Melting Ice -| Creative Nonfiction Prompt
In the busy family of our extended relatives, dramas among relatives created constant tension. Among them is my uncle, Raymond, a man whose love for others was boundless. However, he seemed to reserve this love for outsiders, leaving his intimate family feeling neglected. That feeling made us all feel bad about him.
One thing I hate is anyone making me feel neglected. This lifestyle made me hesitant to approach him, as seeking anything from him felt like a futile endeavor.
One day, my mum decided to give Christmas a different taste by inviting all our relatives to our big family house. We all wished for a joyful celebration, but Nonye had her way of souring everything. Her hidden resentment for Uncle Raymond was beyond explanation. As we settled for dinner, unspoken and unnoticed hatred brewed in Nonye's heart as she watched Uncle Raymond devouring the food.
"Auntie, thank you for this treat. If only some so-called uncles could do better, but no, outsiders must praise me more."
"This event was hosted by a woman like you. What did you do to show your support? All you can do is sit and speak carelessly."
"It's enough; this is a celebration, not a fighting ring. Set your differences aside and enjoy the best of today."
My mum intervened with a calm voice, restoring a semblance of peace. However, the once fragile atmosphere had been shattered. The grudges made the room quiet until it was time to exchange gifts. Everyone exchanged gifts, and unsurprisingly, Uncle Raymond had no one to give him a present.
When the hall became quiet, Uncle Raymond shocked everyone. He went to his car, brought out different packs of gifts, and began handing them out to everyone in the room.
"I know you all have misunderstood my love. I won't know what you need until you let me know. Please don't capitalize on your assumption and deny yourself what you need."
Remorseful, we all apologized for the misconception. The true love he showed made us reflect. The saddest moment was when Uncle Raymond fell ill. We consoled him, hoping to feel more of his love. If sickness could be fought, he would have fought, but we lost him to the cold arms of death. His departure melted the icy walls around our hearts, and his act of love became a healing balm for our misconceptions.
THE END
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Quite painful he was lost to the cold hands of death. Sometimes we need to give people benefits of doubt and maybe express our thoughts so we can receive clarifications
It's was painful seriously but the joy remains that he didn't leave us when we were living in assumptions. But his presence was felt and missed.
Uncle Raymond was a mystery to the family. Fortunately on that happy occasion he had a chance to show his love and was able to reconnect with his family and receive love when he needed it.
Yeah, he was a valued personality to us after we understood him better than we thought. We just allowed assumption to cheat us of the love he had for us as family.
Most times, we must give people the benefit of doubt by not drawing conclusions about them based on our assumptions.
Your mum is my hero in this story. The gathering she organized, is what actually broke the icy wall.
Yeah, assumption is a very bad thing. I hate people who live by what they believe and accept without being certain before drawing conclusion.
Being her brother, she wanted unity to be a force drawing the family instead of grudges. Thank Goodness it worked out but too sad we lost my uncle when things was getting sweeter.