Unconventional Love - Chapter 8
Xenia Snyder-Collison@xeniasnydercollison751687
9 days ago
SHOULDER TO LEAN ON
Ursula ambled along the streets, a gentle breeze whispering through the leaves overhead; she was on a walk. Lost in her thoughts, she marvelled at the vibrant energy that enveloped her.
Just then, a familiar face appeared in her line of sight. Malcolm stood on the sidewalk, weariness etched in the lines of his face. His burden was noticeable, the weariness in his eyes evident.
“Oh my, it’s you again!” Ursula exclaimed, her surprise escaping in a rush of breath. “Are you alright? You look so worn out.”
Malcolm heaved a sigh, his shoulders slumping as he met her concerned gaze. “My mother has been admitted to the hospital.”
Compassion consumed Ursula as she gestured towards a nearby bench, inviting him to sit and share his worries. “Come, let’s sit for a while. Tell me what happened.”
Malcolm began to speak. “She fell down the stairs at work. The doctors say she fractured her hip and suffered a slight brain trauma.”
Ursula listened intently, her empathy emanating from her very being. “I am so sorry to hear that. How is she doing now?”
“Not well, I’m afraid. The pain is intense, and the doctors are uncertain how long she will need to stay in the hospital. I am deeply concerned for her.”
“Your mother is resilient, I’m sure. I have no doubt that the doctors will do everything they can to help her too. She will overcome this.”
Malcolm locked gazes with Ursula. “I certainly hope so. She is the only family I have left.”
Ursula’s surprise was unmistakable. “I had no idea. I am so sorry. How have you managed to cope with everything on your own?”
Malcolm’s gaze momentarily wandered, “It hasn’t been easy, I must confess. I try my best, but it is a constant struggle ….. My father left us when I was born.…. My mother had struggled with infertility for years, and when she finally gave birth to me, they discovered I had this condition. My father couldn’t handle it, so he walked out on us – I was only two months old. It has been just my mother and I ever since.”
Moved by his story, Ursula gently placed a hand on Malcolm’s shoulder. “You have been through so much, Malcolm. I cannot even begin to imagine. But please know that you are not alone in this. I am here for you, and together, we will find a way through this.”
Ursula found herself walking alongside Malcolm, their steps now echoing through the hushed corridors of a hospital. The sterile scent of antiseptic lingered in her nostrils, mingling with the sight of murmured hopes and fears of patients and their loved ones. They made their way towards Barbara Owusu’s ward, their footsteps punctuating the anxious silence.
“Thank you for coming with me,” Malcolm expressed his gratitude.
Ursula offered a reassuring smile, her presence a steadfast pillar of support. “I had to, Malcolm. After hearing your story, I couldn’t imagine not being here for you and your mother.”
They entered the ward, where Barbara was lying, her face etched with weariness and pain. Yet, her eyes sparked with life as she caught sight of her son.
“Hello, my dear son. And who is this beautiful young lady?” Barbara inquired with a hint of curiosity.
Malcolm introduced Ursula with pride, his voice filled with warmth. “This is Ursula. We’ve met a few times in the neighbourhood. I guess you could say she is my friend.”
Recognition flickered in Barbara’s eyes, and a glimmer of connection lighted up her features. “Ah, yes! I remember you. We crossed paths earlier at this very hospital. I was on my cleaning shift, and my purse fell out of my pocket. You were kind enough to pick it up for me.”
“Oh, yes! I remember that. I was visiting my father, who was also admitted at the time. It’s nice to see you again, Mrs. Owusu.”
Barbara’s smile softened, gratitude pouring forth from her every word. “Please, call me Auntie Barbara. And thank you for coming to see me. It means the world to me. I hope your father is feeling better now?”
Ursula’s heart swelled with warmth as she responded, “You’re welcome, Auntie Barbara. I consider myself lucky to have your son as my friend, too. And, yes, my dad has made a full recovery now.”
Ursula stood steadfast by Malcolm’s side, offering unwavering support during that moment of uncertainty. She offered some encouraging words to Caleb’s mother and soon took her leave.
When she arrived, she found herself surrounded by loved ones, laughter echoing through the room. Her niece, now a year old, wiggled with untamed delight in her arms, her innocence radiating like a vibrant ray of sunlight.
“Awwn, Imogen! How are you, little one?” Ursula cooed with affection.
Rachel chuckled, “Imogen always has a way of bringing happiness wherever she goes. She’s a natural at making friends.”
As the conversation meandered, Rachel and Samuel shared the joys and challenges of their lives. Rachel’s mention of recent struggles cast a shadow of concern across the room, enveloping it in a temporary hush.
“At least you have a job, Rachel. Some of us aren’t so fortunate,” Samuel lamented, his frustration evident as his wife delved into the intricacies of her nursing profession.
Caleb interjected, “What happened, Samuel? I thought your music career was flourishing?”
Samuel replied with a hint of sadness. “Yes, father, it used to thrive. But lately, things have taken a different turn. I am now exploring new avenues with the hope of a fresh start.”
The sombreness hung in the air for a moment, heavy with the weight of uncertainty. Yet, as the conversation traversed to lighter topics, the conversations resumed with renewed vigour, laughter weaving through their shared anecdotes and the love that bound them as family.
#unconventionallove
#novel
#chaptereight
