It was 9:00am, Sunday morning. Ben Charlotte, Adeline's sweet charming hubby had been away for over six months now. He's been battling in the country's service as a soldier. He had been enlisted in what was known as the Cyprus Conflict. He left his wife and two children, back home.
Adeline Charlotte, Ben's wife, had to come to terms with living a lone life with two kids, whenever hubby was away.
(Adeline's/Ben's P.O.V)
"Ben, we will miss you. Hope there will be intermittent ceasefire this time around; peradventure the war finally ends in record time?"
"That's absolutely unpredictable. It's dependent on certain records we must have set in the process of our engagements, and subsequent aftermath."
'Not to worry, Adeline. All will be fine.'
'As a wife, I must salute your courage (moved closer to his wife, embraced and kissed her).
Tears trickled down her face.' (Ben took his handkerchief, wiped away the tears from his wife's face)
'I love you. Am sure you know.
Yes, I do' (in her squeaky voice).
(She became somewhat lively again)
'Ben, you have indeed spurred my courage over the years. My confidence has increased as the years pass by.'
"Being emotional is not a symbol of cowardice. As humans, we are bound to express our feelings as situations demand. I understood how you felt initially. You have been a brave woman."
"It's so surreal, realizing you are still very much present in our lives. Have got a pent up fear at the early stage. Grateful I can still hold on to my husband over and again, and not a final touch for the last farewell."
'Am glad the same way you are. Still seeing each other is one thing have appreciated on this journey. It's not been easy. Thankful our marital journey is not yet enclaved in a one-sided affair, having the other party permanently shut beneath the great beyond.'
'Let's keep being confident. Thanks to your support', Ben applauded.
'You're most welcome, my love.'
Marrying a soldier had meant resorting to a solitary life for Adeline. Catering to their two children, Kevin, eight; and Kerry, two was no mean business. This, coupled with the fact that she was a Barrister. She had been able to push through every moment in her life, with the support received from their families.
(The bell pulsated) Am coming (Adeline covered a few paces towards the door).
"Hi, Melissa. Glad to have you. I was thinking you would come later in the evening."
"I had an appointment with the dentist today. I decided to stop by on my way home."
"Oh! I see. That sounds better. It saves you the stress of having to come back."
Adeline's younger sister had promised to pick Kevin for the week long mid-term holiday. This was to allow her some time to rest, and concentrate on Kerry.
"How is mum, Melissa?"
'She is fine.'
"Hope she is taking her medications?"
'Yes, she is.'
"Hope to check on her next week too."
"That's fine, Adeline. You are always busy, and she is aware. She would have loved to visit you instead, but for her condition. She is always concerned about you."
"I understand, Melissa. You know this time in her life, she needs more attention than us. She is in her payback time.'
"You are right, Adeline. I strongly believe we need to rub each other's back too. All she cares about is ensuring her children are in a pleasant state. Even while we are so worried about her, she kept her mind glued up on her children. You can as well tell how caring your mum is."
'She has really been a caring mother to us', Adeline confessed.
"Kindly extend my greetings to her. Let her understand am fine. Tell her Ben sends his greetings as well."
I will, Melissa responded.
"Okay. Let me pack Kevin's bag, so you can leave on time. The house is all yours. Feel free and get yourself something to eat. I will be right back."
Sure, I will.
Kerry was taking a nap on the couch.
Adeline's mother-in-law was mostly around on her usual visit. She was still nimble, covering the distance from Moore to Dame Street, twice a week, at times.
This has been a quota to her son's family. The measure of time she lavished on Ben's family was magnanimous, compared to her other kids, who were lucky to enjoy a family fusion.
Grandma's other children were compassionate enough to see every reason for their mother's devotion to Ben's family. Ben happened to be the youngest child, with a tender marriage.
'Mum, you can always stay with Adeline. Am still fine here. I can send for you to spend some time with us here, if the need arises. All I know is Ben's family needs you more at this time. My husband is available. We can always cover the gaps, while you are away', Tilda suggested.
'That's so thoughtful of you', mum considered.'
Ben's war engagements as a soldier, got his mum nervous and apprehensive most of the time. He would always reassure her of his safety, and return from every single combat mission. This was a constant testament to Ben. Nothing ever stood in between to dismiss this fact.