Destructive Pearl

You can come in at any time, ma’am. the voice on the other end of the line gently advised.

Everything is ready.

I see, she sighed in response. I’ll be there first thing in the morning. What time does the doctor come in?

Well err, there’s no need for you to see him really, the receptionist went on to explain. He has concluded his findings and the report is here with me.

Ok I’ll send my driver at once the.., 

Sorry ma’am she interjected, we only hand over these kind of reports to the next of kin, it is you right?

Rosy wiped a straying tear as she fought to maintain her composure. To – morrow then, she whimpered as she ended the call.

I can’t believe he’s gone, this can’t be happening. Rosy screamed in agony.

Calm down Mom, the middle aged gentleman beside her beckoned as he offered her fresh tissue. We have to stay composed until it’s all sorted out.

You’re right Max, but why is it s-o-o hard? I am finished my boy, finished oh whoa. ....

Come, let me take you upstairs. 

That night the tables seemingly turned, as Max tucked his grieving mother into bed, something she had done for him, back then when he was just a toddler...

...Good night Maxy, my superhero, my Captain Planet. Rosy gently kissed her young lad as she pulled up the blanket to cover him.

I love you Mom, declared Max as Rosy dimmed the lights and disappeared behind the door.

He was the centre of her world. She descended the stairs to prepare for the next day.

Ham and cheese will do, he loves these. Rosy said to herself as she began packing lunch boxes.

She was startled by a firm yet gentle grip around her waist.

Good evening darling. The dark masculine Alex bellowed, How was your day?

Fine thank you and yours my lord, she curtsied in response.

Oh, Rosy must you always be like that? We’re in Sandton now! In spite of it all, I really love you maybe one day you will see it.

Alex adored his wife Rosy, she was a down to earth striking beauty and a fast learner too, except she seemed to hold onto her village customs, despite the six years they had been together.

Dinner’s ready Alex, come let’s eat.

Wow, smells so good and so beautifully presented too, this is excellent Rosy. But before we eat I’ve got something for you.

Alex pulled out a beautifully adorned jewellery box from his briefcase.

Rosy froze, her mouth wide open in disbelief. 

Oh! But it’s not my birthday or anything.

I know my dear, but you are so special to me that’s why I got this for you, he said handing her the box.

Go ahead open it.

Pearls! She exclaimed as she picked up the neckpiece in the box.

I knew you would love them, do you know how they are formed?

Well there were a great many oyster pearls back home in Bilene but you know, not for people like us, she humbly explained. It must have cost you a fortune! Thank you.

But you are one of “those people” now, Rosy – you are. He said as he gently squeezed her hand.

Let’s eat else the food will grow cold.

There was silence as they ate, Alex occasionally glanced at his charming wife, but Rosy was distant.

What an expensive insult, she thought. Although pearls were beautiful they started off as a parasite in their hosts. Rosy pondered on the significance of the gift!

No matter how Alex tried to make theirs a normal marriage, it seemed Rosy held on to the past never allowing herself to just live in the moment. 

Umm honey, Alex interjected her thoughts, this is delicious!

I’m glad you like it, she smiled. It’s late now you don't want to be late for the board in the morn...

Yeah meetings, meetings it never ends my dear. I can't wait for Max to grow up and come on-board. I could use some help!

Sure you could, she responded as they left the table to ascend the stairs.

.... It was a long night of tossing and turning . Rosy had just drifted off to sleep when Max came banging at her door.

Wake up Mom, you need to get ready to go. Max barged in before she could respond to his knock. 

Rosy rubbed her sleepy eyes, Morning already? 

Yes Mom, you look tired did you even sleep?

A little. She smiled realising her memories had consumed her for most of the night.

I’ll leave you to get ready then, Max gave her a kiss on the cheek as he left.

Rosy gathered herself, as best she could. Despite all life had thrown at her, she stood tall and graceful. She knew she had to get to the doctor’s bright and early. But the loss of her dear husband, Alex pierced and shook her to the core.

She fumbled around her jewellery box failing to decide which accessories to pick, as flashes of her life with Alex continued to play in her mind. Narrowing down her choices, she eventually settled on a pearly Mikoto neckpiece.

This was a gift from Alex, she spoke to herself, just over 25yrs ago now.

Maybe he did love me after all.

The loud tick – tock of the grandfather clock down the hall, brought her back to the moment. Clad in a pitch black outfit, Rosy stepped out to face the day.

It was already mid – morning by the time Rosy arrived at the doctor’s rooms. Even in sorrow, her striking beauty commanded attention as she stepped into the reception.

You must be Mrs. Da Gama, exclaimed the receptionist as Rosy’s mourning outfit gave her away.

Umm, was all she managed in response.

I’m so sorry ma’am but your husband's autopsy was collected earli...

What? Rosy protested, but you said strictly next of kin.

Yes ma’am but unfortunately I was unaware it's a police case.

Police case? Rosy was baffled. He died at home in his sleep.

I also didn't know, but a certain detective Smith collected the report earlier.

Rosy kept a silent gaze at her.

I was about to call you, when you walked right in Mrs. Da Gama, I’m so sorry. 

Ok, what were your findings then? Rosy enquired

Like I said ma’am the report was collected earlier, it’s all in there.

This is going to be much harder than I thought, Rosy declared. Anyway Thank – you.

What now, she questioned herself as she left.

I never thought it would end like this, oh Alex she lamented in an uncontrollable bout of mourning. 

Rosy’s mourning was extreme. Typical of the village girl she had been all those years ago in Bilene. 

As she arrived back home, Max had somehow heard the news already?

How can this be a police case Mom? He questioned 

Also don’t know my dear. It happened just as I told you.

I wonder what the doctor’s findings were? Maybe that's what's led to the case, hey mom?

Rosy found herself sobbing loudly once again, unable to clear Max’s enquiries. 

Anyway I have to get down to the station.

For what? Rosy barged in.

Well a certain Smith called me in for questioning. I have to be there before 1pm, he said.

Is that so? Who is this Smith?

A detective and I’m running late, we’ll clear it all up when I’m back.

Rosy’s heart raced as she watched her son leave.

What just happened? How did Max get involved in this? Rosy found herself talking to herself.

Having been given clear instructions, “No cold blood and nothing that comes back to me or my family.” Could the hitman have failed Rosy?