Chapter 7
Mandark smiled, as he sat down at his sofa, enjoying the wax, and trim he received on his chest to remove chest hair. "It's just so slovenly". He remarked, as he read his magazine….wearing his silk robe, revealing his chest that was devoid of hair.
There was a knock at the door at the dead, empty 3 pm afternoon on a Saturday. "That is so odd". Mandark muttered. "Unless it's my parents, or Lalavava, or someone making a delivery, it is weird to hear someone at the door". Mandark remarked in a mutter.
Mandark answered the door, finding a short, Ukrainian woman with a head covering over her….accompanied by a somewhat taller, elderly Ukrainian woman. "Good afternoon". Mandark said, politely with kindness. "Can I help you with something?".
The shorter Ukrainian woman answered. "I'm really sorry to have bothered you….we are looking for Maschkrita Muschev….better known as Emily". The shorter woman said, in a sullen, dampened, yet gentle and kind tone.
Mandark nodded a kind nod. "That sounds reasonable enough….you both are from Ukraine, I take it". Mandark answered in a tone that was gentle, soothing, and polite.
"I'm so sorry to have answered the door like this….I just had my chest done, and I feel as if there is a better way to present myself". "Perhaps I could slip into one of my formal attire pieces?". Mandark said, politely with gentle kindness. "You're fine". The shorter woman replied, plainly. "Could we speak to Maschkrita, please?".
Mandark nodded a kind nod, answering with "of course". Mandark called Emily, as she came outside, holding her bunny rabbit. "Yes?". Emily asked, somewhat politely.
"These are ladies coming from Ukraine to see you this afternoon". "I take it they've come to speak with you about something….maybe so?". Mandark said, kindly with soothing gentleness. "Yes, of course". The shorter woman replied, gently. "My name is Scherva Kinkrita, and this is my friend, and coworker, Ashrinkas….we were caregivers coming from orphanage 12 in the North of Ukraine….we took care of Maschkrita when she was just an infant….and she had just lost her birth mother to cancer". "We tried our best in the orphanage to keep the children fed, keep the children comforted, and keep everyone warm….but ever since our struggles with Russia had come to a head, finances had been focused on the war effort….and on the political climate…..we hardly got any funding to retain employees, and provide enough food, shelter, and clothing for our babies…..which was why we failed to nourish our Maschkrita the proper way….and which is why I would like to apologize….I'd like to say I'm sorry for not doing enough to hold her, comfort her on nights where she was cold, rock her, and soothe her on nights where she was looking for love to guide her to a nightly fountain of dreams". "We didn't do enough to give her time, energy, we didn't teach her properly how to walk, talk, sit up, eat foods, learn the alphabet, or how to count….we didn't have enough people, and I just feel horrible…..I feel horrible that we didn't have enough…". Scherva explained in a tearful, sullen, innocent, and fragile tone, as she began to cry. Mandark buttoned his lips, sympathetically.
"We didn't have enough food for every child….we didn't have enough caregivers….during the wintertime, only 2 babies were lucky enough to have thin blankets made from potato sacks". "I just feel terrible that Maschkrita didn't have the nourishment she needed to grow into a healthy, happy baby". "Every time I think about it….I become saddened, and depressed". "I tried….we tried so hard to help when we could…..and I just feel horrible now". "This is why she was behind all of those years, and plagued with a learning disability….it's because of us….and I just feel horrible now". "I just….words cannot express how sorry we are that this happened….and I just feel terrible….I do…please…find it in your heart to forgive me….and if you cannot, I understand….just please know how sorry I truly am that she was hurt so bad". Scherva said, sullenly in a tearful, saddened, manner as she cried into her hands. Mandark comforted her, while Emily watched, nonchalantly.
"darling….Ms. Sanskrita, please don't feel guilty now". "It's ok, honey….listen to me". Mandark comforted in a soothing, gentle, softened, sultry, loving, nourishing voice. Mandark held Scherva's hands, kindly. "You didn't do anything wrong….you never were doing anything bad, or malicious". "You, and the other caregivers…the 2 or 3 that were there, were doing the best you could at the time". "I understand that you were in a poor place financially". "I understand you had love in your hearts for these children". "You were doing a great, excellent job of taking care of these children who had lost their birth mothers…..and you were doing everything correctly". "No one is at fault here for what happened in the beginning….there is no bad guy, or villain…there was no intentional cruelty, or hatred….there was so much love in your hearts". "You did an amazing thing caring for these children…..and I'm sure that every child, every child who found a family, in or outside of Ukraine, is thankful for the beautiful things you've done for them". "You are a beautiful person with so much love, and kindness in your soul". "And Emily is not disabled…by any means….she is different in some ways…but that's what being human is….it's about being unique to who you are….and having a story that will one day, profoundly inspire, and influence others to do amazing things as she has". "Please don't ever blame yourself for what happened at the time". "You did the right things….and you succeeded in creating beautiful masterpieces of children". "Don't ever blame yourself for making beautiful, human, down-to-Earth, intelligent, strong, resilient, extraordinary children who will one day change the world". "You did great….please don't blame yourself…be thankful, and happy that you are a heroine, and a caring, devoted, angel". Mandark said, soothingly with gentle, softened, loving kindness. Mandark brushed Scherva's face, kindly, as she cried.
Scherva nodded, as she wiped her eyes. "But I….I….I…I feel bad that Emily suffered….and that her birth mother, died". "She needed the best care….and we didn't have it….we were poor, and I just feel horrible". Scherva said, through her tears.
"It's my job to feel bad for Emily because I'm her older brother". "If anyone should feel bad for her, it's me". "But really, if one thinks about it, there's nothing to feel bad about…because she has come such a long way from where she was". "She has made excellent improvements….and the true reality is….she learns at grade-level, she has average intelligence, she has a middle to high intelligence quotient….she never struggles in school…at all, she has so many friends in school, she's actually skipped a couple grades because she's so smart, and she has an amazingly beautiful voice when she sings and performs". "This summer, actually, she is in line for a performing arts program for a semester at Yale University". "She has her talents, and interests….she's just like any other child her age". "She's not disabled, or special needs". "She's not damaged, or ruined from the experiences she's had". "You did an amazing job in caring for her when she needed you most". "Please don't be depressed over it….don't be suspended in the past….have hope, and tenacity for the future". "Be hopeful, and have some happiness because she has thrived under your care". "I know the past was a bit rough….I know it was hard….but you did an amazing job, Ms. Sanskrita". "Please don't be sad….Emily is perfect now….remember that whatever we experienced in the past, we have to forgive…because it's the only way to move forward…..we forgive our mistakes, and the things we can't change….because then, we can have optimism for the future". "Please don't cry….everything is ok now, honey". "You did a wonderful job….no need to be depressed". Mandark soothed kindly with gentleness, and softness. He hugged Scherva.
"Thank you". Scherva said. Mandark kissed both of Scherva's cheeks, gently. "You are amazing, and don't you forget that". Mandark said, in a soothing, gentle, kind, and softened voice. He smiled, as he patted Scherva's hands, kindly. Emily nodded, as she looked up at the emaciated, old, and depressed, sullen face of her old orphanage caregiver. Emily spoke in Ukrainian, as she looked upwards at Scherva, whose hands looked gentle, and kind. Scherva apologized in Ukrainian, and after a long conversation, Emily exchanged, "I love you", with Scherva, as they both shared a warm hug….a gentle hug, as Emily felt the comfort of forgiveness, and true kindness.
"Ms. Sanskrita, can I get you anything while you're here?". "Would you like some milk, or some banana bread?". "I'm sure you're hungry after your long journey". "I'd be happy to get you something to eat or drink". Mandark said, kindly with soothing, gentle softness. "I'm quite alright, thank you". "I think I'm going to go now…it's a long journey home". Scherva said. "Why don't I drive you home….it is almost dark out, perhaps". Mandark said, soothingly with gentle softness. "I'm fine for right now, thank you". "I do appreciate your offer, though". "I don't want to bother you….thank you though…you are so kind". Scherva said, as she hugged Mandark.
"Are you sure you wouldn't like to spend the night?". "I have a warm bed, and some nice food my private chef could make us….please, I insist". Mandark said, in a gentle, incredibly soothing, and kind voice. "I really would love to….I would…but I'm only here for a short while, and I have a plane that leaves in a few hours…..I can't stay". Scherva said, in a fragile, innocent, kind, and soft voice. "But I appreciate everything you've said, and did". "You are an incredibly kind man, who is also very smart, I can tell". "But thank you….and hopefully, we'll see each other again". Scherva said.
"Thank you….and you are kind as well". Mandark said, gently with kind soothingness. Mandark laughed for a moment…then smiled, as he hugged Scherva. "Have a nice day…and thank you for coming by". Mandark said, kindly with soothingness. Scherva thanked Mandark….talked with Emily for a LONG while in Ukrainian, had a 3 hour conversation….entirely in Ukrainian, before she and Emily hugged, she shared a group hug with Mandark and Emily…then parted ways with the 2. They said goodbye, as Scherva and her friend departed back outside into the gloom and darkness of a rainy, yellow-skied, stormy day.
Mandark smiled, as he adjusted his glasses. "She apologized for it". "She mended her ties with you….do you forgive her?". Mandark asked, softly with gentle soothingness. "I for-give her". Emily replied. Mandark smiled a gentle, soothing, and kind smile. "You are such a mature, and brilliant young woman". "You are so strong, and thoughtful to understand the past….and then to forgive it". "Forgiveness is a way to strength…but wisdom and understanding is the way to forgiveness". "Not everything is perfect that we encounter….but as we encounter it, we learn to smile, and be fruitful towards who we wish to be, and what mistakes we choose to learn from". "And everyone makes mistakes….even the adults who care for us most in the beginning of life". "But when we forgive our loved ones….we move towards healing". Mandark said, kindly with gentle soothingness. "That's true". Emily said. Mandark smiled, as he kissed Emily's cheeks and forehead, kindly.
"um…Mandark?". Emily asked, as she drank from her sippy cup. "Yes, darling?". Mandark said, soothingly with kind gentleness as he cleaned a dirty dish. "Are people with Autism and Down Syndrome cursed, or plagued?". Emily asked. Mandark took a second wind. "No, of course not". "What on Earth would postulate a question like that?". Mandark asked, gently, with some firmness to his voice.
"There are people out there who think that someone with a disability or special needs suffers…because they can't live a normal life". Emily said. "They have health problems, they aren't smart, they are kind of disabled". "Are they bad people?".
Mandark buttoned his lips in sympathy again. "They're not bad people at all". His voice softened, as he took Emily's hands in his. "Some people who are born with different abilities, and different, unique health differences, or genetic diversities may have a different approach to how they handle life". "As they get older, they become more acclimated to themselves, and what they can and cannot control". "We each are born with a difference about us…and we learn more about ourselves, and some of the things we encounter on our life's journey". "People with differing abilities have things that are, and are not beyond their control". "Now I am a cynic…and I do take a position where I feel bad for anyone with a condition such as". "Someone people with Trisomy 21….while intelligence is one factor, there are a myriad of health problems, and health deficiencies they encounter". "Even a shortened lifespan is a factor that's beyond their control". "Some people with this condition….I feel bad for because they didn't ask to be born with that". "It was beyond their control, and they were just born with it". "But they didn't deserve it….no one asks to be special needs, or disabled". "Sometimes, birth can deal a hand that makes a flush no matter what one tries to do with it". "But this condition makes a person much more beautiful….and do you know why?". Mandark asked, kindly with softened soothingness.
"Why?". Emily asked. "Because it makes them more human". "A beautiful human being with their own unique range of gifts, and setbacks, is worth more than a perfect person who excels profusely, and has no setbacks". "We are beautiful as humans….and our flaws, and qualms make us gifts in every way". "Flawed, and dirty is the new clean, and perfect". Mandark said, in a softened, gentle, kind, and soothing voice. "We are amazing just because we're flawed….and it is a beautiful sight". Mandark said, kindly with gentle soothingness. "That is true". Emily said.
"Don't be doubtful towards someone with a condition….because they are just like the rest of us….they're only trying to survive….and map out their life's journey in a meaningful way". "Sometimes, people can differ from us….but this only makes them more gifted in conquering whatever they have". "And it makes them more meaningful to their own journey of tribulation". Mandark said, in a softened, soothing, gentle voice. "Yes, that is true". Emily replied.
Mandark smiled a gentle, softened, and sappy smile. "You've done an excellent job, too, coochie". "You've survived the beginning of your life, and you've succeeded in everything you've done…you make me so proud, baby". Mandark said, kindly with soothing, gentle softness. "Thank you". Emily replied. "Yes, and I love you more than the stars shine their bright light above". "And I cherish you more than time and space itself…and in an alternate universe, we'd be together forever". "Well, we already are". Mandark said, gently with kind soothingness. Mandark smiled, as he and Emily laughed. "I love you so much, baby". Mandark whispered, kindly with soothingness. Emily nodded, as she came to Mandark's arms, while he picked her up…..and she laid on his chest. "I love you most, coochie". Mandark whispered, soothingly. Emily nodded, as she laid down…while he kissed her forehead, gently.
Mandark smiled a kind smile, as he received a call on one of his large computer screens. "Your hooker is trying to call you". Computer joked, as it showed Femme Fatale… Mrs. Curwin on the screen…laying in bed with a silk robe, and a sleep mask above her head. She looked even more bloated, and tempest with her face becoming puffy…though it still remained feminine and small. Her lips were still painted red, as she smiled, seeing Emily. "There's my best friend…I thought she would be awake after a fine, relaxing day". "Emily, how are you, darling?". Femme asked in a gentle, soothing, kind, and loving voice. Femme's lips curved into a smile. She was like Jessie of Team Rocket speaking to Samus over a computer screen, while laying in bed after a facial, and waxing at an elite spa. That's another anime fanfiction. It's coming soon!
"I'm good". Emily replied. "You look very nice this evening, darling". "I simply adore your hair….you braided it?". Femme asked, kindly with soothing gentleness. "Yeah". Emily replied, plainly. "Mmm, you look somewhat sullen this evening". "You look pensive and equivocally saddened". Femme said in a gentle loving manner. One could see her hand flopping against the pillow as some silk rustled and one could hear it onscreen.
"Something on your mind, darling?". Femme asked gently with soothingness. Femme's lips pursed a bit. "There was a lady….it was my old orphanage director from Ukraine that came and told me she was sorry for what happened in the past". Emily said.
Femme nodded. "Sometimes when a caregiver or a grownup makes a mistake, they don't do it intentionally". "They don't mean for it to happen….it just is an unfortunate situation that happened". "You have both bounced back from it dramatically". "You've grown into a beautiful, intelligent, wise, resilient young woman with so much poise and eloquence". "What happened in the past means nothing now….it just happened, and we have to accept it….though nobody was at fault for it". Femme said, kindly with soothing gentleness. Emily nodded.
"My thoughts on you….as a person are so amicable….you have such empathy, such resilience, such authenticity, and such kindness towards the past…and wanting to learn more about it, and come to terms with it makes you a strong person…..truly, it does". "You forgave the past….and you're willing to move on, and move forward with such grace….you're very impressive, honey". "I'm really proud of you….truly, I am". "You're an incredible person….with so much grace, and tenacity….I am so awed by you…..and I just wish to thank you…..for bouncing back so quickly, honey". Femme said, gently with soothing kindness. Emily nodded. "Thank you". Emily replied. Femme smiled a gentle smile.
"How come you were upset in class on Friday, honey?". "You seemed a bit tired, and not as focused when we worked on some practice problems together". "You weren't focused on what you were doing, and I'm a bit concerned….you're usually so focused, and so on-point…but today, it was different….I'm a bit worried, honey". Femme said, kindly with soothing gentleness. "I was ok today….I just kind of….I feel kind of….tired, lately". Emily said.
"Mmmm, I see". "It might be some of that medicine you're taking". "The medicine can create certain side effects that make you much more drowsy, lethargic, or clouded in brain function". "I read that Cannabis interacts with Xixiolide in a much more effective way…..and it causes drowsiness, high appetite, and brain fog aligned with lethargy". "Well, I'm sure you'll be back to your old self in no time". "There's no need to worry, honey". Femme said, kindly with gentle soothingness. Femme sniffed, flaring her small nostrils a bit.
"The baby is doing well in my belly". "He misses you so much….I felt so overjoyed in class today when you were giving him a hug, and he kicked". "He loves you so much". Femme said, gently with kind soothingness. "Thank you". Emily replied. Femme smiled on the computer screen.
"So, is everything else going well, honey?". "You're having a good afternoon?". Femme asked, kindly with soothing gentleness. "I'm having a really good afternoon….thank you". Emily said. "Good, good". "I'm glad your afternoon is going well, baby". Femme said, kindly with gentle, loving soothingness. "Well, it's almost time for you to go to bed, honey". "Your older brother wants you to get some sleep for tomorrow…..tomorrow, there's church, and there's a myriad of other things to get done". "Time for bed, baby". Femme giggled a bit. Emily nodded, rubbing her eyes. "And it's time for me to go to bed as well". "I've had a long night…my sleep has been disrupted since pregnancy….and well…it's been something else, I will say". Femme said, gently with soothing kindness. "But an old lady like myself needs her rest". "Tomorrow is a busy day as well…we're picking out the nursery…so…you know". Femme chuckled a bit. "Yes". Emily replied. "Well, I'll talk to you soon, baby girl". "Have a beautiful evening with your older brother….I love you". Femme said, kindly with gentle soothingness. Emily nodded, as she said goodbye, and the computer turned off. But not before providing her with some comfort…and some words of wisdom. Emily snuggled close to Mandark, as he kissed both of her cheeks, gently. "Love you". Mandark whispered, as he held Emily close….under the blankets…under the coziness, and within the sanctity of the darkened room, only lit with an ambient nightlight. Outside, darkness, and gloom lurched on, as the night remained dark, and dampened with rain. Mandark kept Emily close….kissing her cheeks, lovingly. He held her close….seeing to it that she was nice and safe….in their own corner of the world.