< Dunser, West Somerset District >
Linda's name was mentioned repeatedly in the large house of Linda's family farm, which was one of the most respected families in one of the most beautiful villages in England. Both of Linda's parents and siblings even fainted alternately when Linda's coffin was opened. They couldn't believe that Linda had died, while yesterday Linda had just talked to them via video call, discussing about her pregnancy which was going smoothly and the beautiful plans after giving birth later. Because of that, they were all in shock.
Linda's parents took turns carrying Asher, the grandson who they had eagerly waited from Linda and Paul. As everyone was crying and calling Linda's name, Paul sat blankly in the corner of the room. Losing half his soul made him unable to communicate with anyone. Two of Linda's brothers had also tried to talk to Paul several times, but to no avail. Paul still locked his lips tightly as he continued to stare at the coffin where Linda's body laid peacefully.
"What if Paul continues like this, Luis?" Erick whispered softly to Luis who was standing beside him.
Louis took a deep breath. "I've been in Paul's position, I've lost my wife and daughter. So I can't really say much, we'll just have to wait. Time will heal Paul's wounds."
Erick scratched his head that was not itchy. He cursed his stupidity for asking Luis. Erick forgot that Luis was a man who lost his daughter and wife who he loved the most while on duty. Therefore, while everyone was busy trying to get Paul to release Linda's body from the bed back in the hospital, Luis had been silent. The old man didn't do anything. It seemed that Luis felt a deja vu when he saw Paul's current devastation.
Doctor Caitlyn and Doctor Olivia were busy talking to all of Linda's family members who were in shock, trying to strengthen them. While baby Asher, who had arrived at her mother's house, was fast asleep in her baby basket beside her mother's coffin.
"Please forgive my daughter, forgive her for causing you all troubles," said Margarita, Linda's mother, while hugging Anne tightly. Margarita knew who Anne was because Linda had often told her parents about Anne and Jack, especially when they had been living in Luxembourg for the past year, when she was undergoing IVF program at the Clarke family hospital on Jack's recommendation.
Anne tightened her arms on the body of the old woman who had just lost her youngest daughter with tears already flowing. "Linda is my best friend. She never gets me into trouble, Ma'am. I've been the one who has been bothering her and Paul."
Margarita's cries grew louder when she heard Anne's words. She recalled the words of her daughter who always said that Anne was her best friend to all members of the Johnson family. "Thank you, Madam, thank you for being a friend of my naughty and stubborn daughter. Thank you for helping her achieved her dream of being pregnant and giving birth to her child. Somehow, I have to repay you and your husband's kindness, Madam."
Anne shook her head quickly. "Don't call me that, just call me Anne, Ma'am. I'm your daughter's best friend. So please don't call me that again, sob ..."
Margarita was getting choked up hearing Anne's words. Even though this was Anne's first time coming to Linda's hometown, but all of Linda's family members welcomed her warmly. This was of course because all her life Linda had always said good things about Anne and her husband. It was evident that the men at Linda's house looked reluctant when they saw Jack for the first time.
"Thank you for bringing our daughter home, Mr. Clarke. I don't know what else to say but thank you," said Joshua, Linda's father,? hoarsely, as he shook Jack's hand after hugging Paul, his son-in-law, who had not said anything since arriving home about 30 minutes ago.
Jack smiled. "It's no big deal, Mr. Johnson. Linda and Paul have helped me a lot, so you don't need to talk about this little thing."
The bespectacled man immediately hugged Jack tightly. "I'm grateful that my daughter is surrounded by good people. Thank you again, sir. I don't know what will happen to my wife if she couldn't see Linda one last time if her body is not brought back to the village."
Jack didn't speak. He preferred to calm the man who was holding him tightly. Jack understood Linda's father's feelings right now. As someone who has just lost his little daughter, Jack understood Joshua's feelings. That was why he was currently trying to strengthen the man who was no longer young, by discussing all the good things that Linda had done in her life.
Hearing Jack spoke about Linda's kindness to her parents made Paul smile, magical. After almost five hours of not giving any expression, Paul suddenly smiled. Being reminded of how cheerful Linda was when she was still together with Anne, traveling on assignments from campus made Paul's tears fall. Paul remembered that Linda was willing to leave campus just to help Anne, who was having a big fight with Jack because of a misunderstanding.
Remembering Linda's extraordinary kindness made Paul proud and loved Linda even more. Only a truly sincere person would help her friend who was at the lowest point in her life. Linda was even willing to bury her dream as a famous fashion designer just to be with Anne.
"You are the only woman I love, Linda. You sincerely accept all my flaws and love me selflessly. How can I live without you after this?" Paul said quietly as he twirled his simple wedding ring.
Slowly, but surely, Paul walked towards Linda's coffin, past many people who were still crying for Linda. Paul's steps stopped when he was beside his son's baby basket.
"Hey boy, thank you for being present in both of our lives. Thank you for making Mommy and Daddy love each other even more. Sorry if we couldn't accompany you to grow up. Forgive your Daddy, son. I thought I can continue your Mommy's struggle to take care of you until you grow up, it turned out that I was wrong. I can't do it without your Mommy," Paul said softly to Asher who was fast asleep in his baby bassinet.
Anne, who was near Paul, immediately turned around when she heard Paul speak. "Paul, what are you talking about?"
Paul turned to Anne and smiled. "I entrust my son to you... An..."
Bang...
To be continued
This chapter is updat𝙚d by f(r)eewebn(o)vel.com