Mr. Marsh’s Twins

Mrs. Brightwood was sitting by the bed, feeding her son porridge spoon by spoon, just like when he was a child. As she did so, memories of his growth over the years flooded her mind, making her chest ache with sorrow. Since Rupert woke up from anesthesia, he hadn’t confessed to his parents about his gambling or how much money he had borrowed. His parents didn’t need to ask; they seemed to know from the sadness in their eyes.

As Rupert painfully opened his mouth to drink the porridge, a few policemen entered the room. Mr. and Mrs. Brightwood turned at the sound of footsteps. Seeing the officers, their hearts sank, a flash of tension and panic crossing their faces. In that moment, they were acutely aware of their son’s impending life in prison and the fate of the Brightwood family.

Rupert, leaning against the headboard, felt an unexpected sense of calm upon seeing the police. The day had finally come; no more hiding, no more living in fear, no more lies. Rupert had not only gambled abroad but was also involved in a significant theft case and twelve other charges.

The police presented an arrest warrant and read out his charges. “Rupert, please come with us.”

Mr. and Mrs. Brightwood didn’t react violently; they had gradually come to terms with reality over the past few days, knowing this day would eventually arrive and had mentally prepared themselves. However, as parents, their hearts still felt like they were being torn apart. No matter how bad he was, he was still their flesh and blood.

“Officer,” Rupert said with a low voice tinged with a plea, “can I say goodbye to my parents?”Belonging © NôvelDram/a.Org.

“You have two minutes,” the lead officer replied. “We won’t leave you alone; say your goodbyes now.”

They wouldn’t give him any chance to escape, despite his severe injuries making it unlikely. The room had windows, and as police officers, they couldn’t be careless.

Rupert dared not make further requests. He gently lifted the blanket and swung his legs off the bed to put on his shoes. His mother quickly set down the porridge bowl and knelt to help him tie his laces, her large tears falling onto them as her heart twisted in pain.

Enduring intense pain, Rupert knelt before his parents on newly broken bones that had just undergone surgery, tears filling his eyes from the agony. Without saying a word, he bowed three times deeply to them, filled with remorse and genuine regret.

Mrs. Brightwood’s tears flowed uncontrollably as she bit her lower lip hard to stifle her sobs. Mr. Brightwood covered his face in grief, unable to look at the son he had raised with his own hands.

The police watched solemnly without sympathy; such scenes were all too common for them. The most pitiable were always the hardworking parents who had given everything for their children.

They say raising children is for old age support; sometimes it only brings loneliness. It’s crucial for every parent to reflect on and learn about educating their children-not just focusing on academics but also on character.

The loan sharks had been arrested, and those involved in illegal gambling were being apprehended one by one… Eventually, all would be brought to justice.

This swift action was partly due to Mr. Marsh’s covert assistance. Loan sharking is illegal, meaning most of Rupert’s debts wouldn’t need repayment, but he couldn’t escape legal punishment…

If he reformed himself well inside prison, there might still be a chance for him to start anew and repay his parents in the future.