Nicolas woke up and went downstairs in his pyjamas-a white top and plaid trousers. He stood in front of the patio door and hid his hands in his pockets. He looked through the glass doors and scanned the environment. He wasn't looking at anything in particular. He sighed sadly as he remembered the memories made there.
He felt a touch on his shoulder and was startled a little. He turned around and was surprised to see his mother.
"Mum?" Nicolas said with his brows raised,
"What are you doing here? When did you arrive?"
"I came to see my son and my grandson. Since you refused to come and see me and answer my calls,I decided to come in person. And also,see how you're doing." Patricia said.
"I'm sorry,Mum. I've been caught up with work and I..." Nicolas explained.
"It's okay! I understand!" She said calmly.
A faint smile appeared on his face. He turned around and looked at the patio doors.
"You still miss her, don't you?" Patricia asked, knowing the obvious.
"I can't help but blame myself for what happened. She died because of me. I should be the one in the grave and not her. I made my son grow up without his mother." Nicolas said ruefully in a firm voice.
"It's not your fault,Nick. Accidents happen. No one is to blame for it." She said convincingly.
He didn't respond and remained mute. He took out his phone from his pocket and checked the time. He pressed the power button once and activated the screen's time-out. He put it back in his pocket and walked away from the doors. He walked to the study. Patricia followed him. He pulled the door open and entered. He turned on the lights and sat down.
"You know,you can always find a mother for Ivan." Patricia said as she walked into the room.
Nicolas turned a deaf ear and stood up from the chair. He walked to the stationary shelves close to the desk and searched for a book.
"Nicolas,why don't you want to get remarried?" Patricia asked, pulling out the chair in front of the desk.
"When will this topic die?" He said inwardly as he continued with his search.
He brought out a black paperback book and flipped through the pages quickly.
"Nick,I'm only thinking of your well being. Ivan needs a mother in his life and you need someone to take care of you." Patricia said, making her intentions known to him.
"Mum,I don't need a wife. I can take care of myself and my son. You don't have to worry." Nicolas replied plainly, keeping the book back on the shelf.
"You are not getting any younger. You're always busy with work and come home late at night. How do you think you'll be able to bring up your son when you only see him in the mornings?" Patricia said.
"I'm not ready to get married. Sofia is here to take care of Ivan. At least, that settles it." He said, sitting down on the chair.
"Sofia is only his nanny. She has a life of her own." She pointed out.
Patricia noticed that Nicolas wasn't paying attention to what she was saying.
"Well,if you don't get a mother for Ivan, then I will."
Ivan peeped through the open door and saw Patricia.
"Grandma!" Ivan said cheerily as he entered.
He walked to where she was and stood close to her.
"Good morning Grandma!" Ivan greeted with a smile,
"Good morning Dad!"
Nicolas didn't reply and Ivan's smile disappeared.
"Ivan,my dear! How are you? Did you sleep well?" Patricia asked.
"Mhm!" Ivan hummed with a nod.
"Have you brushed your teeth?" She asked.
Ivan shook his head and glanced at Nicolas.
"Why don't we...go to the bathroom and brush your teeth? They look dirty and your breath smells bad." Patricia said playfully.
Nicolas looked away from his phone and looked at them for a while. He pictured Agnes as Patricia and remembered how special their mornings used to be whenever she visited.
"Come! Let's go!" Patricia said and led him out the room.
<
Alejandra sat down at the dining table, sorting her mail. She had got two mails from the electricity company, to pay up her bill; another from the landlady, reminding her about their rent which was almost due; three from Judy's magazine subscriptions and lastly,from her father's employer.
She was surprised when she saw the company's name and logo on the envelope. She quickly opened the envelope and scanned the content written. She turned the back to check if something was written or attached to it.
As Alejandra got to the last paragraph,her eyes widened. The company requested to see the kin of their deceased employee. Alejandra became a bit worried when she was done reading. She remembered the last time she went to the company the day her father died.