Afterlife Read Online Free PDF Page B

sweets and delicatessens that lined the wooden shelves.
     
    “Wow! You look stunning! Such a pretty girl needs something sweet to celebrate such a pretty dress. Can I offer you some chocolate cake?” Oscar scooped a piece of cake from a pink cake stand.  I automatically shook my head intensely even though I craved a piece.  I couldn’t take advantage of their kindness and hospitality.
     
    Luckily Oscar ignored me and steered me to a table where he served me with hot tea and the most delectable chocolate cake.
     
    Oscar came and sat across from me, leaning his strong arms on the table. With a look of such expectation he said, "Now take a bite and tell me if you have ever tasted anything as nice as this?”  I took a bite and it melted in my mouth. This was heavenly, delicious, awe inspiring and I closed my eyes in rapture, rich and sweet, with a tinge of bitterness. It reminded me of my life, the way it was and how things had changed.
     
    Oscar chuckled happily and Martha joined us as she looked at me approvingly. “At least your appetite is returning, I was starting to get worried.”
     
    “I have to thank both of you for being so kind, but I cannot expect you to keep me here.”
     
    “Shhh!!! Not another word!” Oscar gave me a stern look as he took Martha’s hand in his. “This is your home now, me and Martha wanted to wait until the picnic, but now is as good a time as any.”
     
    “We want you to stay with us for as long as you want, if you want to.”
     
    Martha looked at me and I could see that she waited tensely for my answer. It was a strange feeling to experience such kindness.
     
    “If you want to think about it, there is no rush,” she said.
     
    Oscar winked and said, “I have a plan.”
     
    “A plan?”  I was suddenly worried.
     
    “Oh my child please don’t look so worried, I merely wanted to suggest that you work for us in exchange for rent and board here in the store.  Goodness knows we could do with an extra pair of hands to sort out the customers. That is if you are okay with dealing with old grumpy ladies who love to complain?”
     
    I found myself laughing out loud for the first time in years.
     
    “You think that’s funny young lady, wait until you meet Mrs Calvin. She complains about everything. Really Martha we should consider banning that woman permanently. If her husband wasn’t so bloody rich …”
     
    “Please Oscar you will give yourself a heart attack.”
     
    “Okay, okay, I will stay! Thank you so much for the love and generosity. I could not answer immediately, because I was so overwhelmed, and I would love to stay.”
     
    “Brilliant! Then we will throw a party to welcome you.” Oscar was jubilant.
     
    “Please no party I think I have had enough excitement to last me a lifetime.”
     
    “Okay, okay then we will have a small feast.”
     
    I smiled as Oscar put his arms around me and Martha and steered us joyfully out of the store.
     
    Outside the world was in full bloom. Flowers were budding and there was a fresh summery smell in the air.
     
    “Is it safe around these parts?” I asked Martha.
     
    “Yes, my dear it is safe, but try not to go further than two miles south.”
     
    I could sense that Martha didn’t want to alarm me. I couldn’t place my finger on it but she was definitely afraid of something.
     
    After lunch I strolled down towards the woods and a peaceful water stream. For the first time in my life I felt completely free. I found myself looking up at the trees towering above me. The sun was outlining the tree branches and then I sensed another presence. There was someone in the tree in front of me. I could swear that I had seen someone or something move in the tree in front of me. Maybe my mind was playing tricks on me, but I would rather be safe than sorry. I turned around and returned to Martha and Oscar, but something was still bothering