Recurring Tears

Moving On

George moved in with Craig and everything went peacefully. After a week, he returned to school. His friends and classmates rallied around him in a bid to know the reason for his AWOL strike but he told no one, including Stefan. Although he tried to conceal his emotions, the untold sorrow took its toll on his academic work.
He was called to the staff room one day by Mr Humphrey, the History teacher.

"George Richardson, this is very unlike you. You have always been my brightest student but I can't believe this," he said as he opened a booklet in front of the boy. "Can you explain this," he pointed to the score which read 23%.

"Um, I'm sorry, sir. I didn't have time to read," he lied.

"No, there is something else," the teacher probed, "there must have been a reason for you going home. Why don't you tell me?

"No sir, my parents had to see me," he forced a smile.

"Then why couldn't they just come?" the grey haired teacher pressed.

"They were too busy, sir."

The slender man cleared his throat and stood up. He walked round the room and finally sat on the table, facing the boy.

"I have spent sixty five years in this world and I can tell when somebody is grieving so why don't you unburden your mind to me.

George raised his head and tears filled his eyes.

"Here," the teacher offered an handkerchief.

"I lost my dad to an accident and my mum is in a catatonic state. I don't know what to do," George cried.

The teacher raised the boy to his feet and hugged his compassionately. He also wiped his eyes as he was crying already.

"I'm sorry," he said.

"Please don't be, sir. I feel much better as I have told you already. It is just like a heavy burden has been removed from my neck.

"You see, when I was a little boy, my mom and dad worked in the same factory. They used to leave work together and come home together."
He wiped a bead of sweat from his nose then continued,"when I was six years old, my mum came home one day, looking dejected. I and my brothers rushed her to ask what her gloomy mood was all about.

"What did she say?" George asked.
"My father...", he broke down in tears.

"Please don't say it if it is gonna hurt you," George placed his hand on the older man's shoulder.

"No, I must. My father's head was severed by a machine when a coworker accidentally pushed him."

"I'm sorry, sir. I deeply sympathize with you but what happened next?"

"Well, we continued with our life for a little while before my mother gave up."

"She died?" George gasped in shock.

"No, she ran away."

"Wow! She must have been callous. Did you meet her again?" he queried.

"Yes, but it was already late. She was on her death bed. She died in my arms."

"That must have really hurt."

"It's alright. I have been living with this for more than fifty nine years yet no one can tell, or can you?"

The boy nodded in the negative.

"You have the power to be that you want to be. You only have the power to control your life. I know the loss is actually much for you to bear but you have to man up. Show courage. Weather the storm.", the teacher paused for a moment, "you will thank me later," he whispered.

"You really think so?" the boy asked with disbelief written all over his face.

"Yes. You can tell  a few friends, they'll help you through the grief," he reassured the doubting boy.

"Thanks for the advice, sir," he replied and made to leave.

"George!" Mr Humphrey called.

"Yeah!" He stopped at the door.

"I give you one week to get over this and then I will give you a make-up test. Is that alright?"

"Yes, sir. Thank you."

" As soon as George stepped out of the office, he was confronted by Stefan.

"What have you been talking about?" he asked.

George hugged his best friend and tears rolled down his cheeks.
"I am ready to talk."

"About what?" his bewildered friend asked.

"About everything."

Things are about to get hot so get cranked up for some action.

    See you soon!!!!