Clapping Monkey

Chapter 13 I forgive you

10 years later.

"Sister Alina, A girl wants to meet you. She looks traumatized and won't talk to anyone."

"Well, give her some warm clothes, food and a room. And then I'll talk to her then."

How time does fly, ten years prior I had no intention of becoming a nun. Not until I came across Father Jude. The letter that they found in his locker had a will. He gave over his orphanage to me. Apparently, his benefactor, Father Thomas, whom he referred to as "sir" helped my mother when she was pregnant with me. If it weren't for him, I would've died.  Father Thomas suggested my mom the name, Alina. Father Thomas had a vision that I would become a light of hope for Father Jude.
I wanted to serve these kids wholeheartedly. Hence, I became a nun. I am finally at peace.

It's time to meet that girl.

"Sister, please help me. I was attacked", cried a feeble girl of around 18 years old.

" Calm down. Did you contact the authorities?", I asked calmly.

"Yes, I did but they said that there are no signs of a break-in or attack. They think that I was just being paranoid. Please, Can I stay here for a few days? Please, I promise I'll leave as soon as I   feel safe".

" Sure, you are safe here. You can stay as long as you wish. Well, what is your name, my child? "

"Margaret, but you can call me mary", she replied.
I froze for a second. Mary was the name of Claire's sister. I heard nothing about her after the final verdict was announced. Come to think of it, Claire only had one person she cared about and that was Mary.

" I'll come by morning, Margaret".

I need to take my mind off things. I should turn on the television.

" It's the third murder this week. In this small village, an incident like this is extremely rare.  Police suspect it to be the work of a serial killer. Well, the police are linking these murders due to the presence of a "clapping monkey" keychain in all three crime scenes near the body.

I turn the volume up in shock.

"The new information is that there are two alphabets engraved at the back of the keychain M.W. The police think it is the work of an infamous assassin who goes by the name Murder Weapon. "

This can't be true. I contacted the authorities to ask about the whereabouts of Claire. She is still in jail. I recall how she predicted my death with that nasty smirk before getting arrested. I was right she had an accomplice. M.W.

Could it be for Mary Woods

I need to find about Mary. I should call the establishment that took her.

"Sister Alina ", whispered Margaret in her raspy feeble voice.

" Not now Margaret ", I said sternly.

" I told you to call me Mary ".

I look around to see the silhouette of a feeble little girl. As she comes closer, I see a wide grin and then my vision blurs. Before I could figure anything out, she charges at me and stabs me.

" I forgive you", I said calmly

"You forgive me. Do you really think that my sister had in her to murder someone? She was your best friend.
I saw that she loved Robert and I saw her efforts to get him back. I had no one except my sister. So, I did it to see her happy. If it weren't for you she would still be here with me. She took the blame for me. While she was in jail I had to suffer. I was tormented and raped and turned into a professional killer. All because of you and I hate you. What do you have to say now?  "

"Your sister meant a lot to you and so did my mother to me. I never imagined that you were such a monster. But I still forgive you because I don't want to die with any grudge. Your sister took the blame for you because she wanted you to live a prosperous life. I pity her and you because you have to live with the guilt. You think you are the winner but because of you I won and you lost. So I should thank you ", I could see that she is shaken by how calm I am.

" Tell me what clapping monkey meant? ", I asked with whatever strength I had.

" I was mocking at everyone who looked down at me and my sister. "

" Do me a favour.  Keep the keychain you bought for me with you. Because now I will be mocking you from beyond the grave ", I said as memories flashed by in seconds.

2 weeks later

" Are you Mary Woods?", asked another nun.

"Yes."

"Well, This is an envelope for you. We were asked to hand this to you only after the owner's death."

I opened it and there were some official papers and a letter.

"Dear Mary,

This is Alina, Claire's best friend. I am sorry about what happened to your sister. I know that you blame me. Sorry I could not reach you until now. If you are reading it then I am most probably dead. I give over Father Jude orphanage to you. Claire meant a lot to me even though our relationship ended on a sad note. I know she wanted happiness for you. Hence, I officially make you my successor.

My eyes well up as I finish reading the envelope. And then I look at the clapping monkey keychain she gave to me.
I am sorry..

And I heard a whisper
I forgive you....

3 weeks later

" I knew you would be here. Children are waiting for you Sister Margaret. "

" Just a minute", I say as I lean to put flowers on Alina's grave with the inscription:

The light bearer who lived..........

Author's note

Thank you all for support. I hope you liked the story. Thank you for being a part of Alina's journey. Clapping monkey was just a thought that I gave words. But I am really working hard on my upcoming story
FACES OF ACES

I won't be posting for a while and to know my progress on this new story than follow me on insta @ihsura6

Thanks once again......