jasper

There is an unfair responsibility that comes with being the only child. I was to never disappointed or be the disappointment. My parents were my only supporters. I didn’t have really have an extended family; no cousins, aunt, or uncles nearby. All my grandparents passed away before i was born.

Despite this, I never wished for a sister or brother. I was a decent student and a good classmate, but I didn’t have many friends, hanging my head low in the park, hoping to be unnoticed. I didn’t care; I preferred the quiet and playing chess with the old woman who fed the birds although there was a sign that said not to.

My father received a job outside our little town. It was near the city, close to London. My mother easily got carsick and preferred to stay indoors, in her little house. They argued about Father’s new job, before they reluctantly agreed that he was to get a house there so he didn’t have to commute two hours everyday.

Mother didn’t like the idea of having Father so far away. Mother had a precious heart, caring for every little soul and spirit. She insisted that he’ll call, took care of himself and he took off.

A few years into the new routine of only seeing Father on the weekends, I asked Mother for her permission to stay with Father. I was excited that it was close to the city. I wanted to feel the buzz, the silent energy the city held.

I set off towards Father’s house, greeted by unfamiliar green eyes at his door. I stumbled, quickly apologizing that I gotten the wrong door. She quietly chuckled and step aside. She introduced herself as the housemaid and was hired because Father was a messy person.

As I stayed with him, I noticed that the housemaid lingered everywhere. She always cleaning the same doorknob, next to Father’s house. I noticed that her eyes wandered around often. She would be cleaning, her eyes looking at the pictures and walls, and she’ll snap out of her daze, confused, and scrubbed again at the same spot.

Father has always been quiet. He liked to stay inside his room, and no one was allowed in his sanctuary. He was very private.