A Joyous Reintegration
That unforgettable evening, the door bell rang. It suggested none other than Adeline. This had turned a recurring order that became constant with time.
On this auspicious Friday, that regular norm was altered. Adeline had stopped over at the grocery to get some food items for the family after work. Kerry was fast asleep, lying on the sofa with his head on grandma's lap.
(Grandma placed Kerry's head on the sofa to check who it was)
Incredibly, it turned out to be her son. Her mouth agape in utter disbelief, as joyful emotions welled down.
"Good day, mum." (He moved closer to embrace his mum).
"Ben! Is this my son? How are you? What a surprise arrival you have thrown at us. Please, come on in."
Her joy could not be quantified.
'Mum, I decided to take you unaware.' (Kevin had jumped over his dad who flung him up in the air as a gesture in admiration, and embraced him)
"Thanks for your constant cares, mum." (Ben took his seat while mum still stood by him, gazing surreptitiously)
"Mum, I cannot thank you enough. Have been able to progress on this cause, as a result of your love and efforts."
That evening, Ben had decided to give his family a surprise visit. Respective troops on war mission had gotten a four months break. A derivative which emanated from a ceasefire recently announced. He was full of joy. This meant a huge opportunity to join his family again.
Adeline's Acutal Arrival
At about 6:30pm, a taxi pitched to a halt right in front of the Charlotte's Condominium. The beautifully structured four bedroom detached duplex apartments. They were carefully erected for the military family. It turned a special area which was now labelled a mini barracks.
"Thank you for the smooth fare."
"It was a pleasure, madam"; the driver said in response.
Adeline handed over some notes to the driver.
She got her things down from the car, heading towards their house. Kevin was close to the door. He heard the bell, and decided to check who it was. Grandma was in the kitchen to boil some water for coffee.
'Welcome, mum. Thank you, Kevin. How are you? Dad is back, mum. Kevin exclaimed gleefully.
'Is this meant to be a joke or what, Kevin?'
Not at all, mum. I mean it. Kevin took some bags from his mum. They both dropped them in the store to confirm Kevin's assertion.
(Kevin tip toeing up the stairs to call out his dad)
Adeline was startled as Ben responded. 'What! You are truly back.' Grandma approached the scene to share in the amazement and joy.
'It's a special night for us. What an august arrival', grandma added.
The dinner that night was quite special, and reflective after. Ben had a lot to share. His family wasn't left behind. They got lots of eventful issues to discuss as well.
Adeline talked about her success stories at the law court.
"I had the most disturbing case lately. The client was almost loosing it. Just as the dark night was approaching, came a glimpse of hope from the moonlight."
Am happy to hear that, Adeline. Kevin shared his various encounters in school; from academic work, to peer relationships. It was a night of reunion. A special reintegration for the Charlotte's family.
Ben with his wife were later left alone. They had their conversation well into the night.
'Adeline, have really missed you.'
'Same here, Ben.'
"I know it's not been easy. My passion for this mission had kept me in the military service. Thanks for your constant perseverance", he added.
Wrapped in each other's arms in their room that night, emotional tears ran down their cheeks. They made some romantic moves deep into the night. The joy was palpable, reuniting with each other again.
Ben's family came brightened up with life and vigour, during his reintegration. Kevin and Kerry felt their dad's presence, as he showed some commitment towards school matters and duties.
He visited school within his transient homecoming, to check up on Kevin's performance. He did the daily transportation routine for his kids. The school bus had got a recess period. They needed the bonding, and had to get as much as they could for the time being.
Adeline was not left out. She got relieved of most burden she would have borne alone. Grandma was much elated. She enjoyed her dear son's companion for that period. She radiated overwhelming joy. Her joyful expression, was always written all over her.
"Your sisters have expanded their businesses", grandma chipped in. She engaged in a family conversation with her son.
"Yes, Tilda mentioned she wanted to open another branch to accommodate footwear collections, and other accessories. We did speak whenever I was free, mum."
"Pauline did call twice in a week. She would always drop a message, should I be unavailable to respond to her calls."
"Am happy you related well with your sisters in your absence."
Ben would listen. In the course of time, he dosed off when the conversation became so protracted. His mum tried waking him up with another subject. She unlocked another matter.