MIA'S LOT [Wattys 2019]

Chapter 20

Ralph's POV

To say that I am furious is putting it lightly. I felt like smashing something on the wall, breaking anything breakable even killing someone. The rage is overtaking my whole body.

How could they be so cruel to a little child? It pains me so much to see Amy cry. I never ever want to be the one who makes her cry. Though she looks so fragile, I can see how much strength she has.

Only a strong person could overcome all this that has happened to her and get to the level she has gotten to. I really can't blame her if she trusts none. Those who were meant to protect her are the ones served her to the wolves.

But, now isn't the time to display my anger towards them. I have to listen to all that she has to say. I don't want to scare her away with my anger. I'm to comfort her and give her all the support she needs.

The hustle and bustle of life cause many to live a fake life. Some struggle to meet up to the expectations of others, who do not really care about them. Some who are hurt have to pretend to be the happiest people on earth, just to cohabit with the people around them.

Many cry to sleep, many are awake through the night because the nightmares keep them away from their beauty sleep. Only a few tend to open up, some drown in their depression which sometimes does lead to their death.

Then, we blame them for not speaking, for not crying out for help. But, they did! And there was no one to listen to them till they gave up.

I really wish parents could open their eyes to the needs of their child, properly nurturing them till maturity. Children are like eggs from a layer bird, they need all the warmth and care, the protection from all the harshness of this life. It's a pity many don't love their children as they claim to love their spouses.

I looked at Amy, she was calm now. She had stopped crying but was still in my embrace. I carry her towards the bed and laid her down and joined her in bed. It was quiet for a moment before she spoke up.

"While I was there, I was raped " she started. My blood began to boil. I tried the technique of breathing in and out slowly to control my temper. I must not be a judge, seriously! I would sentence the rapist to life imprisonment once proven guilty. For crying out loud! Why would you touch a child!

"He was my aunt's servant. He helped her with a few chores as regards her children. They were all males, all three of them then.

Whenever they were going on outings, they left him at home with me. I was cooking when he started brushing his body with mine. There was a time I threw salt at him, just to get him to leave me alone, he never relented, he kept making advances towards me.

I'm always in the company of my grandparents' room once everyone is out of the house and I'm left with him.
He was a wolf in sheep's clothing. He was dutiful and respectful which made it more difficult for me to talk. No one would believe me as usual.

I had just clocked fifteen. My grandparents had to go on their planned anniversary cruise a week after my birthday. So, that day I was left alone with him when everyone else left.

Immediately they left, I tried to run away to hide but he caught me quickly. I really don't want to go into details about it. That day still haunts me in my dreams. I keep reliving it. It hurts! " she said and broke down crying.

I held her close all the while till she cried her eyes out. She was exhausted. She slept off afterward. I kissed her head and covered her with the duvet and left the room.

I went in search of my dad. I needed to speak to him to help me with this. He is a doctor in psychology. I believe he will have one or two pieces of advice for me. I can't do this alone. Amy needs all the help she can get to pull through with this.

She has spent all her days pretending to be the best with no challenge at all while dealing with other's problems. She gives them a shoulder to lean on through what she does but she's still that lonely who had been abused and is still hurt because of wounds who are yet to heal.

I found my dad at the lake behind the house. It was his and mom's favorite spot in the evening. He loved the cool breeze and nature. Mom had a little garden behind the house too not so far away from the pond which she tended to every evening while the were there.

"Dad " I called out to him. He saw me and waved me over to join him on the hammock.
I walked up to meet him and sat with him. I told him all about what I had just heard from Amelia.

"How can I help her dad? I don't even know where to start. I want to do so much but don't know what to do. " I told him.

"Hm! Son, I know you really want to help her but it has to be on her own terms. You have to follow her pace. She has taken the first step by sharing with you her deepest darkest secrets. Things she would rather not tell anyone about.

Now, you have to wait for her to choose what exactly she needs. You can't force her to get help, pressuring her won't help either.

What she needs right now is for you to show her all the love she deserves. She needs to know that you won't change because of what you heard. You being by her side is what she really needs, a shoulder to lean on, to cry on. Be that person for her. She will be fine.

She's been hurt by her demons. She thought they were gone because she lived in the lie that they were gone but they weren't. They were always in her nightmares, keeping her awake.

How she lived without drowning in depression amazes me. She's a fighter boy. She's gonna pull through. Just be patient, okay? "

"Okay, dad. Thank you so much " I said and he hugged me. If there's one thing I can trust my father for, it's good advice.
I am going to be patient and follow her pace as he suggested. It won't be easy but it would definitely be worth it.

Gradually coming to an end.....
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