Things were starting to look well. Thomas would finally start talking to me again and share what he felt. But, I could always read between his words. He too wondered what was wrong with humanity afterall. I guess when he said "Pain changes a man" It is different hearing and interpreting those words coming from a young boy. A young boy who lost all of his life within seconds. And just like me, dead from the inside. But, then again what better would I have known how he felt. I never had a chance to walk in his 7 sized shoes. I finally started to think, that months had passed and the news had revealed that peace had come to last a while. Households were coming out of their cacoons slow and steadily. People were rejoicing as the war was in the state of hault. I guess it was time to light up the candle once again. But, the sad truth is; where there is light, there shall be darkness.
You know they say that "Do not take pride, the devil is just right around the corner"
A day came in the life of Thomas which changed everything once and for all.
Often Thomas had asked me a question from time to time, "Moo, why are you always dressed as a soldier?....Why don't you change your clothes and wear something else" He would further mumble "I am gonna buy Moo new clothes soon"
The only good memory I have about my dear Thomas, was this one. That little boy's world was torn apart and yet he still managed to care for me. He cared for me. And that all changed.
9th of December, in the bleak mid winter. I regard this day as the "Day of Thomas Clapton"
Thomas had been anxious since the start of the morning and was running up and down the house, checking for supplies as if he was preparing for something. He had gotten all dressed up in his suit, with his hair slicked back, looking all razor sharp from head to toe. I was impressed at his integrity and punctuality. Such a fine young man he had become. The day passed and he seemed emotionless yet so motivated towards something. In the evening, there was a knock on the door. The Nazi soldiers, three men amongst them had come to collect the fees from Aunt Claira. Thomas opened the door and as they were about to enter, he pushed one of them and with a straight dead face shouted "You uncultured swines" I was laying on the sofa witnessing all of this. Aunt Claira quickly rushed in and apologized for Thomas's behaviour. Claira asked the broken boy to apologize to them. But, thomas did not listen. He grabbed me and went upstairs to his room. Suddenly, as we arrived in the room a scream was heard. It was Aunt Claira! Thomas looked at me and said "Moo this is it!"
Saying this he went downstairs, taking out the rifle from his bag he rushed. Three gunshots were heard within seconds. I froze still, reassuring myself this was just a dream. It just felt like God was asking me, "Can you hear me? Do you feel alright?"
As I was in shock and laid down with my face towards the floor. I wanted to cry. I could not cry. Thomas came with blood all over his hands and shouted "I HAVE AVENGED MY PARENTS! Those bastards tried to hurt Aunt Claira, I killed them. I will kill them all" At that moment I did not know who this person was and where had Thomas disappeared in an instant.
Aunt Claira came upwards and slapped him so hard right infront of me. Thomas in disbelief hugged her. They both hugged each other in a desperate last attempt to keep each other alive. As they knew, what was about to come. For a few hours, silence remained. We all three were in Thomas's room. Those hours were the hardest to handle. The sound of silence was screaming at the top of it's lungs with pure raw emotions. It felt like the biblical apocalypse.
Apocalypse sure did come. When the other Nazi soldiers found out about the murder of their comrades, a pack of them came to the house with the intention of ending Thomas Clapton.
About eleven to twelve soldiers came and took Thomas in custody. Imagine that death is right around the corner, and it is coming to get you. Your life mission has been fulfilled and no purpose is left for you to live life. But, at the same time another part of life wants you to stay somehow. Imagine the choices running through young Thomas's mind. I was in the centre of the room, unfortunately absorbing all of the drama that was going on. Thomas showing no emotions was dragged across the stairs out of his Aunt's arms; she crying and begging them to leave him. Thomas grabbed my hand and the next thing I know, we were being taken out of town....