It’s almost Christmas!
How are you all? 2020 is nearly over, and to many people it’s been a depressing year. I sincerely wish that you’re coping well, albeit with adjustments. For myself I will continue to work from home till spring next year, for that I’m truly grateful.
I hope my post can at least cheer you up a bit. Remember months ago I posted the Incident of Two badges? My friend Yue Chan (thanks again!) sent me an interesting thread of a Japanese Candy Candy fan, where she had uploaded all the pages from Nakayoshi magazine concerning this incident on Twitter. You can refer to my aforementioned post for the translations, if you like. 🙂 What interested me most however, was the reply to this particular tweet:
Those who are familiar with the manga version know what comes next. But back then, this was the end of that episode in the magazine. All they got was a preview that the next one would be the end of the story that had lasted 4 years.
On the right hand side, see the words that struck through the characters? It was saying that the riddle of Prince on the Hill and Granduncle William would be revealed. Can you imagine the agonizing wait of the poor readers? 😉
I wonder how many of them had correctly guessed the true identities of both Prince on the Hill and Granduncle William. “They were” important figures to Candy, from the beginning of the story till the very end. This is even more obvious in Candy Candy Final Story (CCFS), as discussed in this thread by Christine, Myra and Anita (thank you ladies! ❤️)
In fact, I’d like to invite you all to write a one-shot about either (1) Candy’s receiving a Christmas card from Anthony’s father, Captain Vincent Brown, or (2) Candy’s letters to Dr. Martin around Christmas time about accepting Albert’s generous offer to build a clinic for the doctor. In both cases, Candy acted like the spokesperson of WAA, don’t you think? 😉
Your short story should be based on Candy’s letters in CCFS. I think her reply to Captain Brown is a significant clue that indicates her change in status. For more details, you can read my earlier posts: Candy and Prince on the Hill, Granduncle William(!), and Did Candy find her happiness? (Part 7). About her letters to Dr. Martin, it’s a proof that Albert continued to keep in touch with Candy even after she left Chicago, either by writing or visiting.
The deadline is midnight Dec 23 (Pacific Time), which gives me a day to choose what to post on Christmas Day. 🎄 Looking forward to hearing from you! 😍
P. S. It’s my honour to have heard from you already about participating this writing contest! 🤩 I’m so happy!! Here let me address your questions:
(1) In my mind a one-shot is not too long, somewhat like my fanfic Reunion. How about between 1000 and 2500 words? Don’t worry if your story is not long enough, as long as the plot makes sense I’ll accept it. 🙂
(2) You do not need to write it in epistolary form, unless you prefer that. You can write a narrative from the perspective of Candy, Albert, Captain Brown, or Dr. Martin. Of course, third-person narration is welcome too, just make sure your entry is less than 2500 words.
(3) You do not have to write in English. As I don’t know many languages, I might have to use a machine translator, but I’ll try to be fair. 😉
Hello and Thank you @Ms Puddle!
Please check out my mini fanfic and I hope you enjoy reading it.💌🍷🎄
– A Frigid Night in London –
With her warm letter in his pocket and her radiant smile on his mind, Albert was walking down the cobbled streets leading to a dark alleyway in the west end of London. He had just sealed a lucrative business deal with an influential British manufacturer and was heading back to his hotel room. Albert’s feelings were mixed; on the one hand he was pleased with his business acumen, but on the other hand, he felt an intense longing for his homeland and in particular, spending Christmas with Candy and the children. He had been making plans for almost a year about visiting the orphanage and supervise the reconstruction of the property the orphanage was based but his entire planning was shattered due to unforeseen business obligations. George had informed him that it was crucial to strike a deal with the aforementioned British manufacturer as this would expand the already successful business projects Albert had under his watch in the UK for quite a while. When Albert wrote to Candy to explain the situation, she expressed her support for his progress but she did not conceal her disappointment for his inevitable change of plans. Candy had been looking forward to spending Christmas with Albert and she had been making arrangements for accommodating him in the newly built apartments which were purposed for guests. She had personally selected the one with the best view for Albert’s prospective visit. They had not managed to see other for several months and thus their reciprocal yearning had become even stronger.
Albert was wondering how he would respond to her letter because he didn’t want to simply send her a postcard from London. He wanted to start writing to her in a more personal manner as she was writing to him. The problem was that once he picked up his pen, he would end up assuming a distant stance which wasn’t intentional but he couldn’t bring himself to put his exact thoughts and feelings in writing. Something kept on thwarting his freedom of expression. Albert resigned himself to the fact that he would have to wait a bit longer and try to find the right time to visit Candy soon after he returns to the United States. George would probably start protesting about Albert leaving work for a while but he would get over it and understand Albert’s nostalgia. To Albert, however, it was more than just nostalgia and he had finally realized that Candy also felt the same way. This brought relief to him but also further anxiety because he didn’t have a clue on how to proceed with their complicated relationship thereafter. All he could do was take one step at a time.
It was a blistering cold night and Albert detested the filthy old streets of London. He never enjoyed overpopulated cities as he was a man who thrived in the great outdoors. However, his aversion to London was even more severe due to the dark and gloomy weather. He had only been in London for a couple of days but couldn’t wait to leave the city and enjoy the remainder of his trip in the British countryside. He would have wanted to reside in one of his estates situated alongside the River Avon but he didn’t have the time as his trip was exclusively for business purposes in London. The only aspects of London that Albert appreciated were the museums, theatres and libraries. Apart from business, Albert wanted nothing to do with London and he couldn’t wait to leave that dreary polluted capital. He had once promised Candy that the two of them would travel to the lovely British countryside and he was planning to reiterate his promise to her when seeing her again.
Albert placed his hands in the pockets of his long dark-blue Montgomery-style coat not to keep his hands warm but to touch Candy’s letter again. Her emerald green eyes etched in his mind shone like a warm light guiding him out of those decadent old streets of London. He had the initial impression that being apart would create a chasm between him and Candy which would eventually lead to them drifting apart forever but the opposite happened. Distance did not drive them apart but inexplicably drew them even closer together yanking their innermost feelings for out of them. The Christmas holidays made matters even more unbearable for Candy and Albert as their yearning to see each other again became evermore intense to the point where they would not even maintain appearances anymore in their letters. Candy was always outspoken but she had exceeded her own self through her letters by making it crystal-clear to Albert that she wanted him all to herself when he visited her again. She began to become more demanding and Albert was actually pleased with that even though he feigned calmness. Their mode of expression was different but the intimate feelings they had for each other were the same and equivalently intense.
As Albert took a short-cut en route to the hotel he was staying during his business trip, he noticed some bright lights and loud chattering with some random music in the background. Although it was approaching midnight, the central flea market in West End was still open to the public and being a Saturday night, there were droves of people going in and out of the tents and kiosks sheltering the flea market commodities. These flea markets were also known for dubious exchanges most often involving smuggling, narcotics and prostitution. As many of the night revellers were acutely intoxicated and in petulant moods, Albert quickened his pace so as to leave the area until the corner of his eye caught a glimpse of something familiar to him. Instead of leaving as intended, Albert stopped in his tracks and began walking towards a shabby kiosk whose possible owner or merchant was selling various items mainly including artwork and vintage maps. There was a painting within a dark-green wooden frame placed on the dusty pavement amongst other merchandise ranging from used clothes to old coal-miners’ shoes. Albert gently picked up the frame and a heart-warming smile graced his elegant face as he was admiring the painting. Its central theme was a small chapel surrounded by lush trees and wild flowers. He knew that chapel all too well and he was astounded by the serendipity of stumbling across its pictorial depiction in the middle of night at some dodgy flea market in London. Without a second thought, Albert asked the merchant about the price of the painting, paid for it, and without a further word started to walk back to the hotel.
Suddenly, the night didn’t seem as cold and miserable to Albert as before. As if cradled tenderly in his arm, Albert held that painting which was an accurate image of the chapel of Ms Pony’s place. No doubt someone who worked or lived at the orphanage had drawn that nostalgic image. In the hotel room where the light was of better quality, Albert could discern the name “Slim” signed at the bottom corner of the painting. He had never heard of that name before and he couldn’t wait to tell Candy about it as she would probably know who the artist was. Finally, Albert had found the perfect gift for Candy and he could only imagine her delight. No matter how far apart those two were, the threads linking their lives were unbreakable and would keep them tied together even when being thousands of miles apart.
❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️
Thank you DreamCatcher 🤗👍. I’ll read it soon ☺️
Hi Ms Puddle,
Even though I thought I wouldn’t have the time to submit a short story, I managed to come up with this one which I hope you’ll like. It’s titled: “Childhood Memories of Christmas”.
“Childhood Memories of Christmas”
Ms Pony noticed the light still on in the kitchen and as she was approaching the door she could hear a slight bustle coming from hurried footsteps and the clinking of cutlery and crockery. The door was ajar so Ms Pony could easily notice Candy’s petite frame as she was busy cleaning up after dinner. There were still many dishes and other kitchenware to wash up so Ms Pony went up to Candy and placed her hand on the young woman’s shoulder:
– “Leave it, dear. You’ve had a long day. I’ll clean up the rest in the morning.”
– “That’s alright, Ms Pony. I wasn’t planning on sleeping just yet. You’re just as tired and could use some extra sleep. It won’t take long for me to finish up.”
Realising that Candy wouldn’t take “no” for an answer, Ms Pony smiled warmly to her and wished her “goodnight” before walking back to her room.
While Candy returned to the kitchen sink to wash up the remaining cutlery, her mind began travelling to her distant past when she was a child and had spent one of the finest Christmas days in her life. She had just returned from elementary school where her teacher had given the students their assignments for the winter break. It was their last day of class for the year and Candy as well as the other students were excited about Christmas approaching. Even though Candy and most of her friends didn’t have parents or come from an affluent family to indulge them with extravagant gifts, they were all anticipating Christmas day at Ms Pony’s home because they knew they would enjoy a generous variety of baked pies and sugary snacks. Sister Lane would always try to restrict these food festivals within a healthier framework but to no avail as Ms Pony would eventually manage to have her own way and spoil the children rotten. Their financial resources were meagre but Ms Pony had that uncanny ability to make her parties look as if they were prepared for royalty. Ms Pony would get Sister Lane and other folks from nearby villages to prepare for the Christmas feast a fortnight prior so as to get everything done by Christmas Eve. This was also an opportunity for the village and town folks to become better acquainted with the orphan children and not view them as inferior. Candy and other orphan children had been the recipients of social discrimination but that never made Candy ashamed of her humble status. On the contrary, she took pride in being a orphan child living with such wonderful people such as Ms Pony and Sister Lane. Her teachers were also fine people who considered it their mission to offer education to children in need. A moment would not pass by without Candy feeling blessed for having been left at the doorstep of Ms Pony’s orphanage. Her biological mother could not have thought of a more suitable place. Candy held no grudge against her biological mother as Ms Pony kept on reminding her that she most certainly had a serious reason for giving her up. Times were hard and even worse for women. Candy’s mother had probably come up against such financial hardships that she had no other alternative but to give her daughter up for adoption. It had also crossed Candy’s mind that her mother may have been unmarried when she got pregnant and had to abandon her child in order to flee from the severe social stigma which would have befallen her, especially if she dwelled in an enclosed community such as a village or small town. Whatever the reasons were, Candy felt absolutely no resentment or bitterness against her biological parents. Instead, she was grateful to have Ms Pony and Sister Lane by her side as both these women were like mothers to her-if not even better.
Rinsing those last few remaining glasses and dishes, Candy’s mind resumed travelling to her childhood past recalling that specific day which she termed as the “best Christmas of her life” because it had proven to be instrumental to her subsequent outlook upon life. Having returned from school that day, Candy and some of her classmates from elementary school wanted to sneak into the kitchen and see what Ms Pony was up to. However, Candy was saddened to discover that one of the orphan children had fallen ill. He was only five years of age and his little body was crimson from a burning fever which was getting worse and worse. Ms Pony and Sister Lane were trying their best to keep the fever down and applying some of their makeshift medicine but nothing would work. The need for a doctor or nurse was dire and the nearest medical clinic was hundreds of miles away from the orphanage. One of the older orphan girls volunteered to head over to the post office and send a telegram to the nearest towns which had a doctor. It had already begun to snow heavily outside but Ms Pony and Sister Lane had no other choice but to accept this brave teenager’s offer even if it meant putting her own safety on the line as the road leading to the post was was treacherous. More and more of the older boys and girls of the orphanage pitched in irrespective of the danger until one of them managed to find a doctor who had happened to visit Lake Michigan for the winter break. He immediately drove to the orphanage once notified and provided the necessary medication in order to nurse the little boy back to health.
All the children in the orphanage, including Candy, were relieved that the little boy would enjoy Christmas and New Year’s day after having almost fully recovered. Ever since that day had gone by, Candy had never forgotten how important health is for people and how difficult it is for the poor to have access to decent healthcare. Candy had been determined to find a way in which the orphan children would never suffer from such anguish and dread in not having sufficient access to medical treatment. That specific incident during the winter break had prompted Candy to value the medical profession to the point of considering becoming a medical worker herself when she grew up. Yet, becoming a nurse wasn’t enough for her as the orphanage was in need of a doctor and medical essentials such as a clinic. After many years had lapsed and when Candy was in her twenties, a most important friend of hers by the name of William Albert Ardlay would one day announce to her that he would take the initiative of funding the construction of a medical facility within the boundaries of Candy’s beloved orphanage which was her dearly beloved home. This medical facility would also function as a means to provide much needed employment to medical personnel. Candy’s mind immediately went to her former employer and mentor, Dr Martin, and she was so glad that he accepted her job offer.
After wiping the final dishes dry, Candy felt her eyelids become heavy and she knew this was her body’s way of reminding her that she should follow Ms Pony’s example and head to bed. Even though she was so tired herself, Candy’s mind was still stimulated with didactic memories of her childhood past which despite the hardships, played a key role in formulating her compassionate, mature and responsible character.
The End.
Typo: “…..post office was….”
Thank you Magnolia for writing for this little writing contest despite being busy. 🤗😊
Thank you-Ms Puddle-for inviting entries for this short story competition. I’ve written one in an epistolary style which involves Archie’s letter to Candy.
“Christmas Greetings from Archie”
Season Greetings, Candy!
I hope my letter finds you in good spirits, especially now that Christmas is approaching. You have never concealed your enthusiasm for this particular day and I can imagine your joy. To be frank, I continue to be as enthusiastic as a kid myself during Christmas even though we’ve become adults. Just like you, I can’t wait to dive into all those delicious sweets. Annie visits me often at university with boxes of chocolate and various pies she’s prepared. She is really looking forward to Christmas too. Unfortunately, we won’t be able to travel to your home because my Christmas break is going to be way too short. In fact, I was planning to stay at the college dormitory during this break in order to study for my exams which begin soon after the new year. But Annie was so displeased with my plan that I decided to change it and return to Chicago for Christmas. It’s only going to be for a few days and that’s the reason why I won’t be able to squeeze in a visit to Pony’s home. I guess the older we become the more we have to learn to cope with responsibilities and making compromises. Annie was also looking forward to seeing you again but she’s going to stay in Chicago. We’re planning on visiting you in the summer after the spring semester ends.
University life is far better than I had imagined. Even though the time spent on studying in the library is a lot, there are so many opportunities to get to meet people from all walks of life. Boston is such a cosmopolitan city and it is relatively easy to get to meet people coming from various countries. I share classes and projects with people who come from Italy, Spain, France and Germany. I also have quite a few colleagues who are from India and China. When I complete my studies and graduate, I would like to take a year off and travel around the world just like Albert did. No wonder he’s so open-minded and cultured. Travelling to foreign lands and getting to know people from other nations is such an eye-opener which makes one more humble, down-to-earth and wise. Now that the war is finally over, hopefully the world will resume to being a safer place. If only Stear were alive to enjoy the victory of democracy and establishment of peace in the world. There isn’t a moment when I don’t think about Stear but it’s during times like Christmas and other family-oriented festivities when I miss Stear even more than I already do. My parents are trying to cope with their loss but it’s not going to be easy. I think Stear’s loss will always leave a gaping wound in its wake for us all and even more so for my parents. The Ancient Greek historian, Herodotus, had said that “In peace, sons bury their fathers. In war, fathers bury their sons.”. There is nothing worse than a parent living to see the death of his or her child. As I am not a parent yet, I could only slightly imagine how painful Stear’s loss is to them. They try to be strong for me but I know they are hurting so much inside. Even though I ought to respect Stear’s decision in going to battle, I still cannot forgive him for the pain he had incurred. My words may appear to be harsh but I have to speak my mind. Stear didn’t even say goodbye to Patty. None of us had the slightest clue what was going on in his mind. Both Patty and Annie have been advising me to find peace with myself and come to forgive Stear but I can’t. At least, I can’t for now. Perhaps I need my time. Who knows?
Albert has been very supportive during these trying times and I appreciate the ways in which he’s courageously stood up for Annie and I. I’ve already told you about the grief Aunt Elroy has given me regarding my relationship with Annie. The two of us want to get married after I graduate but Aunt Elroy has been vehemently opposing our commitment. If that wasn’t bad enough, I also have those stupid cousins of mine interfering in my life. It’s none of their business whom I choose to marry. Whether they like it or not, Annie and I are going to get married even if that means severing all ties with Aunt Elroy and the elders. I made this perfectly clear to Albert and he was more than willing to help me out by officially acknowledging Annie as my future wife to the elders. Aunt Elroy persistently objected but Albert dampened her spirits by advising her to steer clear from my personal matters. To be honest, I had never seen Albert so angry and determined. I’ve always known him to be such an amiable and peaceful person but I’ve discovered lately that he also has an aggressive streak in his character but he knows how to harness it and use it for noble purposes. His new role as head of the Ardlay family has also made him far more dynamic and formidable. Who would have imagined that our dear freelance rambler was the “grand patriarch” of the Ardlays? For what it’s worth, Annie and I are grateful and deeply touched by Albert’s support for us. He has even offered me the opportunity to work for him after I receive my university degree. That would be such an honour. Words fail me when I try to express my appreciation. None of the Ardlays are like him. Albert sure is one of a kind!
I guess you know more than any of us what an amazing person Albert is. The two of you have known each other for such a long time and you have both supported each other in times of need. You must be so excited about the new medical clinic being built in your own home at Miss Pony’s. Is it true that Dr Martin is going to be the head doctor of this new clinic? When are you going to begin work? Will it be early next year?
As long as we are alive and well, we will eventually find the time to meet again. I know you miss Annie a lot and she misses you back. But no worries as the day will come when we’ll all see each other again. It won’t be the same without Stear but life goes on and we ought to appreciate our good fortune in having such a fascinating life surrounded by dear friends.
Annie and I are looking forward to receiving more letters from you and we both wish you and the everyone at Miss Pony’s a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Please take good care of yourself,
Archie
P.S. Annie hopes that your cooking will improve come next year. Just call it a New Year’s resolution. Of-course, I’m joking but I couldn’t resist teasing you a bit.
Thank you Gabriella for writing a short story for this contest 🤗👍
Hello,
If I remember correctly, you had requested all entries be posted in the comments section. Presumably, you meant under your recent post-right?
Thank you for your time.
Yes Irana93 you’re right! Thanks for submitting your story 🤗👍
‘Candy’s Gift’
Christmas was approaching and Candy was still trying to figure out what gift she would offer to Albert. Although she had no problem whatsoever in getting gifts for all her friends, she was at a standstill when considering a present for Albert. Initially, she wanted to name the newly renovated orphanage after Albert’s full name and surname as well as declare him as the main benefactor but he refused to accept Candy’s offer to the point where the two of them engaged in a heated argument. Albert felt offended because he had never wanted his name on something which came from the heart and Candy was upset because Albert became offended as it was not her intent to insult him. She only wanted to express her gratitude for all of Albert’s generous contributions but Albert kept on pin-pointing to her that he is neither an attention-seeking megalomaniac nor a narcissist to have his name imprinted on what he termed as “miserable slabs”. He wanted the children’s progress to shine from these new constructions and not his name. Candy was taken aback by Albert’s behaviour which she regarded as obstinate and she did not refrain from calling him as such much to his amazement but also annoyance. Their altercation had persisted the entire afternoon until Candy later on realised that she may have had her first “lover’s quarrel” with Albert. What was even worse was that they weren’t even lovers-at least not yet..
This argument was a strange experience for Candy because not once had the two of them ever quarrelled when living together at the Magnolia flat. The two of them lived in such peace and harmony but ever since Candy moved back to the orphanage and Albert resumed his obligations as a very busy businessman, their relationship had begun to take a different turn. Candy had begun to become more demanding-if not needy-and Albert would resist to her pressure like a colt. Albert had been looking forward to Candy’s letters but he dreaded her nagging and would avoid confrontations with her at all costs because he knew what would ensue and that would be even further nagging. Albert was downright averse to such antics and loathed any form of pressure. His independent nature constituted an inseparable if not integral aspect of his character and he wasn’t willing to compromise his personal freedom with anyone-not even with Candy. Even though Albert was against any form of violence and aggression, he would turn ice-cold when engaging in an argument, hence, shutting out the person he’s arguing with entirely. Candy was not an exception and Albert suddenly put an end to their argument by getting into his car and driving off leaving Candy absolutely baffled. He decided not to return to the orphanage that day but to drive back to Chicago. Candy had been expecting him to return that evening but found a notice sent to her instead. It was in Albert’s writing but the message was cold and distant. Candy had not heard of Albert and his whereabouts for weeks to come even though she tried to contact him. George uncomfortably replied on behalf of Albert assuming the awkward role of having to inform her that Albert is too busy and other lame excuses. Candy held no grudge against George as he was simply following Albert’s intentions. Instead, Candy was frustrated with Albert but she also felt the need of wanting to see him again irrespective of their argument. After calming down and regaining her composure, Candy began to see Albert’s point-of-view and understand why he was offended. After having lived with him for so long, Candy should have known that it would have been completely out of character for Albert to ever accept such ceremonies in his name and honour. In stark contrast to his family members, Albert was a very humble and inconspicuous person who never sought fame for his hard work. He just wanted to provide for the orphanage by expanding the property and adding much needed facilities for the children without ever expecting anything in return.
Candy started to feel like a fool because she had misinterpreted Albert’s intentions. She was determined to contact him and if he continued to avoid her, she would not hesitate to go to Chicago and talk to Albert in person whether in his office or at his home. Both of them had acted so asininely that it was high time they made amends. But first Candy wanted to offer a gift which would be memorable and worthwhile. She knew that Albert was indifferent to expensive and lavish gifts. He would wear fine shirts and expensive suits to work but in his social life he would resume his signature style which was his jeans and plain shirts. Albert was actually far more romantic than Candy had initially fathomed and his annoyed response to her offer confirms this even more.
Eventually, Candy had come up with an idea of what gift to offer to Albert and it would come from the effort of her own hands. As she was planning to arrange an appropriate time to head for the city of Chicago for a day or two, Miss pony came into Candy’s room to tell her that Albert has made an unexpected visit. From the window Candy was delighted to see Albert’s car park right outside the front porch. Candy tried to hold back her enthusiasm and maintain a cool composure but the moment she saw Albert, she forgot her facade and was just about to apologise to him only to realise that they both apologised to each other in unison. Albert’s face was fraught with remorse and he reiterated his apology to her by saying that he shouldn’t have over-reacted the way he did. Candy suggested they take a walk outside as the weather was bright even though it was the middle of winter. Albert agreed. As they reached Pony’s Hill, they both stood gazing at the iconic chapel below. Albert took out a small box neatly covered in a pastel-lavender gift-wrap and placed it in Candy’s small ivory hands. She promised not to open his gift until Christmas. In turn, Candy told Albert that his gift was in her room as she had just completed it. She did not have the time to gift-wrap it but Albert didn’t mind at all. When returning home, Candy offered her gift to Albert which was a lovely woven woollen scarf which bore hues of sterling-grey and sky-blue which resembled the colour of Albert’s eyes. Although Candy didn’t tell him this, Albert smiled as he understood her intentions. He accepted her fine gift as it it was worth a thousand diamonds. He then took her tenderly in his arms and planted a gentle kiss on her forehead. Candy returned his affection by resting her head on Albert’s chest whilst embracing him tightly around the waist. Albert returned Candy’s embrace by holding her just as tightly. The two of them stood motionless without uttering a word indifferent to the passage of time and presumably anyone who happened to walk about the premises. If only time could have stopped at that moment for both of them. However, they knew that no matter how many times they would argue or be apart, the ties between them were imperishable and genuine. No one and nothing could ever dismantle their relationship which was as solid and strong as granite.
Several weeks had gone by and Candy was enjoying her afternoon tea whilst reading the paper. She suddenly stumbled upon an article regarding a new business deal Albert had struck during his trip to Florida. There was a photo taken of Albert standing next to his future business partner. The warmth in Candy’s heart had become a hearth when noticing that Albert was wearing Candy’s greyish-blue scarf placing it elegantly over his dark-grey tweed coat.
Dear Ms Puddle,
This is my entry and I hope you will enjoy reading it. I haven’t found any typos or errors in grammar/syntax but please feel free to make any corrections or additional editing if that is what you wish to do.
Thank you so much and enjoy the Christmas holidays even amidst this global pandemic.
Title- A New Beginning
Candy was overwhelmed with emotion after reading Dr. Martin’s letter to her. It was brief but to-the-point. He accepted the offer for employment and work as a physician for the orphan children at Ms Pony’s. The medical facilities were almost ready as there was feverish construction work done in order to get the clinic open and ready to accept patients as soon as possible. Albert had also managed to secure state funding for the opening of the clinic by establishing the entire complex as an important institution which helped to provide a home for children in need as well as immigrants and other people impoverished by the impact of the Great War.
It was way past midnight and Candy’s usual bedtime but she couldn’t sleep even though she was exhausted after taking care of the children since the break of dawn. It was impossible for Candy to sleep as her adrenaline was racing with all the excitement surrounding the opening of the clinic. This was a new beginning for Candy where she would have the golden opportunity to demonstrate her managerial as well as her medical skills as a nurse. This was also an opportunity for Dr. Martin to leave that derelict make-shift clinic and practice his profession so as to help those in dire need of his medical expertise. Both Candy and Albert acknowledged that what made Dr. Martin such a fine doctor was not only his education but also his sense of compassion and solidarity for the underdog. Candy couldn’t wait to tell Albert the news in person but she had to settle writing to him instead because he had been away on business to the United Kingdom and wouldn’t return to the United States until after the New Year.
As customary of her, Candy wrote a long letter to Albert expressing her excitement surrounding the new medical facilities as well as being able to practice her profession again. She gently complained to Albert about his absence and she hoped he would find a way to be back home sooner and visit her. Candy knew this wasn’t possible but she decided to write that desire of hers anyway. Ever since Candy discovered that Albert had been her “Prince of the Hill” all along, she couldn’t help but feel inebriated with tenderness and anticipation in seeing Albert again. She would never forget the moment when Albert disclosed his identity to her but she was so disappointed that he had to leave in such a hurry. There was so much she wanted to tell him but George interrupted them and Albert adhered to his request by leaving as soon as possible for Chicago for business. Candy was hoping that the two of them would spend a bit more time together but his continual business trips within the United States and abroad rendered that impossible. Yet, Candy continued to remain hopeful that they would be able to share precious moments together once they both shed a bit of weight deriving from their numerous job duties. Since these moments could not be shared during Christmas, at least they would be able to enjoy each other’s company when Albert visits Miss Pony’s for the inauguration of the medical clinic. Albert had also expressed his intention of being present when all the other important facilities would have been fully constructed and renovated. His promise filled Candy with hope and an unprecedented exuberance about seeing him again.
After writing her letter to Albert, Candy still could not sleep even though she would have to wake up very early in the morning to post her letter and then resume work at Miss Pony’s by getting the children ready for school and assisting Miss Pony in preparing the meals for the entire day. Instead of heading off to bed, Candy tiptoed all her way to the door, put on her overcoat as it was beginning to snow outside and took off to sneak a peak at the newly built medical clinic.
Turning the key, Candy slowly opened the door as if it was a ritual and stepped inside the clinic. There were still certain minor works to be done here and there but it was virtually usable and ready to accept its first patients. The floors were reinforced with stone and cedar wood with further insulation applied to both the floors and walls in order to prevent dampness in the winter and humidity in the summer. The windows were large enough to welcome the stunning view of the hills and lake but the curtains had not been added yet. The walls were in need of being adorned with picture-frames but Candy wanted to wait for Dr. Martin and share his ideas on what to hang on the walls. Apparently, they would place their well-earned degrees. The library shelves were still empty as Candy had been waiting for Dr. Martin to place his medical books. Albert had also decided to contribute to enriching the medical library of the clinic by sending his collection of scientific and medical books as well as peer-reviewed journals. Candy always envied Albert’s massive collection of books and his libraries at Lakewood were outstanding. However, they were no match for the even more enriched collections he had at his mansion in Chicago. Albert had been an avid reader and excellent student since his childhood and Candy was not surprised that he had attended an Ivy-League university in the South of England. From their first encounter, Candy had the embedded impression that Albert came from a noble and affluent background because his way of speaking contradicted his shabby appearance. Even though he had initially frightened her with his pirate-looking beard and dark spectacles, his calm voice and articulate speech helped Candy understand that Albert was not who he seemed but he was a very special person. Indeed, Albert became one of the most important people in Candy’s life-if not the most important.
Suddenly, Candy began to feel a bit drowsy in spite of her excitement. Her bodily needs got the better of her and instructed her to return to bed to get much needed sleep. With that thought, Candy locked the door of the clinic behind her and rushed back to her room as the snow outside began to fall heavily. She just couldn’t wait to tuck herself inside her quilt and rest her head on the soft pillow.
No sooner had Candy placed her head on that pillow, she had already fallen fast asleep with a content smile on her freckled face. She was so looking forward to the next morning and especially to the beginning of a new chapter in her life.
Thank you Christine for the story 🤗☺️