The Riddle Of Magic

Chapter 19: Aria In Memoriam

It was always humid in the summertime, but it had been especially humid this year. Storms had rolled through Louisiana and neighboring states, displacing untold numbers in a near biblical-flood. New Orleans itself had been largely spared of damage, thanks to the levees about the region.

It was a disaster that seemed to affect everyone, somehow, from either nature itself or man trying to control it. The waters took months to recede, and reconstruction was a slow affair. His father would have insisted upon them taking in the needy, though Alastor didn't bother reaching out to anyone.

After all, it was just him and his mother now, as it had been since the war.

He was the man of the house now, ever since his blasted fool of a father had received a series of letters which had led to him leaving to fight for the sake of a homeland Alastor had never seen.

He had promised the war wouldn't affect them, then promised he'd come back.

His father had broken both oaths, and his mother's heart as well.

They had the fortune of his father's friends being supportive after they'd received word of his death, as well as receiving some nominal support from her own family (though it had dropped off when it had become clear she had no interest in remarrying).

Alastor was as studious as his father, and thanks to his connections received a job at the university where his father had taught, assisting in the school's extensive library although he was on the younger side.

His mother did occasional cooking and sewing for members of their church, and the years passed quietly enough as they made life work on their own. In time, Alastor worked his way into a decent job with one of his father's old friends, working for the university's newspaper.

All things considered, they'd had rather decent fortune since his father had gone. Alastor had suggested they sell off the house and move to be closer to his work, but his mother wanted to stay where her favorite memories were.

She loved the trees and the bayou, and the quiet evenings.

Alastor had no intention of leaving her on her own, staying and doting on her as any good son would. After all, she'd cared for him as a child, what kind of man would he be if he didn't return the favor?

But as the season shifted from summer to fall, she had gotten sick. She had tried to disguise it initially, simply saying she was tired from the changing weather, trying not to be burdensome.

Her constitution weakened, and eventually was not able to stand for long periods without getting dizzy.

Alastor brought his work home with him to care for her until she improved, tending to the house in her place.

His boss was an old friend of his parents', and was understanding even though the situation was surely inconvenient. The Irishman even came to visit from time to time, despite their house being out of the way.

His mother was ailing, and they weren't certain what was wrong with her. She was sweating constantly, and not just from the heat. He bought blankets for her even though it was already warm outside, because she complained of being chilly.

His manager recommended Alastor check in with the university's clinic for assistance. Their school had originally been founded as an institution for students studying to become physicians.

Alastor followed old Carlyle's advice; and one of the students in the medical program had accompanied him home, eager for the opportunity to help (as well as to get extra credit for one of his courses, Alastor suspected). Regardless of the reason, he had been glad for the attention for his dear mother.