Survival
Saima Zarin
Tree leaves are dancing in rhythm with the gentle cold breeze and lying on the ground. “It is so peaceful outside. I wish I could say the same about here!” Mary could hear continuous noises coming from upstairs. While glancing out the kitchen window, she pondered. “It appears that master’s torture on madam is growing day by day. I’m baffled as to why he does this to such a kind person!” While contemplating, Mary began to recall the happy times she had shared with her husband, Joseph, in the past. Joseph had an undying affection for Mary. He never missed a chance to make her happy. He might not have been rich in wealth, but he was rich in his behavior. Mary’s life turned upside down after Joseph’s sudden death at a construction site. She was left alone with her three children and debts to pay. She had to work outside home despite the disrespect she received from the society.
“I am forever grateful to God that He gave me a man like you. Every moment I had spent with you was celestial. Thank you for giving me those pleasant moments which are giving me the strength to survive. Those are enough for me to spend the rest of my life with.”
Mary was engrossed in her thoughts. She was startled to hear a sudden, loud noise. She hurried upstairs to her master’s room. To her terror, she found Nora lying on the ground, covered in blood. Edward was standing close to her, holding a candle lantern. His eyes were ablaze with fire. He was shaking with rage. Mary rushed to Nora to see how she was doing.
“Madam! Madam! What’s the matter with you? Why aren’t you responding?”
“Get off her. Now!” Yelled Edward. He yanked her by the hand. “Don’t you dare tell anyone about this incident or it won’t be good for you. Now, wait outside and don’t go anywhere.”
“Yes, Sir.” she replied, trembling.
Mary went outside the room. She felt her heartbeat accelerating and she was constantly sweating. “What just happened? I can’t believe my eyes. How could he do such a terrible thing?!”
The whole night went by in fear and uncertainty. Thick, gray clouds blanketed the sky in the morning. In no time, a storm erupted. Edward remained seated in his room the entire time. Mary wondered what he was doing locked up in a room with a dead body.
“What should I do? Should I call anyone? Sir, on the other hand, has threatened me with dire consequences if I inform anybody. How can I just sit calmly? I can’t even leave the house at this time. It’s pouring outside. Oh, Jesus Christ! Help me.”
Mary heard the door slam. Edward had emerged from his solitary confinement. Mary’s heart began to beat rapidly once more.
“Mary! Mary! Where are you?” Edward shouted.
“Here, Sir,” she replied, terrified.
“You can’t say anything to anybody. Understand?”
“I won’t, Sir.”
“That will not be enough. You have to take the blame of the murder on yourself.”
“I do not understand what you are saying, Sir!”
“Here is one hundred pounds. Take this. I know you have debts to pay.”
“I can’t, Sir. I have three children. They only have me in this world. They can’t survive without me.”
“If you take the money, I will provide for your children their whole life.”
“Money can’t replace their mother!”
“You have no idea what money can do. I am not giving you any choice. You have to do as I say. If you don’t, I’ll make sure you don’t have a tranquil existence no matter where I go. It is, however, your decision whether or not to accept the money.”
“This is not fair, Sir.”
“It is what it is. The police will come in no time. Prepare yourself, and find an explanation.”
Edward turned around and walked back upstairs to his room. Mary’s life was wrecked once again in an instant.
“What wrong have I done that you are punishing me and my children this way?” she said, looking outside the window at the gloomy sky. “What am I supposed to do now? I have no option except to take the blame. This is the world we live in. This world is not for the poor like us. This world belongs to the rich. If you have money, you have everything. If not, you are not even considered a human being. There is no one who will listen to me. It’s better I take the blame. At least then I can hope that my children will lead a proper life. Oh, Joseph! I wish you were there with me today.”
The police came after the rain stopped and took Mary with them.