Where The Clouds Are

"Xverna! Xverna, we are relocating," my little brother Ben said.

"Relocating?" I asked, my voice trembling slightly. "Why are we relocating? School is resuming very soon, and I've chosen the school to attend, in junior high. Why are we relocating?"

"I don't know." Ben shrugged, "But I heard that we're moving somewhere close to where Dad is taking his treatments." He laid on my bed.

"Where did you hear this?" I asked, my heart sinking.

"In the sitting room."

I stood up, a knot forming in my stomach. I walked down the stairs, passed through the kitchen and saw my mom, elder sister Vina and Theo, my elder brother, gathered in the sitting room.

"Mom, are we relocating?" My voice barely above a whispered.

"Where did you hear that?" Mom asked, with shock on her face.

"Just now, Ben told me."

"Why are we relocating? Can't we just stay?"

"No love, we can't," Mom said, as she looked away.

"But you told me to choose a school I would love to attend, from the list you gave me five days ago."

"Oh, child, come here. Sit close to me. I'm sorry about that, but I don't think we can stay anymore. You see, we have to take care of your dad, and to be able to do that, we need a good hospital for his treatments, ok?" She placed her hand on my face. "In order to do that, we have to move."

"But what about my friends? And the dancing competition I'm participating in, hmm?" I asked my mom, tears welled up in my eyes.

"Xverna, it's ok, all will be fine," Vina said, comforting me as she took my hands.

"Don't you want Dad to get well? To go back being fine in full health?" Theo said as he placed his hand on my head.

"Yes, I want him to be fine again, b..but....."

"But what? You will make new friends again when you get there."

"And the dance competition is over. Now go to your room. This is not to be discussed again. Go and arrange your things. Now leave, go to your room," Mom instructed me.

"Mom!" Vina exclaimed. "She is just a child. Don't be so angry at her. I know you are at your limit, but be gentle with her."

"How is she still a child? She's 11."

In tears, I ran to my room.

"Xverna!" Vina called out.

"Mom, that was harsh," Theo said.

"Leave her, she will be fine," Mom responded.

On getting to my room, I saw Ben lying on my bed, playing.

"Did you ask them?" he questioned.

"Go to your room."

"Why are you crying? Are you okay?"

"I'm fine. Just go to your room."

"But you are crying."

"Get Out! Leave! I don't need you here right now!" I shouted at little Ben.

He came down from the bed and walked out of the room crying.

"Ben, I'm sorry," I said to him as I shut the door after him. I laid on my bed, crying profusely, as I recalled what Mom had said to me.

"Mom, that was uncalled for," Vina said.

"I heard you, Vina. So, when are the moving company coming?" Mom asked Theo, not giving Vina another chance to speak.

"Next month, five days from now," he responded.

"That's good."

"Mom, about Dad, what did the doctor say concerning Dad's surgery?" Vina asked.

"As you already know, his right leg is going to be amputated. We just discussed the expense and when the surgery will take place, nothing more."

"Oh, ok," Vina nodded.

"That's why we have to start packing and arranging before the moving company arrives."

"Yes, Mom," both of them answered.

"I will be leaving then," Theo told her. "I have some work to finish."