Chapter 4

The Charlotte's Experiences

A peculiar trait typical of some lineages is preserving certain course of action for generations. This is exemplified through visualizing their offspring's purpose of existence from their personal professional realities. A doctor parent, nurses an ambition to get his or her child toeing a similar path in medical science. This resonates with other professions. A further expository into Ben Charlotte's career journey, unveiled such preconceived agenda.

(Tony and Ben Charlotte's P.O.V)

Tony: Hello, son. Hope you are doing well today?

Ben: Very well, dad.

Tony: Do you care for a drink? Take a seat, and let's have some man to man talk. It's been a while we engaged in serious, real men discussions.

Ben: (He shoved a seat towards his dad) Your schedules have been a major challenge, dad. Moreover, our leisure times are often in contrast.

Tony: That's quite true. It's nice having such a moment revived again (they raised their snifter as a toast to more cheerful, happy moments with outstanding achievements).

Tony: I would like to ask if you have ever given the military career a thought? 

Ben: Well, not a profound one, dad. I merely love the uniform whenever you have them on. Additionally, I cherish the respect you command as a Colonel. Military career is a far cry from my real dream. I can say it's like a second or third option for me. That doesn't negate the fact that I might swerve in that direction if destiny calls.

Tony: I know your dream had always been Engineering. One thing I will want you to understand is, there are internal structures within the army. We have Engineer Corps, Medical Corps, Transportation Corps. You can choose any of these.

Ben: I shall think about it, dad.

Tony: I trust your final decisions on this. Your intelligence will help you ascend the elevation ladder in no time.

 Ben: I shall get back to you on this, dad.

Tony: That's my son. Keep those aspirations alive.

Ben: Thanks, dad.

Sarah and Tony Charlotte in Retrospect

Sarah Charlotte would on such important days, pack into the box, some of her husband's toiletries, with other basics. This was necessary, in order not to leave out any essential item. That's her duty in ensuring all things were intact, well ahead of her husband's departure to the military base.

Tony Charlotte, at that point, mentioned in passing, how he would love one of his children to join the army. Over the years, he had been quite vociferous, whenever it came to standing tall about the military service.

"Love you, dear wife, my sweet loving Sarah. Thanks for all you do for me and our lovely children."

"Thanks for all you do for us as well, Tony"; Sarah gestured.

"You are always cherished, darling."

My departure time is 7:30am, tomorrow.

'Not to worry, all is set already.'

(Sarah/Tony Charlotte's P.O.V)

'Tony, you can imagine my level of phobia for anything military. Do you think I love the fact that you are a military officer?'

'Well, I understand your fears. There is absolutely nothing bad about our commitment to the peaceful existence of humanity, fighting injustice, and common cause, through defence.'

'In all sincerity, I would like at least, one of our children to toe a similar path, sustaining this virile passion of military service, by upholding the legacy I have set. It tops one of the earnest desires of my heart, Sarah.'

Come on, don't just try that. None of my children will embark on such an unpredictable journey.

"You are actually missing something. Being in the military or not, does not guarantee life's certainty or longevity. There are several qualities you admire I possess, that my trainings over the years have ingrained in me."

(Tony turned around, staring intensely in his wife's face)

"Lastly, fighting other people's cause or common cause, is a purpose some have got to fulfil. Don't deter such, when you find them."

"I understand you have some reservations attached to our duties and life's safety. I bet you, intricately, the travesty of life goes far beyond that. When the impact makers die, they become heroes and preserve a posterity. Hope my points were valid enough?"

'Alright, let's just lay that aside. Is not an option for any of my children though. Am happy you have championed that cause. It starts, and ends with you. You are our role model for achieving that feat as a Colonel in the army.'

'Bravo, thumbs up to you.'

(Tony Charlotte's Quietus Departure)

Tony enjoyed long years of service in the military until he was being snatched by the cold arms of death in an ensued war battle.

On that fateful day, Thursday evening precisely, Sarah Charlotte was home after a day that seemed unending. She had a long stretch of events, attending to customers at her popular grocery on George Street. It was gravitating towards another time of the year when people stock their houses for the festive season.

(A military van zoomed in, halted right in front of the Charlotte's apartment. The bell rang)

Coming, please hold on. (Sarah paused her activities in the kitchen, washed her hands, mopped it dry with the towel. She dashed straight to the door)

The last two children were in the university. Tilda was the only available one working at the post office. She was running a side business as well. Sarah had gracefully gotten to a point when she had little or no busy schedules to run over her children.

(Behind the door, were two soldiers standing)

'Hi, how may I help you?'

'Are you Mrs Charlotte?', one of them inquired.

"Yes, I am.' (They handed over a letter from the Lieutenant General)

The content requested Sarah Charlotte's appearance at the base tomorrow by 10am. Such a scenario was not maiden to Sarah. She had gotten similar special invitations which had been on the positive beat.

Hope all is well?

'Yes, your presence is needed.'

'I shall be there tomorrow.'

Breaking the news of the fallen soldiers to their families was a cut to the bone. Though, it was done in a most civil way, the shock was devastating. Medical personnel were on ground, in case of an emergency. Family representatives had been mandated in the letter to come along with one or two persons. Sarah went with her eldest child, Tilda.

The news dealt a huge blow on them. Sarah wailed repeatedly, sobbing uncontrollably. She had to be taken in at the military hospital to forestall any adverse consequence this might have on her. She was sedated to keep her rested, and calm.

'Mum, are you awake?' Tilda tried to check.

'Yes, daughter, I am. Where are we?'

"Still in the hospital mum. We received the news of dad's passing in the embattled Congo mission." (Sarah wept the more)

(A nurse approached the scene)

'Madam, are you fine? Take heart, all will be fine.'

'Mum, you need to be strong to look after us', Tilda added after the nurse left.

The military van later conveyed them back home, after she had become a little stable.

Getting home, it was no longer business as usual. Life took a different turn. Tilda had to take some days off to stay by her mum at such a trying time. Her consolatory words were a little comforting, lacking the capacity to bring back her husband.

Sarah had been apprehensive when he got the breaking news well ahead of the Lt General's invitation. She had taken it in with less worries. Her husband had warned that a wrong signal or misinformation can kill even before the real news surfaces. So you maintain your calm in the face of whatever occurs. So, she was less bothered initially, thinking all would be fine, until the news stung her directly.

The parade for the fallen heroes was the last Sarah could remember of her husband. Although, it was historic, at the same time emotionally hurting. She laid a wreath by her husband's grave at the military cemetery.

Monuments were set aside to commemorate the contributions of the fallen soldiers to humanity in general, and the Ireland Republic in particular. The quietus exit of Taylor Charlotte reshaped Sarah's life.

Despite the prolonged years of incidence, combined with the fact that her son had now served the Ireland army for several years, his mum could still not discard that past, because of the distressing pressure it pulled over her life.

She kept reminding her son, especially whenever he had to travel on a combat mission.

"Mum, this particular one has been a strategic one for us. We are at the frontline. We have to come out victorious, vanquishing our assailants."

"Ben, have always advised you, not to gloss over this subject. Do not kill me prematurely. I never supported your decision to join the army in the first place. So, keep me out of the stories. All have got is my watchfulness in prayers over you, I must not loose anyone, not again."

"Relax mum, it's okay. I promise not to bring up the subject anymore."

Ben's wife on her part had to nurse her worries in solitude. She had her family to talk to, at any spate of anxiety. Though her mother-in-law was often present, it had been a collective agreement by the family, not to create further tension that could aggravate the woman's health.

She smiled in pain to encourage her mother-in-law, engaging the divine in her private life, while receiving her own prod from her family members.

"Grandma, I received a call from Ben today. He extended his greetings."

'Oh! So elated to hear that. Hope he's well?'

'Yes, mama'; very well.'

'He mentioned he sent you some money. You might need to confirm from your bank, in case you are yet to receive it.'

'That's a good news. Thank you, my daughter.'

Sarah Charlotte would always love to receive such news from his only son.

The dusk was greeted by a torrential drizzle that Friday. Grandma and the children were home in winter apparels, windows slided up to invite warmth and a cosy environment.

Kerry was within grandma's cuddle. The children had gotten so used to their grandma. They were somehow nostalgia, whenever she was not around. Grandma had suggested the children live permanently with her, but their parents would not oblige. This would also mean taking Adeline's usual companions away from her. So, the suggestion had never climaxed to a reality.