ECHOES OF SILENCE

The Meeting

In the smoggy city of Juarez, buried in the deep paths of Mexico, there was a small town situated near the famous 'La Lagunilla Market'. Close to a cliff stood a mansion that had stood firmly for years. Margaret Harrington had inherited it from her late mother, a solitary sentinel against the relentless tides of time. The eroded wells, with the intense smell of vinegar, surrounded the house. Margaret, also known as Mag, sat on her antique chair, moving her pen almost every second in one of the magnificent rooms in the house. The air was thick with the scent of salt and memory, a haunting reminder of what had been lost and what had yet to be found. It seemed like she bore many thoughts in her head; many would wonder how she became successful. Little did she know that it was in this haven that the storm of secrets would soon be revealed, which would erase the handwritings of betrayal and deception that threatened her life.

Daniel stood in front of the door and rang the bell, waiting for someone to answer. Apparently, he was Emma's long-lost son. Everyone knew Emma as a single mother who had been raped and had given birth to Sarah. She didn't really keep friends, so no one knew her true identity.

The maid opened the door and asked the kid in front of her what he was looking for. Daniel was not a kid, but he was small in stature for a 15-year-old boy.

"I am looking for Miss Margaret Harrington," Daniel replied.

 "And what may you need from her?",

To avoid being kicked out, he lied that he had been sent by the editor of her book that was about to be published. He added, "The editor is sick and asked me to deliver an urgent message."

On approaching the main door, Daniel hesitated.

"Is anything the problem, sir?" asked the maid.

"No, not at all," he answered, unsure of what to say in order not to get caught.

"Well then, shall we get going, sir?" the maid  questioned politely.

"Yes, certainly."

With a deep breath, Daniel followed the maid up to Mag's room.

"Who is there?" asked Mag.

"A little boy says he has a message for you from the editor," said the maid.

"Oh, then let him come in. I have been waiting for him since."

Everyone would have thought that Mag was a happy woman, as she covered her hidden past with a smile plastered on her face 24/7. As soon as their eyes met, Daniel started shaking.

"What's the message? Tom sure sounded worried when we talked this afternoon."

Daniel burst into tears before he knew it. He couldn't find words to say.

"What's the matter, young boy?"

 "Y-y-you're m-my mother," Daniel said, stammering with every word.

"Your mother?" questioned Mag, trying to maintain a confused face, but inside, she knew he wasn't lying. She had a family she left behind.

Unknown to them, the maid was still in the room, and when she heard this, she was as shocked as the two of them.

"You have another  child?" the maid blurted out, unknowingly to herself.