide information.

I know that I am going to regret it, but I need to call the major. I am not surprised when he appears only a quarter after the phone call. I talk to him about Mrs. Gilberts' idea. I tell him about my worries and beliefs. He is skeptical for a while.

-"So what is your idea?" he asks me in the end.

-"I don't know about this area, but is a common thing that people in the countryside are in need of goods, counseling and services. So, I believe that it would be good to create a centre of fellowship and love to provide these things. It will be created at the festival, but it will remain a standard charitable organization that operates the whole year and can help whoever needs help."

The major's eyes are opened widely. He looks at me with a stunned expression.

-"This is something that simple students can't operate."

-"I know but the students can be the main stock of the organization while we can appoint responsible and sensitive people to operate it."

-"For it to have results, it has to have connections with the council, the police, the hospital or smaller clinics and it has to hire professionals for the counseling."