Pt three: {Nights such as these}

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The Greek god Hades, must've visited the human plain. Since the vehement stench of death and sadness, loomed the cimmerian day. Lately, the morning sky was constantly darkened. Hardly could one enjoy the warm solar shower of sunlight anymore. The dingy atmosphere felt heavy. And was beginning to plummet down, due to the weight of redundant lamentation. There was a pelting miasma of negative emotions encased in a flurry of detriment, which emanated from the mourning guests and residents of the "Lockwood Mansion".

Wailing loomed across the nook and crannies of the mansion walls. People, were overcome with pain. Alas, no one was in as much emotional distress as,

Mr “Constantine Lockwood” .

Husband, to the late:
...“Carmen Lockwood”

and father to the beloved:
...“Raymond Lockwood”

The memorial service/funeral presidings was underway. Distant relatives, friends and ofcourse, long time business associates. Gathered together to pay homage, to the loss of the prestiged family.

García heaved a wearisome sigh, hoping the weight of her sorrow wouldn't bury her alongside her cherished mistress. Slothfully, she attended to the esteemed guests present at the memorial. Condolences were shared, and advice was given to Mr Constantine.

“Do not worry ma boy..though, times like these are dreadful and sad. It is best we move on, and always remember the 'dead' live on, in our hearts.”...said Mr "Clyde Edwards".

The state baron.

He'd been in close relations with the family since it's rise in glory in the early 17hundreads. The '68' year old man, still had a lot of bubbly 'life' in him, he stood firmly, practically statured like a ready soldier.

However, the same couldn't be said, for Mr Constantine. His pink rimmed eyes, and hollow cheeks suggested sleepless nights. He was morose, and unwilling to indulge in human banter. As charming as he was, loosing his wife and son was like a massive thunderbolt, being struck! onto his heart. And so, that sweet, charming demeanor he'd once displayed, -died. Jumping into the grave of his beloved wife and son.

Soon, the time for undertaking came. The clustered gray clouds, prevented the healing power of the 'Sun' from resting upon the brooding souls, standing below it. Everyone gathered around, the grave-holes had been freshly dug on the Mansion's backyard.

(A requiem, solemnly played)

Uplifting the heavy hearts of those still deeply engrossed in the spirit of mourning. The priest begun reciting a verse from the scriptures, pertaining to the ascension of souls. As they return to their "Heavenly Maker".

Then, he said a few prayers. While the two bodies were being laid to rest.

“Our heavenly father in heaven. We are gathered here today, in loving memory of the late Carmen Lockwood, and her son. Raymond Lockwood. Who sadly passed, after an unprecedented accident, due the thunderstorm a few days ago. We pray lord God...that you accept their souls. As they make their way back into your kingdom. Let their spirits find solace in your presence...Amen”.

“AMEN”...the people chorused.

The coffins were covered up...and their gravestones were set in place. On their stones were written;

Here lies Mrs Carmen Lockwood.
Beloved mother of two,
and caring wife.
From '1959-1985'

Here lies Raymond
Lockwood. Beloved son.
From '1979-1985'

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García could no longer withhold the tidal wave of tears, she'd valiantly fought to suppress. Each passing moment, drilled a crack in her mental dam. Causing a few fissures...till finally, those walls broke down, and her tears spewed out. Joseliné was asleep on her bosom. The child would have to go through the vicissitudes of life. Without a mother to nurture and guide her. Or, an older brother to defend and protect her.

García's sight was blurred by her painful tears..still, she was able to steal a distraught glance at Constantine. His face was sunken deep in a gloomy daze, the man looked stupefied and pale.

There was a woman standing beside him. Constantine didn't even spare her a glance. Obviously, she was trying to console the widower.

Unfortunately, García couldn't make out the lady's features. Her eyes had been shadowed by a large black bonnet. Leaving only her shimmering red lips visible.

The bodies were now six feet under. Left for the "dead-flesh eaters" to devour. A rumbling began. The clouds, became darker than they had been before. Forecasting the surge of a heavy downpour that was to come.

Quickly, those ready to leave drove off. While those willing to wait, remained in the mansion.

Staggering, like a drunkard. Constantine strolled through the sombre corridors. He looked lifeless, and drained of his essence. García followed behind, trying to catch up to him.

“Master Constantine!”...she called out.

The man broke to a halt. His back alone faced her. Like a door unwilling to be opened, he slowly turned to grant her an audience. García gasped. Tears streamed down his cheeks, mucus sullied his upper lip.

In an almost silent tone, Constantine asked;

“What is it García?”

Feeling sympathetic. She held on closer to the sleeping baby in her arms.

“Sir...Joseliné, she does...she..um”

It was hard for her to get her words out without stirring up unpleasant emotions. Still, Constantine understood. Holding his belly as if suffering from indigestion. Constantine mustered up strength to speak. Looking García dead in the eye he said;

“García, please take good care of joseliné...and mother her like anyone would. I know it might be...”

“I'll do it”...she replied sharply!

Her eyes sparked with desire, and willingness to play the role of 'Mother' in Joseliné's life.

“I promise to take good care of her..like she were my own, Master”...she said, looking down at the child. As immense unwavering love, sparkled in her eyes. Overwhelming emotion coursed through her. Constantine strained a faint smile.

When turning to leave, he was greeted by a smooth brush of fur on his calf.

Monroe, that blasted cat!

Constantine took a squat so as to rub the creatures small head.

Seeing the creature caused García's belly to churn in discomfort.

“Hey there Monroe...you wanna come with me? ”...Constantine asked, without expecting an answer.

The cat purred, following beside him as he walked up the stairs heading to his bedroom. His energy had been depleted and anymore human interaction would cause him to lose it. García watched silently, as her sulking master went up to his room sluggishly. She couldn't help but fear the worst was about to come. That entity was still soaring silently above them all.

(The shower of gushing rain, snapped her back to reality)

Even so, Joseliné always brought a hint of happiness to even the most drab atmosphere. The child moaned softly, tilting her little head over.

A joyous smile grew on García's face .

“I promise to be the best guardian mother that I can possibly be mi amor.” ..she proclaimed, kissing Joseliné's forehead lovenly.

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