Michael Holmes: Secret Son of Sherlock Holmes

Chapter 9: It is what it is

Michael woke up from bed as the sun shined through the window in the morning. He immediately took out a piece of paper and started writing:

Dear Liam,

             Sorry I hadn't been able to write for the past few days. I just met my father and is currently living in a friend's house. Well, new friend I guess. How are you doing?  Is Miss Miller doing good? I'll probably come back after a few months. I still have lots to explore in London. In the meantime, I'll continue to write letters to keep in touch. Can't wait to see you again.           

                                                                                                                                                     From your friend, Mike

"Someone's a sleepyhead." June opened the door just as he put the letter in an envelope. She walked inside the room with two donuts on her hands. 

She handed a chocolate donut to Michael. "Hope you like it, made it myself." 

Michael smiled. "You're good at baking." He saw June's dog running towards him. He rubbed the dog's belly. 

"I'm taking him out for a morning walk. Want to come?"

"Sure." Michael was more than delighted to follow. They finished their donuts and went towards the door. They were about to walk out, but they stopped when they heard a soft voice calling. 

"June!" They heard footsteps coming closer towards the room. Michael thought that there was something peculiar with the sound of the footsteps- he vaguely heard sounds of a stick thumping on the floor. Correction: Sounds of a... crutch thumping on the floor.

"Just keep quiet." June turned to Michael. 

A tall lady walked into the room with crutches, calling June once more. Michael's heart stopped as he saw her standing in front of him. I'm dead, he thought.

"Are you going out again?" The lady smiled, as if not knowing that he was there. 

"Yes, mom." June smiled, waving goodbye to the lady. "Be safe, okay? I'll only be out for a while." She then grabbed Michael's hand and pulled him outside. 

"What was that?" He asked her, still confused.

She kept silent for a while. "My mother's blind."

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They walked to a nearby park, taking in the beautiful scenery. June's dog wagged his tail, making them smile a bit. 

"Sorry about earlier. I didn't mean to-" 

"It's not your fault." June closed her eyes and sighed. "... Why does the world have to be so unfair?" 

"I... don't know." He looked at the people in the park. There were lots of children in the mini-playground; Some teenagers chatting about their day on a bench; A few old folks playing chess under a tree. Everything looked perfect- as it should be.

But as Michael observed closer, he realised something much deeper than this wonderful fantasy.

 A few of the kids were dumped at the playground by their too-busy and ignorant parents; The teenagers were dealing with family problems and heavy studies; The old folks lost their family members, not having anyone else to rely on.

Underneath their smiles and laughters are lost and sorrows. 

"But it is what it is." Michael said, closing his eyes.