Rise

It was a sunny day in winter when my mother died.

"The poor kids they lost their father and now their mother, what's gonna happen to them?"

"I heard their grandfather, their father's father, is taking custody of them?"

"You think so. He's a very serious strict old man; not someone who could raise 5 kids."

"They're five?!"

"Keep your voice down; you don't want them to hear you….[the woman started murmuring into the other woman's ears] Oh yeah, 4 girls and a boy. The eldest daughter is around 12 and the youngest is a few months old."

Everyone pitted us because we became orphans. No father, then eventually mother was gone as well. I was only six years old at the time and the only son.

My grandfather took us in and he, as expected, matched his rumors. An old serious and strict man. He was tall, very formal and always smiled at me, though he truly was a serious man. He loved us. He loved my sisters, and pitted me, for I was always alone. I, the only boy, in this family now will have to grow up to carry the family's name.

It was expected of me to be a fine man, and I worked my best to grow up to one.

.

"Emmerich, where have you gone?"

"Emmerich, grandfather is searching for you?"

"Emmerich, what have you been doing? Man up, boy and stop crying.

Ever since my mother died a few weeks ago, I cannot sleep. I see things at night black hollow shadows. And my days have become full of rules; rules I have to follow to keep the family name. The family's luxury. The family's position in the royal society.

My eldest sister is preparing for her high society premier. Knowing that I'm not the only one who is working hard makes me feel a bit comforted.

.

It was late at night when she spoke. I met her.

"Hello, Arthur. It's nice meeting you. I'm Pandora."

****

****

So I'm adding this NEW segment here. For any of you with a question to the characters. Please comment and I'll ask them to answer it for you!!

Form:

"Character's name: Question?"