"My parents were good people. They obeyed the law, and knew right from wrong. They were straight forward, and told it how it was. That is the way that they wanted to raise their child as well. They loved me very much, and vice versa." This was hard for me, and Mr. Wonka did not miss that.
"You don't have to do this, you know."
"I know, but I should. For 9 years I have carried this around with me, and I don't want it to go on anymore."
"Alright, if you want to."
"My mother was very sensitive to me, and my father was sensitive to her and me both. They loved each other, and we were a very happy family. In our area, there had been cases of robberies, and we locked our door tight every night. One night, my dad went to work, and he worked late. He had forgotten his key, and my mother left the door unlocked so he could get in." I was beginning to choke on the words. "Just give me a second."
"Yes, that's fine. I can see that this is difficult for you, and rather painful. Just take your time, there's no hurry."
"Thank you, Mr. Wonka. I have never been able to talk about this to anyone, and I really appreciate it."
"Oh, you are welcome. You seem so. empty in a sort of way, and I want to do anything I can to help. People who are empty need to be listened to, and that's just what I'm doing."
A light flashed through my body, like a candle being lit. A sort of sudden joy blew past, a rather pleasant one. It only lasted a few seconds though.
"My father got home at about 10:45. When he walked in the door, my mother greeted him with a hug and a kiss, like she always did when he came home. I was at the top of the stairs, watching. I wasn't supposed to be awake, but I stayed up this time. I heard a voice I have never heard before. 'You! Get down! Get down! Give me your money! Do it now!' I was scared, and began to cry. 'It's ok baby.' My mother said. 'Get up! Put your hands in the air!' my mother ran. My father tried to jump on the guy. That was the first time I heard a gun go off. Only to shots, and both were dead," my voice was getting quieter, "dead Mr. Wonka! Murdered! And I had to watch it! I was only four, Mr. Wonka, four! I can't take it anymore, it's too painful." my voice trailed off into a fit of crying once more.
"Oh my. Oh my. I'm so sorry. I don't even know what to say." He put his arm around me. "I really am sorry. I just want you to know that I will do anything I can to help you out."
I was just as sad as that moment 9 years before. "When the police showed up, they told me that my mommy and daddy would be gone forever. They immediately put me into an orphanage, where I had to stay for 4 years. I broke out of that place and then took refuge in an open lot that was for sale. When I turned 12, I set out to live somewhere else. I then saved anything that could be used to make my house, and then moved to the place that I have been living."
"Wow. I have never heard such a sad story in all my life. I wish there was something I could do for you. Would you like to stay here for a while?"
I blushed, "why, Mr. Wonka, I couldn't. I don't want to bother you any more than I already have. I wouldn't want to impose."
"You wouldn't be bothering me, no. I would be more than happy to let you reside here. I like helping those that aren't as well-off as they should be. And believe me, such a kind and generous girl like you deserves more than what you have." He stood up and took a bow. "At your service. Anything, anything at all that I can do for you, just name it!"
He was so sensitive! How could I say that? I couldn't. It was wrong. No one in their right mind would be sensitive to me, besides my dearly beloved parents.
"Thank you so very much sir, you don't know how much I appreciate it. You're a saint."
He gave me a warm, reassuring smile, and I was somewhat taken by it. I had to smile back, and I did.
"That's better."
"So, am I to stay in here? I'm sure you don't want me to be anywhere else."
"My home is your home, er... I never got your name my dear."
"Bridget, sir."
"Well, Bridget, like I said. My home is your home. Make yourself comfortable."