DISCLAIMER: This story is pure fantasy and fiction. Any resemblance to persons alive or dead is purely coincidental. No money changed hands and this story has been written for fun and general reading pleasure. All recognisable names of people and places belong to BBC, KP and WP. All others belong to me.

Please forgive any typing, spelling and grammatical errors. I appreciate any feedback. Thank you for reading this story.

Why Assumpta Hated the Clergy

by Carl Trainer

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Dave and Elsie Fitzgerald sat down to breakfast with their 10-year-old daughter Assumpta, in the kitchen of their Fitzgerald pub. After the wife brought all the food to the table, Assumpta refused to eat. She turned sideways and pouted.

Her mom told her, "Let's eat, sweetie, before it gets cold, your dad and I promise to bring you over to the Egans at 8 AM, and we don't want to be late. Today is Saturday, traffic will be heavy in Cilldargan."

Assumpta began to cry, "You don't love me anymore, why are you bringing Ambrose to Cilldargan and leaving me with his mom?"

Dave got up and went to her, he picked Assumpta up and sat her on his lap. "There, there, sweetheart, we love you, both of us love you very much. Your mom, Ambrose and I are running an errand to buy supplies to run our business, the three of us are NOT going on a picnic. Remember yesterday when Gard Egan and Ambrose came for orange juice, I did an experiment?" her father asked.

Assumpta replied, "What is an experiment?"

 Dave said, "Well, I put a large telephone book in each of Ambrose hands, he held each and was able to walk back and forth, from one side of the pub to the other side of the pub, some ten times before he got tired. And you carried one phone book, with both hands, walked some five feet and dropped it, remember?"

Assumpta nodded but did not say anything. Dave continued, "Ambrose is taller than you by one head, he's a boy, therefore stronger than you, I already have his father's permission to have Ambrose help us carry the food to the van. Inside the grocery supplier, he can push the trolley, while your mom and I select, then pay as we go along, saves time. Then we can come home sooner. Then Ambrose can help again, by transferring the food from the van to our freezer. Now do you understand? When you grow taller and stronger, you can come along also. So, how about a nice smile for us and eat your breakfast?"

Elsie said, "Tomorrow, we'll go to early Mass, then we'll make up a picnic basket and invite the Egans along, OK, sweetie?"

Dave locked the door of the Fitzgerald pub, then the three of them crossed the street to the garda house. Mrs. Egan opened the door and greeted them happily, saying, "Assumpta, you are such a pretty girl, come in, Ambrose is ready to accompany your parents to Cilldargan."

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A few weeks earlier, elderly Mrs. Julia Hendley had died of an heart attack. The lawyers came and handed out all the perishable food FREE and put the remaining equipment into a storage facility in Cilldargan, while they looked for her adult son Mal and daughter Kathleen, who moved house but left a forwarding address.
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Julia's older grandson was twelve years old, named Harry, with brown hair and eyes, lots of freckles and very large ears. Julia's younger granddaughter, around ten, named Josie, was very pretty, with long blond hair and blue eyes. On a Saturday morning, they arrived with their maiden aunt Kathleen, by moving van, and the driver stopped right in front of the Hendley store. The driver pressed a button to unlock the (one and only) passenger's door, which opened to the pedestrians' walkway. Harry jumped down from the van's extended cab (with bench seats behind the driver) and bounded up the stone steps of the Hendley store. The driver and his workmate then went to unlock the truck's rear cargo doors.

The boy pointed to the large sign above the store. "Look, our last name is already up there." When his aunt shouted, "Harry, if I told you once, I've told you a million times, help your sister, before you go running off. You want her to fall and break her neck?"

But he could not hear her above the roar of the moving van's diesel engine. With Josie in line out the door, Kathleen could not leave until her niece went out first. And there was nobody to help her down the narrow steps. Suddenly another boy, about twelve years old, walked by and glanced up into the passenger confines of the cab, saw the little girl struggle backward, while holding onto the hand-rails and using her feet to step into a narrow ladder's rung by rung to get down.  Her aunt was holding onto her dress front to keep her safe. He took a step foward and said, "Hold on, I've got you." He put his right arm around her waist, tightened to his chest, then said, "Now let go your hands, don't worry, I will not let you fall."

He carried her, took one step backward and swung her to his left, then set her down gently on her feet and she let out a loud squeal of joy and clapped her little hands together. Her aunt followed close behind, just in case the boy dropped the little girl. Harry, at that moment, was emerging from the back of the building, thought Ambrose was grabbing his sister, from behind.

"HEY!" he shouted, "WHAT ARE YOU DOING? GET AWAY FROM MY SISTER!" He came charging forward, with fists clenched, ready to do battle.

Kathleen stepped foward and grabbed his left ear. "Where have you been, Harry? Instead of running off, you should be here to help your sister down. Do you want her to fall and break her neck?"

"OW! Not so hard, Aunty, I'm sorry, I can't resist exploring the back of the building. Please let go, it's so painful . . . "

His aunt said, "Before I let you go, you must say sorry to your sister and also say thanks to the nice young man here. He just helped her down. And remember, your family always comes first and not exploring. That can wait. Do you understand me?"

Harry said, "Yes, I understand, Aunty, I'm sorry Josie, it won't happen again." Then he turned to Ambrose and said, "Thanks for helping my sister down." After his aunt let him go, his large ear was blood red. He rubbed it with his left hand for awhile, then stepped foward, extended his right hand. "Hi, my name is Harry Hendley and this is my sister Josie, short for Josephine, what's yours?"

Ambrose shook hands with Harry and Josie. "My name is Ambrose Egan, I'm happy to meet you both."

"Excuse me please, madam, where is the driver of this moving van?" Gard Egan, in uniform, asked Kathleen, who was fishing for her store keys in her handbag. She looked up, frowning, to see Gard Egan looking at her sternly.

She pointed to the back of the van, where they could hear the driver and his workmate sliding something heavy on the van's floor. Gard Egan looked at Ambrose and said, "I'm sorry to interrupt, but your mom says it's time for your doctor's appointment."

Ambrose replied, "OK, thanks Dad." Turning to his two new friends, he said, "I've got to go now, see you later."

Gard Egan went to the back of the van and told the driver to turn off the engine or face a heavy fine. The driver did so immediately.

Gard Egan then said to Kathleen, "It will be safer if you ask a neighbour to look after the children for the time being. The men are moving heavy furniture and it is dangerous to have young children underfoot."

Just then, Gard Egan saw Dave open the door of Fitzgerald's and said, "I can bring you over to Dave and Elsie, perhaps they can help look after them for a couple of hours."

Dave was wiping the top of the bar when Kathleen went in, followed by the two kids and Gard Egan. Dave said, "Good morning Madam, we are not open yet . . . oh, good morning, Gard Egan, how are you?"

He replied, "I'm fine thanks, and yourself?"

Dave replied, "I'm fine too, thanks, what can I do for you this fine morning?"

Gard Egan explained the situation and left.

Kathleen extended her hand to Dave, and said, "Please allow me to introduce myself, I'm Kathleen Hendley, coming to open the store across the road, and this is my nephew Harry, and this is my niece Josie, I'm very pleased to meet you, I wonder if they can stay for awhile, they promise to behave, won't be any trouble at all. I have to be over there to tell the workmen where the furniture goes, thanks."

Dave shook hands with Kathleen, went to kitchen door and called out, "Elsie, please come here, the Hendleys are here."

Elsie came out, beaming, extended her hand. "I bid you welcome, I'm very glad to meet you, and what beautiful children these are!"

Assumpta, sitting at one of the tables, saw Josie, a little girl and approached her, also extended her hand to Josie and said, "Hi, I'm Assumpta, what's your name?"

Josie, whose left hand was being held by Harry, shook hands with Assumpta. "I'm glad to meet you, my name is Josie, short for Josephine."

But Assumpta did not want to let go her hand and said, "Do you want to play? I've got some toys here." Assumpta ignored Harry altogether.

Josie looked up at Harry, who nodded. While they played, Harry sat at the next table and watched them. Assumpta was clearly not happy with this situation, went behind the bar and made a phone call.

Twenty minutes later, Ambrose came into the pub, carrying a large wooden box. "Harry," he said, "I'm glad to find you here, do you play chess? If you don't, I can teach you."

Harry replied, "Yes, I can play chess. What did the doctor say?"

Ambrose opened up the box and took out the chess pieces, saying, "Oh, ah, Dr. Ryan says I'm OK. Harry, shall we sit here?"

Harry indicated the same table, he could turn his face and check on the girls often. Soon it was lunch. Kathleen came back into the pub, paid for some sandwiches and orange juice for the two kids and left again. Ambrose packed up his chess game and left, promising to return after lunch. After the lunch arrived on his table, Harry went to the girls' table, said, "Assumpta, please excuse me, I have to help my sister eat her lunch, OK?" He then picked up Josie and carried her to a chair at his table.

First he tied a baby's bib around Josie's neck. He then used the knife to cut her sandwiches into tiny pieces, then used the fork to spear them, then handed it to Josie.  Assumpta came to watch these proceedings. After awhile, she went into the kitchen, brought her tray of lunch to Harry's table, said, "Can I eat here?" Harry put a finger to his lips, indicating silence, then nodded. After Josie ate her fork-full, Harry moved her plate of food sideways and moved the orange drink closer to her. Josie used both hands to hold the glass, while Harry put his hand under the glass, just in case she dropped it.

When her finished her whole lunch, Harry started on his own lunch which he finished all in good time. Josie turned to him and whispered something. He got up, removed his jacket and put on the back of the chair, then turned Josie's chair to the side and she jumped down. He then led her to the ladies' washroom, Assumpta followed. They went in and he waited outside.

Once the lunch was over, the pub became quiet again and Ambrose returned. This time, Josie and Assumpta sat at the next table, but closer to Harry, so he did not have to turn his face so far to see them.

Soon it was evening at Fitzgerald's, Kathleen came back and ordered dinner for the three of them. Again, Harry cut the food into tiny pieces for Josie to eat. Assumpta also ate at the same table. When asked the reason later, Kathleen explained to Assumpta: "Josie has a choking habit, when the food is too big. That's also why silence is important at their table when she is eating, so she cannot be distracted."

Brian and his 8-year-old daughter Niamh went into the pub to buy a six-pack of beer. He was entertaining at home. Niamh looked over and saw Assumpta at a table with a little girl by her side. Assumpta used her right hand to signal the motions of making a phone call to Niamh.

After dinner, Kathleen went to pay the bill and personally thanked Dave and wife for their kindness in allowing the kids to spend their time at the pub, out of harm's way.

After she taught Harry how to lock the door of the store, she told him, "I've put the appropriate cartons in various rooms. Please unpack them and store the items on the shelves, in the drawers, cabinets, etc. If you are not sure, please come and ask me, OK? Josie, you want to help me or Harry?"

She answered, "I'll help Harry first, then I'll help you, Aunty."

When Josie grew tired, she sat down or went to explore the other rooms. She came back to Harry and said, "I can't find my room."

He replied, "Let's go and look."

They went through the whole second floor. They found Kathleen in her bedroom. Next to her bedroom was the bathroom, next was the linen closet, next was Harry's room and next was the store-room, but no room for Josie.

In the storeroom, they found Josie's crib, fully re-assembled, with several cartons, next to it. Josie turned and grabbed his hand, crying, "I don't want to be here, all alone, at night. I'm scared." Harry led her wordlessly to Kathleen who looked at them, frowning.

"Aunty," he said, "Josie is scared to be in that tiny storeroom all by herself, can we put her crib in my room?"

Kathleen replied, "That's what the workmen tried, in your room, saying she would be scared, being so new in this house, but it did not fit, so they tried to put her crib in here also, but could not. All the rooms are so small. All I can think of is, she sleeps with me in my bed, until she is accustomed to this house. Harry, after a good night's rest, maybe we can come up with a better idea."

He said OK, borrowed the tape measure and returned to his room. He went into the hallway, opened both the doors of his bedroom and storeroom, told Josie, "You hold the other end of the tape, let's measure the room."

"OK, I've got an idea, let's go," he said. Entering Kathleen's room, he said, "If we can move the empty trunks to the storeroom, then her crib can come into my room. The empty trunks are quite light. If you agree, I can move her crib into the hallway now."

The phone rang, it was Ambrose, asking, "Do you need any help, moving the furniture? My dad says it is a neighbourly gesture to ask and I can stay until 10pm, tomorrow is Sunday, and I can sleep late before church."

Kathleen answered, "Ambrose, you are such a good boy, you are welcome to help, I appreciate some help, you can? Thanks, Josie and I'll come down to open the store's door now."

Once Ambrose stepped into the store, Josie slipped her hand into his and said, "C'mon, I'll show you the way upstairs." Then she led him upstairs while Kathleen re-locked the door.

Soon the boys moved the empty trunks to the storeroom and Josie's crib to Harry's room. They were now in close proximity to each other for Harry to make sure her blankets are on her and not elsewhere in the crib, by just raising his head to look.

After everything was done, Kathleen warmed up two glasses of milk and put a plate of biscuits on the kitchen table for the lads. Josie was also present but did not eat nor drink.

As the boys were relaxing, Kathleen said to Josie, "Josie, let's you and I go do some more unpacking upstairs, do you want to say good-night now? Tormorrow we'll go to Church."

Josie went to Harry, put her arms around him and kissed him on the cheek. Then she went and did the same to Ambrose. Both blushed deep red. Then both laughed after the ladies left. Harry explained to Ambrose, "When Josie was younger, she had frequent nightmares, and often fell out of bed. So my parents bought her a crib, then she had dark bruises on her hands and arms, caused by flailing about and hitting the crib's vertical bars. So mom hung soft thick foam all around, inside her crib to prevent her hitting the bars. My duty is to look in and see that she is OK, sometimes she cries for no reason, in the middle of the night, then I lower one side's bars, keep her company or read her a bed-time story till she falls asleep again, making sure the blanket is covering her well. The house at our old address was quite drafty."

Ambrose asked, "Are the nightmares still frequent?"

Harry replied, "Oh no, quite few and far apart now that she is older and understands we all love her very much. From time to time, I invent games that we can play together, to keep her entertained. Do you know somebody with an electric drill that I can borrow? We used to have a classmate who showed us how to play Chinese Checkers, but this game was sent to my friend from China and not available in the stores. Perhaps I can make one for us to play with. We don't need to read Chinese characters, it is a strategy game and very interesting. You'll like it for sure."

Ambrose looked up at the clock on the wall and said, "Will you look at that? Time flies when we are having fun, my dad has a drill, my suggestion, is to tell him your design, then let him drill the holes accurately. When you have the time, maybe we can have another chess game? We can play chess, while he's drilling the holes, OK?"

There was a knock at the door when the two boys drew back the vertical blinds to unlock the door. Gard Egan, in civvies, was waiting outside for Ambrose. So they all said their good-nights and they left. Harry re-locked the door, and went upstairs.
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The following Monday, Kathleen took the two kids to see Dr. Ryan for a check-up. While Harry and Josie waited outside in the waiting room, she told him, "Doctor, I'm worried about Harry, he's very over-protective of his sister. As you will see later, she is shorter and smaller than other girls of 10. She can pass for a little girl of 5 or 6 years old. She gets bored with playing with little girls but cannot play with 10-year-olds, when she is so little. He's always getting into fisticuffs with other children, presuming that they are bullying his sister. The two of them hardly stand around in the playground, for safety's sake. The other kids, running around, may knock her to the ground. In the meantime, is she still growing? Will she always be so small? I'm extra worried, when she reaches puberty. From the days she was very young, Josie had terrible nightmares and frequently woke up crying. Harry would take it upon himself to help her quiet down and sleep again. He is such a good boy and never once complained."

 Kathleen stopped to wipe away some falling tears. She continued, "My brother Mal worked in a uranium-mine before he died of a related disease, when Josie was one year old. His wife died two years later. Harry has very large ears and a lot of freckles and she is very small in stature. This is worrisome and I've been wondering if all that uranium-dust caused both parents to die so soon and caused all these strange ill-effects in the children. Harry is a whiz with numbers in school and he's always inventing games with numbers to confound and entertain his sister and other shool-mates. He has told me he wants to be an arithmetic teacher when he grows up. It's a blessing that they also believe in God and attend Church every Sunday."

Dr. Ryan replied, "Let me check them over and give you the results when they become available. Meanwhile, mum's the word, we don't want to alarm them."

The Head-Master brought Harry to Ambrose's class, where Brendan was teaching. Then he brought Josie to Assumpta's classroom, where Linda was teaching. At recess, they all played together. After school, they all went the same way home, Harry always held hands with his sister, and made sure he walked on the outside. Sometimes he even carried her schoolbag, although their aunt forebade him to do so, saying his sister would grow up stronger if allowed to carry it herself.

Whenever Dave and Elsie Fitzgerald could spare the time on a Sunday after early church, they always made up a large picnic basket or two, invited the Egans, Hendleys and Quigleys to have a field day on the other bank of the River Angel, where all the children enjoyed themselves thoroughly.

All the other students knew Ambrose was the son of a Gard. So nobody ever bothered him. But Harry was different. All the other children liked to sneak up behind him then flicked his large ears, startling him. At first he was good-naturedly laughing it off. Then he got angry and was quick to punch the offenders. He was so good at it, that the "ear-flicker" rarely had time to get away.

In time everybody learned to keep away from him. One day, he came out of the washroom and instantly felt his ear flicked, he spun around and was about to punch the offender when he heard Assumpta shout, "NO, HARRY, STOP, PLEASE DON'T HIT HER."

He stopped and felt Assumpta grab his arm, saying, "It's alright, Harry, it is only a new girl, she doesn't know, I'll set her straight, you run along now."

Harry turned and looked into her green eyes, then whispered, "Assumpta, it is lucky you are nearby, otherwise I may hurt her badly, and thanks."

Assumpta led the other girl away and Harry looked around for his sister. He found her talking to Ambrose and Niamh, sitting at the edge of the playground. They have made a friendly pact to look after Josie, if the others were busy. After school, the five of them walked home quietly. Assumpta told Ambrose the whole story later on the phone and asked him to keep it to himself.

That evening, Ambrose asked his father for advice, saying he promised to keep it to himself, but wanted to help Harry avoid this scenario in the future.

His father first phoned Brendan, then went to his closet and brought out a old schoolboy cap, with ear-warmer flap folded down, then handed it to Ambrose saying, "Next time you see him, tell him Brendan says it's OK to wear this at recess, but not in class, just wear it low and over his ears. Also tell him to have a wall behind him so nobody can sneak up on him, sort of removing the temptation. I have also requested Brendan to ask the Head-Master to warn the general population of school-children NOT to bother him or his sister. He's a growing boy, getting more muscular, he can pack a powerful punch. He can really hurt somebody, especially an unsuspecting new student."

The following Monday morning, Kathleen was in Dr. Ryan's office, alone. He told her, "Both children are in good health, no need to worry. Also, here's a doctor and patient privacy system, whatever we discuss here, stays here. Harry's behavior is caused by lack of a man in the household. When his father died, there was a void, so he took charge. To counter-act this situation, we need to involve him in more sports to divert his energy to another direction. I suggest you mention to him to join Ambrose in some energetic sports like track and field, basketball, football, discus, hurdles, javelin, swimming, if possible, ask Assumpta to involve Josie in the same sports, something like a Big Sister, to help take the pressure off Harry."

Kathleen was frowning, in deep thought, finally said, "Those are good suggestions, Doctor, but I wonder if Ambrose and Assumpta will mind taking Harry and Josie under their wing, so to speak, Harry and Ambrose, being almost the same age, height and health condition, will do well, but Josie may not be easy to do what the other 10-year-olds can play, and what a heavy burden I'll be putting on Assumpta, may even deprive her of some life's enjoyment. And if Assumpta balks at taking care of Josie, Harry will drop out."

The doctor replied, "I'm way ahead of you in that respect. I have spoken to Brendan. When Ambrose and Harry practise, Assumpta and Josie may watch, from the stands, or they may be home, playing girl games, or practise ballet dancing or play-acting roles for theatres . . . if Josie is in good hands, Harry will simmer down and concentrate on the sports. Brendan tells me he's announcing the various events and practice times, tomorrow. So please speak to them tonight . . . Ambrose and Assumpta have already agreed to this arrangement, through their parents' encouragement. Including Niamh, all these three are single children in their respective households and an additional kid will make them happy, not a chore. Assumpta even promises to hold Josie's hand, at all times. After your suggestions to them and if both agree, then tell them Ambrose and Assumpta have already agreed, then there's no pressure on your kids to agree."

Kathleen was crying happily, "Oh, Doctor Ryan, thank you very much for being so kind and thoughtful. I feel better already."
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From then on, Ambrose and Harry attended every sports event meeting, grew up strong and healthy, winning many trophies along the way. Harry was also happy, knowing Josie was learning girlish skills from Assumpta.

Assumpta and Josie also excelled in their own curriculum and other sports in school. Assumpta guided Josie as best she could. In time Josie also grew taller to almost the same height as Assumpta.

Assumpta, Ambrose, Josie and Niamh were also doing fine in school, especially when Harry made sure they learned their arithmetic calculations well.

After every Sunday Mass, the four families would converge on Fitzgerald's before heading off to the other river bank with their picnic baskets for a day in the sun for fun and games. All the teenagers grew a strong bond to each other.
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In time, Josie took over the whole bedroom, now that she's a young lady. Harry and Ambrose moved all the trunks out to the concrete storage facility in the backyard and Harry lived in that small storeroom. He did not mind it at all as long as Josie was happy.

When Kathleen was young, she took music lessons, paid for by her mom Julia. Presently she was the Church's organist and taught her nephew and niece the goodness of music in her spare time.

The four of them also took up ballroom and modern dancing, singing, playing music, sometimes forming a quartet, sometimes a trio, sometimes a duo, sometimes a solo. All their elders were so proud of them. Every chance they got, they enjoyed happy and wonderful times together, mostly double-dating . . . Harry and Assumpta, Ambrose and Josie. They danced together and changed partners, and then back again.

The four of them were walking on the other bank of the Angel River, Harry and Assumpta were walking slower and slower. Harry was in deep thought. Then Harry told Assumpta, "I've been thinking of you all the time, before going to bed and when I wake up in the morning, then throughout the day, I think I'm falling in love with you, Assumpta. There's a song that I want to sing at this coming Saturday evening, it goes like this . . . I love you because you understand me, but most of all, because you are you . . . Is there any chance you can love me back? If not, I'll still go on loving you till the end of time, until I die, forever and forever, and . . . "

He could not say anymore because Assumpta's lips were kissing his lips, after she reached up and pulled his head down to hers. They were standing like this, holding each other tightly. Then they pulled apart, breathing heavily, she put her head onto his chest.

Harry held her with both arms, then stroked her back, then said, "I hope we will never part. I don't know what will happen to me if you leave me."

She looked up into his eyes and said, "I love you too and I'll never leave you, Harry."

They heard Ambrose say, "It's getting late and looks like rain soon, we better hurry home."

On that Saturday afternoon, Assumpta and Josie was practising in Hendley's music room while Ambrose and Harry were setting up the sound equipment in the pub, running the loudspeakers' wires overhead so nobody could trip over the wires if they were on the floor. As they were preparing to leave, Ambrose said, "Harry, I'm falling in love with Josie. She's very special to me and I want to tell her so. Can I have your blessing and permission please?"

Harry extended his hand. "I'll consider it an honour and I know you'll cherish and love her as I have. You are a good person and I'm glad." When they arrived back at the Hendleys', Harry said, "Ambrose please tell Assumpta I want to see her, to give yourselves a few minutes' privacy. Then we are coming back in."

Harry led Assumpta by the hand to the sitting room. There they kissed and held each other tightly. Then they sat down to some refreshments, chatted and told her there will be a surprise later. When they returned, Ambrose and Josie were all smiles. Josie rushed over to hug and kiss Harry, saying , "Thanks a lot, Harry." Then she went and hugged Assumpta and whispered into her ear. Thereafter Assumpta was smiling happily also.

Looking forward to university soon, in the next few months, they earned pocket money, playing music at the pub and in turn the pub was advertising "American Vaudeville Music of the 20's, 30's, and the 40's' every Saturday evening, from 7pm to 12 midnight."

On weekends, after doing their homework, they would bring their instruments to the pub. The boys would play their musical instruments, while the girls danced the Irish jigs or a pair would play and the other pair would dance. After Harry and Assumpta danced a slow one, they ended in an ardent kiss, holding each other tightly, making the other bar patrons, like Brendan, Michael, Padraig and Siobhan whoop, holler, whistle and clap loudly.

It was the same with Ambrose and Josie. While dancing they gazed into each other's eyes only and ignored everybody, then also ended by kissing each other, closed their eyes and held each other tightly. After the applause diminished, they separated and danced another number, always ended in each other's arms, kissing.

One of their songs was:

Forever and ever, our love will be true,

Sweethearts forever, our love so true . . .


Kathleen and their parents knew their children had grown up and fallen in love. They too, were very happy.

The only unhappy person was Father MacAnally, sometimes having a drink with Brian, on a Saturday evening, witnessed all this hugging and kissing by these young people. The Father would include these behaviors in his Sunday sermons, saying they were too young to indulge in all these sinful exhibitions of love, in a public house, under the noses of their parents.

Then, he had the audacity of visiting the pub thereafter, ordering a whisky and not wanting to pay, saying it was a God-given charity not to make him pay. "What a cheap-skate, if he has no money, then don't drink," Dave would say to his wife. "Next time, please call me, if you are so extravagant to let him get away with it. I'll say it to his face, I may even throw him out, after all, in his Sunday sermon, he was saying our children were sinful, being loving and kissing. What a hypocrite he is! Where's that broom? Please put it next to the kitchen door to make it handy for me to grab it."

Elsie said, "Dave, you wouldn't! Assault with a deadly weapon is against the law. What if he calls the Gards?"

Dave replied, "What, me worry? If he drinks and doesn't pay, I call it stealing . . . If I'm not here, tell him we are running a business and not a charity. Oh, good morning, Gard, I mean, er, Henry . . . the usual orange juice?"

Henry Egan sat down on a bar-stool and said, "Good morning, Dave, yes I need an orange juice, please. Did you mention 'stealing'? Who?"

So Dave repeated the earlier event and Henry agreed. "Or, tell him the price first, if he does not hand over the money, just stand there watching him or just ignore him and walk into the kitchen. Pretty soon, he gives up the idea and leaves. There's no need to get violent."


It was a particularly stormy Saturday around noon, during the summer holidays, when the phone rang. Harry picked it up and said, "Hello, Ambrose? How are you and your parents?  Oh, good . . . oh, we are fine also, thanks. It's raining cats and dogs here. Yes, I have filled up our van's petrol tank and have removed all the rubbish, there's plenty of room for ALL your luggage, don't worry. Pardon me? . . . Oh, I see . . . your plane's delayed . . . due to bad weather . . . yes, I understand . . . Josie is cooking . . . please wait . . ."

Josie indicated to Harry to keep stirring the rabbit stew in the pot and put the cordless phone to her left ear. "Hello, Ambrose, how was your holiday? Good, I'm happy for you all. Yes, I understand . . . hopefully the storm will abate soon. Yes, I miss you too, very much so . . . yes, I hope you'll be home soon . . . and . . . see . . . .each other . . . again . . . "

When Harry heard that, he knew Josie was letting her emotion rise and losing her cool. He put his arm around her and drew her close. She was crying softly, while still holding the phone to her ear. Her right arm went around his waist. Harry guessed Ambrose was still talking and perhaps consoling Josie.

Kathleen came into the store's kitchen, saw what was happening, and shoo-ed her two young adults away from the stove, then resumed cooking. Josie's crying stopped and she whispered into the phone, "I miss you very much, Ambrose, please hurry back to me."

Harry and Josie were still holding to each other when there was a knock on the kitchen's back door, and Assumpta called out, "May I come in?"

Kathleen replied, "Please come in, the door's open."

Assumpta came in and greeted everybody pleasantly, saying, "I've tried to phone but got a busy signal. Any word from Ambrose yet? With this bad weather . . . "

Harry answered, "We've just got off the phone with Ambrose, they're delayed till further notice, we're having rabbit stew, care to join us?"

Assumpta replied, "Let me get some supplies from Kathleen with this shopping list first, then I'll return for some, thereafter we can practise for tonight's show." She handed the list to Kathleen, then walked over to Harry. That was when she noticed the red eyes of Josie as she rested her head on Harry's chest.

Josie smiled sheepishly at Assumpta but made no move to leave Harry's side. But Harry was not deterred, he reached for Assumpta with his other arm and drew her close, put his head to her forehead. Then he started to kiss her on the lips, all the while Josie was watching. Assumpta was kissing him back but awkwardly, since she could not hold him also, Josie was in the way.

Kathleen came back into the kitchen and called out, "Josie, I need a hand." Josie gently pulled her arm out from between Harry and Assumpta, replaced the phone into the recharging cradle and left.

When Josie returned, she said, "Harry, the list is completed, Aunty says for you to deliver the supplies to the pub, but be extra careful crossing the road in the rain."

After he returned, the three of them ate the stew, then planned and practised in the backyard concrete shed, which also served as their exercise room and Kathleen's storage facility. Shortly after Kathleen's arrival, the Hendleys, Egans and Fitzgeralds had pooled their 'sweat equities', demolished the dilapidated former wooden structure and built this mortar and brick building. Kathleen was very glad that it turned out to be a very useful and sound investment.

Tonight, at the pub, it started with Harry playing music and the girls danced some Irish dances, then as one girl played, Harry would dance with the other girl. Sometimes he would also sing some favourite songs, while the two girls accompanied him.

Sometimes, when the dance got him emotional dancing with Assumpta, he kissed her, much to the delight of the patrons, some of whom travelled from Cilldargan and the surrounding villages.

A few days later, after the Egans came back from their holiday, the four were in the sitting room of the Hendleys, chatting and looking at holiday photos . . . when Harry chuckled, looked at the other three, then burst out laughing. Everybody was surprised and looked at him curiously. Even, Kathleen, who was going from her kitchen to the store, hesitated and stopped, she exclaimed, "Harry, what's come over you?"

Harry said, "Oh no, I haven't gone mad, I just thought of a strange episode of our lives, a couple of years ago, when Dr. Ryan said to me alone, in his doctor's office, 'Harry, I have both good and bad news for you, which do you want first?' So I replied, 'Good news, of course.' He said, 'Harry, you are falling in love with Assumpta, but you were worried about Josie. And the bad news, you are losing your sister Josie . . . no . . . .Harry . . . no . . . please don't cry, it's alright, she is not leaving you, Ambrose loves her and will be wanting to hold her hand from now on. I was just joking, Harry, please don't mind me. Actually both are good news, I was just pulling your leg, please forgive me. Everything's will be alright.' "

Ambrose said, "Yes, I remember that day well. Josie mentioned to Assumpta that you have been squeezing her hand very hard and it was painful, so she asked one of us instead. I volunteered and you knocked my hand away quite hard. You stood up really quick and we glared at each other. We nearly came to blows, not because of my sore arm, but because you may still squeeze her hand HARD again later that day."

"Luckily, Assumpta phoned Dr. Ryan to ask for his medical guidance. Believe me, that day was tense. I did not want to lose a good friend like you. I still remember, after you came out of his office, a strange phenomenon happened. You led Josie to me and put her hand in mine. And the rest is history. But why are you revealing his findings now?"

Harry took a deep breath and said, "I hope his predictions will come true, without any prompting from other people and he's right 100%. Besides I have to wait for you or Josie to inform me, before the cycle is complete. I think I'll buy the good doctor a drink at the pub."

Assumpta and Josie, almost spoke at the same time, "What cycle?"

Before Harry could reply, Ambrose said to the ladies, "Remember that Saturday Assumpta, I told you Harry wanted to see you? You do? That's the day I told him that I was falling in love with Josie. I was so relieved when he said 'OK'. "

Dr. Ryan was surprised when Dave brought over his orange juice and told him, "This is paid for, and the next three are also free. You have some very satisfied patients."
___________________

Harry was awakened by Josie's crying bitterly in the middle of the night. He went to knock on her bedroom door. Normally she opened soon after, but this time the door did not open. He tried the knob but the door was locked. He called out, "Josie, please open the door, is everything OK?" He kept on knocking, louder and louder, quite alarmed, knowing his room's window overlooked the main street. He was thinking maybe somebody got in and frightened her. Kathleen also came to add her voice to alert her to open the door, but to no avail.

Harry then said to Kathleen, "I'm going to check outside to look up, you keep calling." He threw on a jacket over his pyjamas, grabbed the key and went downstairs. There was no damage to her window and he came back inside and re-locked the store's door.

He came back upstairs and listened at her door. It was a very mournful crying that he never heard before, he told Kathleen he's opening it with his spare key and to bring the cordless phone, in preparation to calling Dr. Ryan. Harry called out, "Josie, if you don't open the door now, I'm opening it with my spare key. I hope you are decent."

After the door was opened, he turned on the overhead light and found her, seated at the make-up table, facing the mirror, all her hair dishevelled, her tears wetting her face and pyjamas front, eyes wide-open, yet unseeing and no recongnition toward them. Harry signalled Kathleen to phone the doctor.

Harry rushed to her bed and grabbed her robe, then sat next to her, on the bench. He put her robe on her first, then he put his arm around her gently and he softly spoke her name, "Josie, Josie, Aunt Kathleen and Harry are here, we all love you very much, please don't be frightened, I'm here to keep you company, no need to worry, everything's going to be alright, I'll be here all night." His actual touch startled her into instant recognition and the bitter crying started again in earnest.

Presently, she gently turned to him and held him tight, with both arms, saying, "Harry, please never leave me, I'm so afraid, I don't want to lose you, I love you and Aunty Kathleen, please be with us forever, please promise me to be together with me forever." Josie's tears just kept on falling and Harry was so unhappy to see her like that. Suddenly she whispered in his ear, "Somebody is coming up the stairs to take me away from you. Please don't let him do it. Please resist it with all your might."

Harry stroked her back, kissed her cheek. "No, don't worry, I won't let that happen, it's only Kathleen . . . "

Josie was screaming and struggling. "Harry, please hold me tight, don't let him come in, he's removing me from this room . . . ."

Kathleen came in, saying, "Josie, it's alright, it's only Dr. Ryan, you know him, he's here to see you, remember you told me he's a good caring person?"

She was struggling so much, he was losing his grip. She kept shouting, "NO, please keep him away, Harry, Harry, are you there? Please answer me, where are you?" She was so strong and sounding so desperate, Harry felt a chill in his heart. She was always so gentle toward him. Suddenly she was quiet again, whispered, "I'm very tired, can you read me a bed-time story Harry, please keep me company, please don't leave me."

Dr. Ryan, standing in the hallway, just out of her sight, heard everything. He was able to see and signalled to Harry to help her sleep. Harry said to her, "Put your head on my shoulder, I'll sing some songs for you, all the favourites you like, OK? Then I'll comb your hair, then I'll carry you to bed later."

While Harry made her comfortable and relaxed her with songs and combing her long blond hair, Kathleen changed all her bed-sheets, fluffed up her pillows and prepared her blankets. Then Kathleen adjusted all the windows and curtains. She thought maybe the billowing curtains caused anxiety for her niece.

That night, Josie slept with the overhead light on and Harry sat in a chair, next to her bed. He made sure she was well-covered by the blankets. Kathleen even brought him a large torch (flashlight) handy in case the electricity went off. It had an attached strap for him to put on his shoulder. She also gave him a notebook, pencil and a handwritten note from the doctor. It instructed him to ask her about the night's events.

Harry's hand was on the bed so that any movement made by Josie would wake him. His eyes were on her when she awoke. He smiled and wished her, "Good Morning Josie, how are you?"

She replied, "I feel great, I'm fully rested but why are you in my room? Have you been sitting here all night?"

Harry answered, "Yes, I've been here to keep you company. You've had a nightmare last night. Do you remember anything? Please tell me everything. I'll copy down all your comments in this notebook."

Josie sat up and Harry helped her put on her robe and gathered it all around behind her and pulled up the blankets to her shoulders.  She closed her eyes and said, "In my dream, there was a dark figure who was talking to me . . . then I felt extreme melancholy, sadness, unhappiness, anxiety, despair and I could not move, nor speak. I could not hear what was being said but the message I received was clear . . . something would happen to separate us forever . . . I tried to shout my objections but nothing came out . . . then the figure disappeared and my voice returned but all I could do was cry . . . I heard muffled sounds all around me and I could not see anything except a light so I went forward. I bumped into something which would not open, I felt so hopeless and helpless, so I cried more . . . I kept calling Harry, Harry, where are you? Please help me . . . but there was no answer, I felt so desperate . . . "

Harry copied everything down, then hugged Josie, saying, "Don't worry, Josie, it is just a nightmare, I'm here and you are safe. I intend to ask Aunt Kathleen to allow my bed in here.

Later that day, Kathleen asked all four to help re-arrange the furniture upstairs so Harry and Josie can sleep in the same room again. Kathleen knew Josie would be most happy with Harry around. Harry's notes from Josie were given to the doctor for her medical file.

Their beds were now side by side, separated by the night table with a single desk-light, and a clock on it.
The large mirror was separated from the make-up table, which was relegated to another corner of the room.
_________________________

Kathleen, always the devout Catholic, went to church more often now, praying that her niece Josie's medical condition would improve soon.

Soon everything went back to normal, as if this unhappy episode never happened. Josie was chatty and friendly as ever. Everybody was preparing for the end of the summer holidays and the beginning of the university days.

Both Kathleen and Harry were worried. Josie's nightmares were getting more severe. Assumpta and Josie were to be room-mates at the university, but could Assumpta cope with this situation?

Josie said, "The weather report announced a sunny Sunday soon. I suggest having a picnic on the other side of the River Angel. Aunty Kathleen, do you want to join us?"

Kathleen replied, "Oh no, I'm going to church, you young people have fun."

When the day arrived, Josie was feeling a bit under the weather. Harry noticed this and tried to cancel this picnic, he said, "Why don't we stay home and play cards? We can have the picnic in the back-yard, the food still taste the same anyway."

Josie insisted but packed more toiletries in a ladies' bag which had a shoulder strap. Ambrose and Josie walked in front and she was carrying her ladies bag. Harry and Assumpta brought up the rear holding the picnic basket. Niamh did not attend because her parents were expecting company. They spread out their blankets, under a mature and gnarled old tree, sat or lay down to enjoy the warm sunshine and cool breeze, talking about the good old days and the future University days, sipping their drinks.

Josie was leaning against Ambrose, then she said, "Please excuse me, I have to go to the bathroom, I won't be a minute, oh, no need for any of you to accompany me, I'll just duck behind my favourite tree, I'll be back shortly." She grabbed her ladies bag and left.

Harry watched her go and said, "Josie, please be careful stepping over any protruding tree roots. They are easy to trip over if you are careless."

She was gone less than a minute, when a sudden gust of wind blew over their drinks' containers, the sky grew very dark with black ominous clouds, heavy rain lashed down, lightning and thunder boomed directly overhead.

While Ambrose and Assumpta tried hurriedly to gather up everything, Harry stood up and glanced in the general direction where Josie went to the bathroom.

Suddenly all three people collapsed, felled by falling branches and leaves, caused by the fierce winds.

Gard Egan felt the thunder was too close for comfort but knew he could not use the phone*, mobile or not, to call his son. So he donned his Gard's rain-wear, took along the emergency kit, wearing special boots and gloves, drove out to find their son and his friends who told him earlier where they were going, after instructing his wife to tell other villagers to stand by in case he needed help.

*Use of any phone, mobile and otherwise, not recommended in an electrical storm.

When he arrived at that location, the storm had abated and there were lots of shrubbery and debris strewn all over the place. Some blackened trees were also smouldering, after being struck by lightning. The four young adults were nowhere to be seen.

He turned on the bull-horn and started calling, "Ambrose, Ambrose, where are you? Can you hear me? Harry! Assumpta! Josie! Anybody there? Please say something, we'll come and get you."

Soon, other voices were also calling. Other residents also joined Gard Egan to search. Gard Egan called out, "Everybody, please fan out and keep your eyes peeled and please look under any fallen branches. Be careful where you step, you don't want to step on the kids."

 Suddenly, there was a shout, "Over here, Gard Egan, please call for more Gards and more ambulances, I have found Ambrose and Assumpta, they are unconcious, but no blood. Oh, my God, Harry is very bloodied. Somebody please help me move the branches, maybe Josie is nearby . . . "

Three Ambulances and more Gards arrived with chain-saws and helped move the tree branches, etc so that the ambulance personnel can load the injured onto the stretchers. But Josie was not found. A few of the Gards used powerful torches and slowly went through the trees' undergrowth to look for her. They came upon her badly charred body at the base of a tree that had been struck by lightning. The Gards examined her on the spot, discovered no vital signs and no pulse.

One Gard waited with her while the others went to guide the ambulance personnel who put her into a stretcher and took her out to the Ambulance.

Meanwhile Gard Egan also notified his wife, asked Dr. Ryan to look for Kathleen in the church, told Dave and Elsie to come to the picnic area. Kathleen was practising on the Church organ when the doctor found her. He drove her to see Gard Egan. Then they all followed the ambulances to the hospital.
_______________

At the hospital, they were led into a large bright room with comfortable chairs around a large table, with a large pot of tea and cups on it. They all drank tea while waiting for news.

A doctor came in and told them the extent of their children's injuries. Josie had died instantly, Harry was critical with a fractured skull and other bone breakages. Both Assumpta and Ambrose were unconcious with Concussion, numerous scrapes and bruises but no broken bones. They were immediately sedated while their other injuries were being treated.

Dr. Ryan, all the parents and Kathleen appeared stunned by all this news.

The spokesman doctor continued, "Right now Harry is in surgery. The surgeons will open his skull to relieve the pressure on his swollen brain. All his other injuries will be looked after. Thereafter, when everything is stabilised, he will be put into a state of  'induced coma' to speed his recovery."

"Right now this is all the diagnosis I have for you. I suggest you all go home and rest. And Kathleen, the Garda will want to see you for a positive identifying of the body, so that we can start on the autopsy (or post mortem) prior to releasing it to you for burial. May I also suggest one of your friends here accompany you, for this unpleasant task."

Dr. Ryan said to everybody in general, "I'll go with Kathleen, all of you go home and rest. Tomorrow, I'll fill you in with all the details."

The next day, all the affected parents, met with the doctor at Fitzgerald's. He said, "I have given Kathleen a sedative. She needed to rest. A positive identification of Josie was made using dental charts. Autopsy will be done this morning, after which the funeral parlour will be notified."

A few days later, all the villagers gathered at the Church for the funeral Mass of Josie Hendley. There were heaps of flowers all over the Closed Casket. Kathleen was unconsolable and cried bitterly. On either side of her were the Fitzgeralds and the Egans. The doctor sat with Brendan, Siobhan, Padraig, and the Quigleys.

Father Mac was presiding over the Mass and sometimes he could be heard; "The Lord works in mysterious ways . . . the Lord giveth . . . and the Lord taketh away . . . "

After the ceremony, all the able-bodied friends became the pall-bearers to help carry the casket to the hearse, and from thence to the cemetery for burial.

Thereafter they all converged at the pub for some quiet chatting and light drinking. Kathleen sat with old friends but was understandably quiet. Her mind was still on the unconcious Harry and his buddies. Everybody else was also respectfully soft in their conversation. There was no loud laughter.

A week later, Kathleen received a letter from the hospital, asking if Harry had long-term medical insurance to see him through his lengthy rehabilitation. She was quite upset and phoned Father Mac for advice. Father Mac picked up the phone. "Hello? Oh, Kathleen, yes, it's Father Mac . . . slow down . . . slow down, Kathleen, just read the letter over the phone, yes, I'll write it down here, no need to panic, yes, I got all of it . . . let me find out and I'll call you back, in the meantime, relax, alright? Don't worry. Goodbye."

A few days later, Father Mac called Kathleen to make an appointment to come and see him, bringing the hospital letter and any documentations of Harry.
When she arrived, she was ushered into another waiting room, where she was joined by Father Mac and another priest, a Father Lundin.

After the usual round of introductions, Father Lundin explained, "When a patient cannot pay for intensive long-term care, the hospital usually notify us to look after them, and the government pays the Church, to supply the medical care and the necessities of life, to see the patient live out his/her days in relative peace and quiet, a person so richly deserve. If and when the patient recovers fully, then he/she will be integrated back into society."

He continued, "Harry will be well cared for, by retired nursing staff, helped by retired priests and nuns, just like a real hospital, there will be medical facilities, with hired orderlies, cleaning staff, drivers, to push his wheel-chair, or help him bathe. And for recreation, Harry will be carried onto a large ferry for transporting to a neighbouring island to enjoy all sorts of festivals, feasts, Mass, etc."

Kathleen, was enthralled, totally mesmerized, hanging onto every word uttered by Father Lundin. She was thinking, "Harry will be alright. He's just a good boy. I hope he can recover fully, with such good quality care. What more can I ask for?"

She said, "How do I apply for this care?"

Father Lundin reached into his black briefcase and took out a handful of forms and handed them to her, saying, "Please fill up these forms as soon as possible. Then bring them back here and hand to Father Mac. He will in turn notify us to come and get them. Once we have checked them and found them to be in order, we'll initiate the procedure."

When she got off the bus back in BallyK, Dr. Ryan was just coming out of the pub. She greeted him and asked if she could have a word with him. They went into the doctor's office and she showed him all the forms to be filled. He looked through them and grew more and more disturbed.

Finally he spoke, raising an eyebrow quizzedly. "Kathleen, even if you haven't got two pennies to rub together, the hospital will NOT put him out into the street. They will not abandon him. The hospital still have compassion. They will have other facilities at other hospitals to look after him, though maybe NOT in the luxury mode like what you just heard from Father Lundin. Let me make some enquiries regarding Harry's health condition. Can you wait outside please?"

Fifteen minutes later, he called her into his office again. The doctor started, "Harry's condition is very grave, but not life-threatening . . . as for full recovery I doubt it very much. We may never see him totally on his own, combing his hair, brushing his teeth, going to the washroom, entirely on his own volition. Personally, I would rather have him resting in convalescing hospital near here, so we can go visit him. And hopefully he may one day "notice" us sufficiently to smile and acknowledge our presence. I'm sorry." He turned and wiped away some tears. Then he continued, "He was such a good musical young man, brought us alot of joy and I'm sure many of us will like to see him on a daily basis, maybe bring him some music to hear. Even if he does not show recognition, does not mean he does not have some inner happiness which his face does not show and we cannot see."

"Why don't you sleep on it? Think carefull what I've just told you. I'm sure you will feel differently in the morning. There's no hurry. You can still change your mind, after he's been with the convalescing hospital some years down the road. I'm sure, if Harry can hear us, I'm sure he will feel glad to hear familiar voices.  Even Father Lundin
has no guarantee that Harry will ever recover fully. Or will you like a third opinion? Why don't I phone Brendan to come here now? Harry was also his favourite student, along with Assumpta and Ambrose. Another thing, since Josie is buried at the local cemetery near here, maybe their loving past bonding may help, can't hurt."

Kathleen waited patiently for Brendan to arrive. Then the three of them discussed it further. They all agreed upon the convalescing hospital. Dr. Ryan even promised to pull some strings to make sure Harry gets the closest hospital near BallyK. "I don't have any patients tomorrow, why don't I bring you to chat with the Director of the hospital? I'll phone for an appointment and then pick you up, OK?"

The next day, Michael phoned at 9am and made an appointment for 2pm. Then he called Kathleen but got the answering machine. He left a message and waited for her to call back to acknowledge it. 12 noon came by and there was still no return call from Kathleen.

Michael was getting irate and went to see her. There was a sign inside the door, saying: "Gone with Father Mac to Cildargan," and Michael rushed back to his office to cancel the 2pm appointment. Then he had a sinking feeling that Kathleen had decided to go with Father Lundin's idea after all.

"Well, it is my day off, I'll have a stiff orange juice at the pub." He went in, saw Brendan having a sandwich, pointed at a table and sat down.

Brendan said, "Why the long face? Did you just lose a good friend?" Michael told him what transpired and it was Brendan's turn to be unhappy.  Brendan moaned, "Of all the conniving tricks, she must have made up her mind already or she was persuaded by a phone message, left on her answering machine by Father Mac. This is a lucrative deal for the Church. How can she be so stupid NOT to see it our way?"

Michael said, "I'll see Kathleen later, just to get the facts. If it is bad news, can you organize a visitors' party, so at least we can see him one last time?"

Kathleen finally came home around 8pm and called Michael. She began, "I'm sorry Dr. Ryan, during last night I filled up all the forms and asked Father Mac to drive me back to Cildargan to see Father Lundin. In my heart I really want Harry to recover fully, so one day he can take over this shop. I have no other descendants to inherit it."

Dr. Ryan sighed loudly and said, "If only we can believe everything the Church tells us, we'll be rich, beyond our widest dreams. Kathleen, even the doctors, surgeons and specialists cannot assure me that Harry will recover fully, how can a priest, without medical knowledge, tell me differently?"

Kathleen was silent and finally said, "I'm sorry, my mind is made up. The forms have been checked, processed and it is a matter of time now. I bid you good-night now."

The next day, some thirty people drove to the hospital, in hopes of seeing Harry one last time. When they arrived at his door, they found it to be locked. So they enquired at the reception desk and was told Harry had been transferred to an unknown hospital, that, only the next-of-kin will have knowledge of.

So, all of them drove back to BallyK and asked Kathleen. She told them, "I have not been informed yet. When they do, I'll let you know."

Days turned into weeks and still Kathleen received nothing.

Meanwhile Assumpta and Ambrose recovered enough to be brought home for more convalescing. All the villagers were told by Michael to keep Harry's news TOP SECRET till further notice. Michael was afraid of repercussions re their health might suffer, knowing these remaining three friends were particularly close to each other. Even Josie's death was kept from them, saying Josie was still recovering at another hospital.

About a month later, Assumpta and Ambrose were fully recovered enough to the point that they could function entirely on their own. Then on a Sunday, after Mass, they were seated at the pub, with all their family and friends around them, Assumpta and Ambrose were told about Josie. Both of them burst into tears and cried bitterly. Dr. Ryan was on hand just in case. Their respective parents tried their best to console them, sitting close and hugging them.

The two young friends cried so much and were so sad that the adults also cried. Then they were driven to the local cemetery to pray at the graveside of Josie where a large mound of roses and flowers were ever present. They were not told about Harry, but said he was at a special hospital in England.

Three months passed, again Dr. Ryan pressed Kathleen for more details, but she had no information for him, saying she had not received any notification whatsoever from Father Lundin. Dr. Ryan said to her, "Aren't you at least a bit curious as to the progress of his medical situation, after all, he had disappeared for a few months already and your Father Lundin has promised you a possible miracle . . . "

Kathleen cut him off and said, "You have no right to be so sarcastic, Dr. Ryan, please leave now, I'm very upset at all these questions, you of all people, should have more faith in the Lord . . . "

Dr. Ryan went to see the director of the hospital, having made an appointment after seeing Kathleen. After they usual pleasantries, Dr. Ryan told him all that he knew.

The director went to his filing cabinet and took out a folder with Harry Hendley's name on its front in bold printing. He leafed through it, then turned it around and pushed the open pages toward Dr. Ryan. He read through it, sighed loudly, looked at the director and said, "Not much to go by, isn't it? How in heaven's name can we search for his whereabouts, with so little clues? Even a private detective will have trouble adding two and two together, to deduce some sort of direction for the investigation to go forward. Why would the Church be so secretive, unless they know some mumbo jumbo secret cure that we of the medical profession do not know about? This is getting ridiculous!" He thanked the Director, said goodbye and left.

The next day, before his surgery opened, Dr. Ryan phoned a friend of his, saying in part, "I'm hoping you can help, in any way, shape or form. I appreciate your help and the next T-bone steak dinner is my treat, yes, you and your wife will be my guests, I promise."

A week later, the friend phoned Dr. Ryan, "I'm sorry, all our questions drew blanks. When a newspaper editor cannot find out any information, it must be the world's most well-kept secret." Dr. Ryan thanked him and hung up the phone.

Next he went to see Gard Egan and told him all that had transpired. Henry Egan then said, "Since this is not an official enquiry, we'll have to be discreet. We don't want a public outcry without any concrete evidence. Please leave it to me and I'll see what I can do. I have a Gard meeting to attend tomorrow, after which I'll seek my senior Gard's opinion."

Assumpta helped her parents at the pub and Ambrose did odd jobs, earning and saving pocket money towards his future university tuition, but it could be seen that they were not happy. They had decided not to attend university this year because too much time had lapsed. They would attend next year. Every now and then, they would ask Kathleen for any tidbits of information but none was forecoming. They were very disappointed and lost weight.

At the Pub, just before closing, all the usual close friends were there, when Dr. Ryan came in, waving a letter in his hand. "Come, gather round, I have some news," he said.

Eagerly, they did and someone handed Dr. Ryan a knife to open the envelope. Dr. Ryan started to read, "Thanks for your letter, enquiring into the disappearance of a Mr. Harry Hendley. We have searched all our records and files for the last 20 years and discovered that his folder has been "sealed" and nothing short of a court order requested by the next-of-kin, can it be opened. We are sorry and hereby apologize for any inconvience they may cause you. If you still have anymore questions, please do not hesitate to contact us."

Everybody was stunned, silent and speechless. Suddenly Assumpta burst into tears loudly and started screaming, "It's not fair, it's not fair, Harry deserves much better than this, he's such a good person, why are they doing this? What is the address? I'll go there and complain personally, Ambrose, will you go with me, please?"

Ambrose answered, "I'll go with you, but first we get a good night's sleep, then show this letter to Kathleen tomorrow . . . ."  

"No, Ambrose," Dr. Ryan cut him off, "the last thing is to inform Kathleen of our intentions. She's not on our side, you see. She fell for this ruse of the Church, hook, line and sinker, against the good advice of Brendan and myself. We'll meet here at 8 AM . . . I suggest Assumpta, Ambrose, Gard Egan, Brendan and myself go and see Father Mac or Lundin."

Gard Egan, in uniform, presented himself at the reception desk of Father Mac, asking to see him urgently. When the secretary heard from the inner office, she motioned for him to follow her to see Father Mac. That's when Assumpta and friends marched into Father Mac's study, who stood up to greet them warmly, "Welcome, my friends, this is indeed a pleasant surprise, please take a seat and shall I order tea for you all?"

Everybody remained standing. Before Dr. Ryan could say something, Assumpta pointed an accusing finger at Father Mac, then spoke up first, "What have you done with my Harry Hendley? Why all the secrecy? Why can't we see him? Where did you hide him? I'll have you know, we'll never give up, you mark my words, we'll chase you to the ends of the world. You are just a hypocrite, you tell a pack of lies to Kathleen, saying Harry will recover 100% to be integrated into society, when it is not possible, then you tell the city officials to give a grant to your Church, while, all the time, you let him die somewhere, perhaps slowly starving to death, since he cannot fend for himself. Father Mac, you are despicable and we all hate you forever. Don't you dare set foot in my bar, or I'll personally throw you out."

Father Mac was livid, "Now see here, Assumpta, those words can get you in a lot of trouble. You have no proof that Harry is being mistreated in any way, shape or form. How can you accuse me or even the Church of such a misdeed? You should apologize right now and atone for all your sins right now and may God have mercy on your soul."

Assumpta curled her lips and cried out, "I'm not afraid of you, you old windbag, let's see you bring down some fire and brimstone to punish us! You and your Church are only too happy to grab up a free grant of tens of thousands pounds while locking up Harry somewhere, never to be seen again. Father Mac, you have no concience, preying on helpless sick people who cannot defend themselves."

Father Mac was quite taken aback at these proceedings. He sat down, then rummaged in his desk drawer and took out a large colour photograph. On it was shown a folder with Harry Hendley's name embossed on it in large letters . . . further down, were the smaller words: "Sealed by Court Order of Cilldargan, never to be opened, unless at the request of next-of-kin Kathleen Hendley, and then after a Court of Law Hearing."

He read it out aloud, then handed it to Assumpta who refused to take it. So Father Mac just put it on the desk, in front of her. Assumpta was sobbing now, crying bitterly, her shoulders shaking. Ambrose put his arms around her and held her steady. Brendan and Dr. Ryan formed a circle and patted her shoulders to console her.

Father Mac continued, "I wish there's something I can say to make you feel better . . . "

Gard Egan, who was standing further away, turned the door-knob to open the door. Ambrose whispered something to Assumpta who lifted her head from his shoulder, then turned to leave. Ambrose then used his left arm on her waist to guide her towards the door as Father Mac got up, then rounded his desk, when Brendan stepped forward to intercept. The two men glared at each other and Brendan said, "Don't you dare . . . "

Dr. Ryan called from the doorway, "Brendan, let's go." He turned on his heels, strode out and closed the door.

Later, as Gard Egan eased his patrol car into the traffic to go home, Brendan said, "The nerve off that man. I was so angry at him. Even when Assumpta was scolding him, he was so calm, cool and collected. How could he let this happen, knowing full well, there are so many people who have been touched by Harry's kindness, love and happiness? Father Mac is a parish priest with many years of experience, not some green-horn curate who just came out of school. He knew the consequence of his actions, leaving us with such emptiness and all for what . . . . . . .money!"

Assumpta, seated at the back between Ambrose and Brendan, reached out and grabbed Ambrose's right hand and Brendan's left hand, then said, "I want to thank all of you, to help me make this possible. It felt good, telling him off, knowing the outcome will be the same anyway. Kathleen and Father Mac deserve each other, so narrow-minded. We'll hope for the best for Harry and think he's living among honourable people who will treat him with kindness."
____________________

On a tropical island, in a far-away ocean, there was a large long building. Along both sides of the wall, there were evenly spaced single beds, at right-angles to the wall, each had next to it a small bedside table, with a number on it, matching the one over the bed.  It was early evening and all the occupants were seated on their respective bed, saying their prayers, led by an elderly matron using a microphone. Her words were amplified and carried to the loudspeakers high in the canopy of the building.

Afterwards, all the "patients" lay down to rest and sleep. One of them did not lie down. The elderly matron came over to him and said kindly to him, "It's time to sleep so that the good Lord can visit you in your dreams. Then he'll heal you from within your soul."

He looked at her and pointed at the drawer. She opened the small drawer and took out a very crude drawing on a very crumpled piece of paper. He stared at the picture, smiled, and with difficulty, uttered the word, "Sumta," and started to cry, big beads of tears started rolling down his face, then he lay down in the bed. She placed it back in the drawer and closed it. She helped him lie on his side, pulled a light cotton blanket from the foot of the bed, up to his shoulders, then wiped away his tears, patted and smoothed his shoulders to soothe him and stayed with him till he fell asleep mercifully.

The matron went out the door, turning off the light on the way. She went to her office, opened the large Journal on her desk, used her finger to trace down the column to stop at a number, and in the comments line, she wrote, "Same sequence every night, said same word, with great difficulty".

The End.