A Sister's Relief

It was another early, but cold spring day. The green buds on the trees contrasted the slightly ice-bitten ground.

She pulled back from the window, forcing herself to focus on the morning’s tasks. Lunchbox, check. Backpack, check. Breakfast? Her hands fumbled as she opened the fridge. It was only Thursday, and the dwindling stock of food had to last another four days.

“Well, at least I will fit into my spring dresses this year” – she whispered, instead indulging herself to a cup of coffee.

She zipped up her sister’s backpack, placing it meticulously on the door handle in the hallway, a routine necessary after too many forgetful mornings.

Louise preferred to sleep as long as she could, usually bolting headfirst from her bed, down the stairs and outside to the school bus in under five minutes. It was always a mystery how she could go from a drooling sleepy mess to a fresh faced and perfectly styled edition of herself in such a short time.

Mary pulled up her right arm, twisting her wrist to check the time. ETA in under a minute. She positioned herself at the base of the stairs, listening to the rumbling upstairs. The bedroom door slammed shut, and as the familiar thumping of shuffling feet hit the first step, she held out her hand unceremoniously. Louise yanked the pop-tart from it as she whirled past.

“Thanks sis. Bye” she mumbled, not even glancing back once before exiting the house.

The school bus pulled over, as always in perfect synchronization with her arrival; Louise floating on board like a swan on a lake. Mary could see her head of big blonde curls settle down in the back row.

The front door remained open, letting in the brisk, but unwelcome cold air. Mary loved this time of year but didn’t need higher electric bills. She closed it shut and went back to the kitchen.

Cradling her now lukewarm cup of java, her heart sank. Another day of treading water, making every cent count. Louise had no idea, thank goodness. It had to continue that way. A high school student has enough to worry about with college applications and dating. Not to mention the various extracurricular activities.

Louise had no idea the inheritance from their parents only lasted a couple of years, and that Mary now had to work three jobs to make ends meet. “Choir practice” and “spin classes” were perfect excuses when Mary had to take on extra shifts at the hospital or the diner.

The stress of it all had recently become apparent to Mary. Her body ached and her mind crumbled. She was about to lose it, in ways more than one. The vow she had made to herself when her parents died now sat on her shoulders like blocks of concrete. She had promised to keep the house and pay the rent so that they didn’t have to move. But the rent was expensive, and the cost of living simply exceeded whatever income she struggled to obtain.

Bam! – the big red coffee mug hit the floor, splashing coffee and ceramics into every corner of the small kitchen. Mary ignored the mess, willing herself to go outside. She was still in her morning slippers, their thin soles no match against the frosty pavement. She stood still, the warmth of her tears neutralizing her cool cheeks. She was late. She didn’t care. Nature beckoned her to take in its beauty, to feel the presence of something bigger.

The trees in their tiny garden danced back and forth in the wind, like they were putting on a show just for her.  She strained her face into a smile and sat down on the blanket of muddy vegetation. Her arms hugged her knees and the concept of time disappeared.

The sound of a roaring engine pulled her out of the trancelike state. She whisked her head around so quickly her neck creaked.

“Oh great… the mailman.” She mumbled quietly.

Roger had been a good friend of her father, but now she couldn’t stand looking at him. Not only because of the memories, but also because they never received any actual mail, it was always only bills. Big piles of bills.

He had already spotted her, and she hadn’t been raised to be rude.

“Hey Roger, what do you have for us today?” – she pursed her lips together in an upward arch, trying to give the appearance of a smile.

“Hi Mary” – Roger said, looking down on her now wet bunny slippers. “There’s not that much for you today, actually, only this big white envelope here.”

He handed her the parcel, grinning widely from cheek to cheek. “It’s for your sister.”

Confused she looked down and even upside down in Rogers hand, she could make out the letters “RVARD”.

“Harvard?” she squeaked.

“Yes” – Roger replied, half laughing. “And its heavy. That’s usually a good sign.”

Mary’s heart was about to jump out her chest. Her first instinct was to drive over and surprise Louise with it. But what if it didn’t contain an acceptance letter?

“Oh my…. Roger. This has been Louises dream since forever.”

“I know, sweetie. If this envelope contains what we think it does, it is well deserved.”

He gave Mary a quick hug and went back to his car.  

As he drove off, Mary suddenly realized something. Even if Louise gets accepted, only a handful of students receive scholarships. They were already struggling financially. How could she give Louise this envelope without knowing how to pay for tuition? The blocks of concrete on her shoulders were now accompanied by a ton of bricks.

She had to find out one way or another if Louise had been awarded a scholarship. Maybe she could call the admissions office? No… They would probably never release that kind of confidential information.

The strain of not knowing was just too much. She had to open it to find out.

“It’s easier to beg for forgiveness, than permission.” She said, justifiably to the dancing trees.

She neatly tucked her thumb underneath the flap of the envelope, allowing her fingernail to release it from the glued base. Inch by inch, it slowly pulled back and revealed the opening. The thick pile of papers uncovered.

Mary read, her eyes manically scanning the first page.

Dear Ms. Louise Miller.

We have the pleasure of informing you that you have been accepted to ….

“YEEEEES!” Mary shouted with almost a guttural growl.

Mrs. Dillon next door peaked through the window from her bedroom, wondering if the neighborhood racoon was back.

Mary waved at her in between jumps of joy. She then rapidly fixed her attention back to the chunk of documents in her hands.

Flipping through the many pages, endless information about dorms and curriculum, she paused on a piece of paper with the tiniest of typing.

Financial aid

We are pleased to inform that families with an annual income up to ……

Mary could feel her heart explode.

…. will not have to contribute financially to their child’s education.

She stood up straight, her shoulders unburdened. Her wet feet felt as if covered by feathers. She floated from the front garden to the inside of the house.

Placing the documents carefully back into the envelope, she reglued the flap, knowing full well Louise could still see it had been previously opened.

It didn’t matter.

They were both free. With bright futures. They could both move. She had always wanted to live somewhere warmer, maybe Florida? Louise could visit whenever she had time in between semesters.

Happiness had been a rare commodity in this house, but now she glimpsed its return.

She hurried to get ready for work. Today only a single shift at the hospital, which meant they could celebrate big time tonight. Maybe even splurge on some take-away.

As she locked the door behind her, she thought about how funny it was that a letter could change everything.  And how their parents, rest in peace, would be so proud.