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It was early spring and the winter snow was melting. Seated
before the glowing hearth as the firewood crackled softly and gently, Lauren
and Mitch, an elderly couple, were listening to the radio as the jubilant
broadcaster rejoiced over the end of the war. Like any other parent, they
were grateful, immensely relieved, that their prayers had been answered.
Their only child, Tom, would finally be coming home.
During those weeks of eager anticipation, the elderly couple kept their eyes
on the rickety gate ever so often, hoping that their beloved son would
appear at the gate. The image of his smiling face had appeared a thousand
times in their minds. Yet, that scenario did not materialize. Despite a
nagging fear that they would never see him again, Lauren and Mitch remained
hopeful.
That day was just like any of those days for the elderly couple. Their
unspoken thoughts pervaded the silence of the room. The sharp ringing of the
telephone shattered their train of thoughts. Lauren answered the call.
After a long time, a hesitant voice asked, "Mum?" Lauren's eyes were
brimming with tears and her heart leapt at the familiar voice of her child.
She missed him so much!
"Mum, I have a friend. He's been maimed. He does not dare to go home. He
does not dare face his parents. He is unsure if they would find him a
burden." As Lauren listened attentively, she heard Tom draw in a sharp
breath. "May he stay with us, just for the time being?" Tom asked
hesitantly, sounding almost hopeful. Lauren pondered for a moment. Were they
ready to take in another boy, another mouth to feed? "Sure, Tom. Your dad
and I would love to have him over. I'm sure his parents love him though.
They would accept him too. But yes, he may stay with us till he's ready to
face them."
Tom did not reply immediately. Lauren thought she heard him sniffing. They
said their goodbyes and hung up.
The day dawned bright and cool. The birds were perched outside, singing
their melody. For the first time, the elderly couple heard them. It was as
if the birds knew their hearts and were singing their song. Their eyes
strayed to the gate and lingered there. When would their son appear?
Suddenly, the rickety gate creaked. The startled couple jumped. Eyes wide
open with hope, they fixed their eyes on the gate. A lone figure was
hobbling on a crutch. Too stunned for words, they watched him limp to the
door. Then, there came a hesitant knock.
The couple rushed to open the door. Looking straight at them were the
familiar grey eyes. The figure was gaunt and tanned, but undoubtedly, it was
their beloved child. Lauren's eyes moved to the missing leg and back to his
face. The reason for the telephone call dawned upon her; she understood the
reason for his call. Her heart ached at the thought of the pain and
uncertainty her young son had gone through. Reaching out to hug him, Lauren
choked back her tears. All she could say was, "I'm so glad you are home." |
