Take My Soul

Chapter 4- The Roberts Family

As I opened the front door and stepped inside, I couldn't hold back my excitement and yelled, "We're home!" My mom, who was in the kitchen, came out with a smile on her face and greeted us, "Well hello my loves! How was school, Leslie?" I took a deep breath and replied, "It was pretty good actually. Some of the teachers were good and I'm happy to say that I have some classes with Oliver and Lizzie!" My mom's smile widened as she said, "That's good to hear, honey!" She then leaned in and kissed me on my cheek, making me feel loved and appreciated. As they sat on the couch, she turned to Noah and asked, "How about you, Noah?" Noah looked up and responded, "Good, I guess..." She smiled and responded, "That's good, honey," before leaning in to give him a gentle kiss on his cheek.

As I sat there, lost in thought, a sudden recollection crossed my mind, and I felt the need to speak up. "Mom?" I asked, unsure if she was even listening.

"Yes?" she replied.

"Why didn't we go to the vacation house this summer?" I asked curiously.

"Oh sweetie, I forgot to tell you," she asked, sounding upset. "Let me fill you in. So, a few weeks before summer, Mr. Roberts called me up with some sad news. His mother had passed away, and he and his family needed to stay in her house in another town to take care of some things before the end of summer. We were supposed to head out to the vacation house as usual, but your dad and I thought it over and decided to stay put. We knew our friends were going through a tough time, and we wanted to be there for them. Of course, we miss them a lot, but we also understand they have a lot going on. They promised to be back in time for Christmas though, so we're excited about that. Hope this clears things up, my love!" The bittersweet curve of her lips conveyed a complex blend of emotions - a poignant mix of sadness and gratitude. My heart swelled with affection as I watched my mother interact with Mr. Robert's mother's death, knowing that she held a special place in her heart for her.

Growing up, my mother had endured the loss of her mother at a young age and a difficult relationship with her father. However, her friendship with Mr. Roberts had given her a sense of belonging, and his mother had become a surrogate mother figure to her - always ready to feed her and offer her a place to sleep whenever she needed it. So, Mr. Robert's mother filled a maternal void in my mother's life, treating her with the same love and care as if she were her daughter.

"Mom, seriously? How could you forget to tell me something like that?" I asked with a sad tone in my voice.

"Sorry honey, it slipped out of my mind," she said with a sad smile.

"Don't worry, Mom. I'll call them up and make sure they're alright," I said with a grin and a reassuring nod.

I have an incredibly cherished childhood memory of spending many happy hours at my family's vacation home, which was located in the most serene and picturesque location imaginable. The house was jointly owned by my parents and their closest lifelong friends, the Roberts family. The Roberts were like a second family to us, and every moment spent with them was a true joy. We would often spend our Christmas holidays, summer breaks, and even birthdays at the vacation home, where we would engage in activities like hiking, fishing, and playing board games. The beauty of the location was always breathtaking, and it felt like we were living in a real-life postcard.

I was the only girl among six -including my brother- lively and playful boys of the Roberts family, all of whom were around my age. Despite the gender difference, we bonded over shared interests and had a blast together. We would dive into the nearby lake, play board games for hours on end, and embark on exciting hikes to discover the area's hidden beauty.

During our stay with the Roberts family in the vacation house, I was blown away by their hospitality and how much they went out of their way to make sure my experience was unforgettable. It wasn't just the delicious home-cooked meals they prepared for me, but also the warm and friendly atmosphere they created that made every moment spent with them a treasure. From the thoughtful conversation and stories they shared about their lives, to the cozy and comfortable accommodations they provided, I felt right at home. It's rare to find such genuine kindness and generosity, and I will always hold the memories of my time with the Roberts family close to my heart.