She's A Total Eclipse of My Heart

I

As Raven continued stirring the pot on the stove, she hoped nobody would catch her making another meal for her grandfather, Joseph who was in a long fight with dementia as his body was breaking down because he rarely left the house.

She was preparing Tomatoe basil soup with French bread she snuck in the kitchen to take.

Setting the rolls of money Raven got yesterday in a small black box under the cabinet, she faced her grandfather who was looking outside silently.

Sitting next to him, Raven said, " Hi grandfather!"

Smiling at the sound of her voice, Joseph said, " Hi Raven! You grew so much since I saw you yesterday with your training wheels!"

She winced forcing a smile.

He still thought she was ten.

Even though she was saving up for treatment, she often wondered how he developed the disease in the first place.

His younger years were lived out in the healthiest way possible.

He was in the marching band...

Drum Corp...

The track team...

He did everything he could to live a healthy life to the fullest.

Glancing at him as he fidgeted with the window switch, Raven sighed.

It all comes down to this...

He fidgeted with the switch some more and Raven asked, " What are your doing?"

He said, " There's someone outside, it's polite to say hello..."

Looking at the figure coming closer, Raven gasped.

It was the caretaker.

Ruth Thompson.

Raven moved his hands hastily and said, " No, stop!"

As she set his meal in his lap just in time so he could focus on something else.

She'll be expecting me.

So, Raven began cleaning the suite hiding the meal supplies and money.

The door clicked.

"Raven."

Oh no.

...

Tapping her foot with crossed arms and an angry glare, Ruth stared at Raven silently.

This is uncomfortable.

Ruth said, " I'm angry Raven."

Simply, Raven said, " I understand ma'am."

Leaning in to see her face, Ruth asked, " Do you know why I'm upset, Raven?"

Staring at her heeled boots, Raven said, " I don't know ma'am, why are you upset?"

Ruth said, " I specifically asked for you to clean each bed frame, the gutters, cut the lawn, and dust and clean my house! I've come home from an exhausting day to this house filled with rubbish!"

Cause smiling and selling shoes is such labor...

Despite wanting to fight back, Raven remained helpless and speechless.

Raven said, " I apologize ma'am, I'll get started..."

Harshly smacking her head, Ruth said, " You better and-"

Raven looked to why Ruth paused.

She was staring at her grandfather.

Shoot...

Ruth asked, " When did I tell you he could stay here?"

Raven said, " I-"

But Ruth slapped her in the face before she could respond.

She screamed, " Just keep that crippled man out of my sight!"

Raven nodded holding her head high to compose herself of what happened.

Raven grabbed gloves, her lawn mowing clothes and shoes, and began making her way outside until Ruth called out, " Restock the fridge!"

And slammed the door harshly.

At least she didn't push me this time.

...