Train did not hear a whisper from her, then the grouchy Aunt grunted out as she got closer to the group.
"I see you have finally decided to return home Shawney. I hope you know because you neglected your father, he grieved to death."
"Joan, for God's sake stop that this instant, the child just reaches home. And can't you see how heartbroken she is? And you already started on her case."
"Aunty Joan is right Uncle Ken. When Meg, Linsey, Curtis, and Sid got married. I neglected my duty to take care of Dad."
Train thought, 'Is this child the eldest so why didn't she get married?' When some others join the group, they hear a female voice saying.
"So Shawney, I see you finally decided to return home?"
Then another but a male voice said. "To tell the truth Shawney, I thought you would never return. But you must have heard Uncle Daniel died and come to see what you could get. But if you recall before you went away. I used to tell you, that life outside of the village is no bed of roses. Well, it doesn't matter anymore. Now you have finally returned to your senses!"
"That is enough you two." Ken snaps at his two children becoming angry for their indecent behaviour.
"Dad!" Julien grumbles. "You always take sides for Shawney. Seeing she has returned home. I am very glad, now she could fall back on all her duties, taking care of the family and now that we have the business." Julien notices how his mom glares at him as though no one is allowed to run the business.
When Shawney said, "Sorry Julien, I am no longer anyone's caretaker or servant. I just stopped by for a few days wanting to discuss something important with Dad. Seeing he is no longer with us, I will be leaving very soon."
"Honey, please ignore all of them, I am glad to see you return home. I was so worried wondering how I could get in contact with you. Knowing your father will, will be read tomorrow. Now go and take a good rest. You look tired and in the morning when the lawyer comes. He has to discuss what your father had left in his will for each of you."
"Thanks, Uncle Ken, it is so good to know you haven't changed. Now if you all will excuse me. I will go to my room."
"Shawney!" her aunt called.
"Yes Aunty1"
"You will have to use one of the guest rooms. I rented out your room."
"That's all right Aunty Joan, I don't mind, I am just here for a few days anyhow."
Overhearing the last of her conversation with them. Train knew he must get her to agree with his proposal.
When Dalia died, it had driven him to such rage. That the children have completely lost both parents. The last I spoke to the Doctor. He said Torren would be discharged next two weeks.
As memories replay of this one incident in his mind. 'Torren was about eight years old and he was crying his eyes out as he stood on top of the roof.
Nancy called me to return home and she was crying so historically and sounding so fearful.
Returning that day only to find Torren in tears and Nancy screaming to the top of her voice for Torren to come down from the roof.
Only to learn later on that it was Nancy who forced him to climb the ladder. I could never forgive myself for choosing him as a mother. Train thought at first Nancy treated him with so much love, in fact, in front of me, she showered Torren with love.
It was not long after that day, that I wasn't feeling well and returned home unexpectedly without informing Nancy. Hearing Torren crying, I entered quietly into his room, wanting to know what was wrong.
Only to find him tied to his bed and Nancy was using my broad leather belt on him.
Unable to believe my ears as she blamed him so blatantly for his Mother's death. And for keeping me away from her.'
Relaxing in a recliner near the window train's mind went back to the beginning of his rage. When Torren was hospitalized for a week due to her beating and the fear that had him traumatized
When he returned home from the hospital and heard that Nancy was no longer living with us. It was then he believed that he was the one responsible for my unhappiness.
When Nancy left the house she also left the three other children with me, and they took advantage of Torren. With Torren being the eldest he never hurt them.
Dalia on the other hand learned how to soothe his heart and keep him calm. Also, she finds ways to help control his rage when he is nervous and depressed. When she died giving birth to my Gretta. It had driven him out of his mind.
My Gretta is already two years old. She doesn't know her Dad. Tray my grandson is already five, and both of them losing their parents.'
Train whispers a word of prayer. "My Lord, and my God, if only I could have the favor as Abraham's servant. Just as You had helped him to choose a wife for Issac. So to Lord, help me please and give me the favor to choose a wife worthy for my son Torren."
Rising early Saturday morning, Train sits in the dining room. Overhearing how the family was discussing Shawney as the main course or an item up for auction at the breakfast table, and over their meals.