Good morning and Happy Hump Day! If it's Wednesday, then it must be time for more flash fiction from the Wednesday Briefers! We're a group of authors who bring you our finest flash fiction every week, 500 to 1000 words, inspired by one of our prompts.
Still coping with the death of their parents, Chan and Evan take the children to say good-bye. See how everyone is doing in this week's chapter of Super Trooper. Don't forget to visit the other Briefers and see what's up with them! Their links follow my tale! Enjoy!
Although he dreaded it, Chan thought that his
brother and sisters had taken the private viewing of their parents very well,
all things considered. Even Madhu. Although Chan had originally decided to
leave her at home, he’d changed his mind after talking to the branch manager of
the savings and loan where he worked, who was very understanding of his
situation. She told him that Madhu needed closure too, or she would never stop
looking for her parents. That made sense. He’d discussed the matter with Evan,
and in the end, they’d taken all three children to the funeral home.
The funeral director, Mr. Waverly, had been very
helpful and sympathetic. He had talked about death in terms young people could
understand before taking them into a small salon, where their parents were.
They almost seemed to be resting. Chan told them how much Maa and Pita had loved them
all, and how they had made plans that if something happened to them, Chan would
take care of them and be their guardian.
Everyone was
given time to say their good-byes. Laksha maintained a stoic silence while
gazing at the two coffins, while Kamal looked away and rubbed at his eyes when
he thought no one was watching. Madhu was the enigma among them. She seemed to accept
the idea that her parents weren’t sleeping, they were gone and they were in a
happier place now. But Chan wasn’t sure
how much she truly understood. She put up a fuss when it was time to leave,
kicked her feet and cried, then exhausted herself and fell asleep in Chan’s
arms. Afterward, they bought hamburgers from a fast food restaurant, and Evan
drove them to the park, where they sat at a picnic table and ate while they discussed
the changes that were going to take place.
“Where’d you say we’re going to live?” Kamal
scratched his head, giving the two men what seemed like a suspicious glance.
Chan chalked it up to his confusion about what was going on. “In your
apartment?” He wrinkled his nose at the idea.
“No, our apartment is too small for all of us. We
thought we would come to live with you at your house,” Chan explained. “That
way, things will stay the same for you, as much as possible. Don’t you think
that would be a good idea?” He glanced between Kamal and Laskha, seeking a sign
of acceptance from them. “Wouldn’t you rather stay in your own room, in your
own bed?”
When Laksha nodded, Chan felt relieved. To be
honest, though, he hadn’t expected any trouble from her. She was very mature
for her age. He hoped Kamal would be as understanding.
“Yeah,” Kamal said. He fell silent for a moment. “Will
we have to call you pita now?” Chan’s
heart ached for the pain he felt in his brother’s voice.
Chan shook his head firmly. “No. I’m still your
brother Chan. The brother who is going to take care of you all, that’s the only
difference.”
“Chan is still Chan,” Laksha quickly interjected.
She held Madhu on her lap. The little girl had nibbled at her food after her
brief nap but said little. Chan wondered what she was thinking, but he had no
idea. At least she didn’t seem upset, not that he could see.
“Does this mean we don’t have to school?” Kamal
asked, almost hopefully.
“Don’t be silly,” Laksha replied before Chan could
answer.
“I can stay home with Madhu,” Kamal volunteered. “She
can’t stay home alone.”
“She won’t be alone, don’t worry. But speaking of
school, I think maybe I’ll keep you home for a couple of days. I’ll call your
school tomorrow.”
That idea seemed to mollify Kamal somewhat.
Chan turned to Evan. “Maybe we should pick up a few
things for tonight and then tomorrow we can decide what we’re bringing and what
we’re not?”
“Good idea,” Evan agreed.
He would have to talk to Mandy and see if she was
available for babysitting during the day. If not, maybe she knew somebody who
was. So many adjustments to make. He was glad they would have the next couple
of days to begin to adjust to the way things were now.
Hopefully, the worst was behind them now.
to be continued
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