That night

It is the last day of the funeral. The old lady passed away, she left an old man and two teenage boys. Helen was arranging the guest room after people left. Her thinking was occupied by many things. Simon, ”Where are the children?!” said Simon. “ They are sleeping in their room.” Replied Helen. “ It was a long day.” Said Simon, “ Yes! In deed! How’s uncle doing?!” asked Helen, “ He is fine. He is very sad.” Said Simon, “ Sure! It is a big loss for him. She was the mother for all of us at. She was the manager of her husband life and our lives.” Said Helen, “ I can’t stand the life without her. My mother passed away Helen!” Simon shed tears, “I’m very sorry for your loss Simon and for your father.” Said Helen with a low voice, “ finish the work and have some rest. I’m sure you are tired.” said Simon, “What about you! You also need some rest!” said Helen, “ Not before checking the building and make sure that everything is save.” Said Simon, “What about uncle ! Where is he?!” asked Helen, “He want to sleep in the apartment.” Said Simon, “ Oh! But let him stay with us tonight.” Said Helen, “He refused; all in all, Dan and Sam will sleep with him.” said Simon, “ I wonder why they brought them back here!” asked Helen, “Helen! I’m not in the mood of talking about that?!The whole family are on shock of my mother’s death! Don’t appear to be the unfeeling in front of them.” Said Simon, “Simon! It is my right to talk about it! Dan and Sam were kids when they travelled with my in laws. After we had enough from them. Now, they grow up…” said Helen, “Please! Helen don’t start it.” Said Simon seriously, “ You promised me to talk about it with them… why they brought them back?!” asked Helen nervously, “And my mother passed away suddenly! What do you want me to do?! It is not the time to open such issue with my father… he is gloomy. You don’t understand!” said Simon angrily, “I do Simon! But…” said Helen, “ Stop it! I have to check all the apartments and the front door of the building.” Said Simon calmly, “ I’ll wait for you then…” said Helen, “ don’t wait. I will stay with my father.” Said Simon, “Fine!” said Helen quietly, “Helen completed tiding and arranging the room. She checked on her children and arranged their sleeping. She laid besides her son Brayden and fell in sleep.

Helen woke up suddenly with panic and fear. She tried to realized that she was sleeping in her children’s room, when she heard noises on the kitchen. “Mama! We are starving!” said Amra, “Okay dears! Breakfast will be ready!”, “Where is dad!” asked Amra, “I don’t know!” said Helen, “I call him.” Said Amra, “Yes dear! Tell him to come with grandfather to have breakfast.” Said Helen, “Okay! Mama. ”Helen went to the bathroom to wash her face and get ready to another day. When she remembered that she had a nightmare last night, “They were coming to my place… my apartment…many people were entering…looking at me… not saying a word…and I was looking at them… they were many… they were men… why I couldn’t kick them out… why I was frozen not having the strength to prevent them from entering my place…why I couldn’t shout at them and kick them out… they were entering looking at me and they sat on my guest room…how come…I allowed them to do so…”, “Mama! Baba and grandpa are coming..” said Amra, “Okay dear!” said Helen.

Chapter Two

“I have to hurry up!” thought Helen. Helen rushed to the kitchen and started preparing for breakfast, “Amra! Tide the table…” said Helen, “Okay mama!” said Amra, ”Mama, mama! Baba and grandpa are coming.”, “Okay sweetie! Breakfast is ready.” said Helen. Simon and grandpa entered the apartment. “Goo morning! Uncle ! Hope you feel well today.” Said Helen, “ After she left! How come!” Grandpa said with deep grief, “I’m so sorry uncle for your loss…” said Helen, “Get the breakfast ready, Helen…Dan and Sam will join us.” Said Simon, Helen’s face changed, “Okay!”, “Dan and Sam come in please!” said Simon, Dan and Sam entered gazing at Helen and Simon, they had wide eyes. “They grew up. They are the same gazing then having that smile.” whispered Helen, “Stop it!” Simon looked at Helen, “Grandpa is in the guest room. Join him.”, “Thanks uncle Simon!” said Dan. “What’s going on with you…!” said Simon stressing on his teeth, “I don’t want them in my apartment!” said Helen, “It’s not your apartment…ours!” said Simon angrily, “ I know! We had enough from them Simon.” Said Helen, “Helen! That was in the past…things change now.” Said Simon calmly, “I feel they maintain the same…” said Helen sadly, “Let me help you in the kitchen; We are starving.” Said Simon.

Grandpa was sitting on the center of the table. He was ticking and laughing with Amra and Brayden. Simon and Helen showed up with the breakfast plates. ”Simon call Dan and Sam to join.” Said grandpa, “Yes father! Dan…Sam come closer…breakfast is ready” said Simon, Dan and Sam came closer, “Come Dan…Come Sam sit here.” Said grandpa pointing to two chairs besides him. Helen was silently putting the plates and arranging the chairs for her children. Everybody had breakfast silently, only few words could be heard from Amra and Brayden asking for food or refusing one. “ Brayden! Come and sit beside me. I feed you.” Said Dan, “No need! I feed him.” Said Helen seriously, “what’s going on with you! He is his cousin.” Whispered Simon, “I feed my son.” Replied Helen. Dan stood up, “ I want to go.”, “Do you finish your breakfast?” asked grandpa, “ Yes. I want to go.” Replied Dan, “ So start arranging your stuff in grandma’s apartment.” Said grandpa, “Which apartment… opposite us…” Helen interrupted, “ What’s going on with you! Are you nut!” whispered Simon, “ Go on! And You Sam join your brother.” Continued grandpa. Dan and Sam left without uttering any word. “ I know it is not the perfect time to open this issue with you both. But we have talk and agree on certain things.” Said grandpa seriously, “sure father. We are always on the same track with you.” Replied Simon, “I know son. Dan and Sam will stay here in their grandma apartment. It was her wish.” Said grandpa, “ But uncle, you know that Dan and Sam are unstable! Since they were children.” Said Helen, “I know my daughter. They missed behaved when they were young but now they grew up and changed.” Replied grandpa, “They still the same uncle…I know for sure… I’m a teacher and I can easily notice that…” said Helen quickly, Simon looked at Helen sharply, “As you wish father! But why not to let them stay in the apartment above us! We have four apartment in this building” said Simon slowly, “No son! Your mother and I prefer them to stay in the opposite apartment; you and Helen will take care of them.” Said grandpa, Helen was about to say something when Simon stepped on her foot to keep silent. “By the way! Tomorrow morning I will be flying back home.” Said grandpa, “You are not staying here…this is also your home.” Said Simon, “ I know son. But there your brothers and sisters provide me comfort in a place I like much.” Replied grandpa, “As you wish father.” Said Simon, “Another thing! You are not responsible any more for their expenses.” Said grandpa, “Father! When they were young, Helen and I were the ones who received money from mother and brought everything for them.” Replied Simon, “Not anymore! I will send money directly to them. They have bank accounts now. I have to go and prepare my luggage.” Grandpa left for his business.

Helen couldn’t held herself from showering Simon with words of refusing, “How come! Simply he made such decisions without us!” said Helen rejectingly, “Helen! It is his building. Mother passed away. Now, father is the decision maker.” Said Simon with confirm, “We live in this building. I know it is the family building and tat every one of your brothers has an apartment. And that you look after of all these apartment without any charge.” Said Helen furiously, “Helen! We are one family. I don’t look at these things.” Said Simon, “ But you are the one who take care of everything… you have nearly four apartments in this building; plus your brothers are in ease with money. If they want to employ a guard…” said Helen quickly, “Stop it! It is my business now!” replied Simon with confirm, “ Okay fine! But this family is my business; and I don’t want Dan and Sam to live in the apartment opposite mine.” Replied Helen,” It is not up to you or me! It is now my father’s apartment, and he is the one who has the final word.” Said Simon, “Your father is flying back! Leaving us with unstable boys.” Said Helen angrily, “Stop saying that Helen!” Simon said with loud voice, “ It is the truth. You know how they were raised!” said Helen, “ Helen! You are talking about my sister who was sick for a long time; she passed away when they were children.” Said Simon calmly, “I’m not saying bad things about her. She was unstable too… Simon you have to take that in to consideration.” Said Helen, “Okay I know! So what to do! We end with two boys who need help.” Said Simon, “So why not to take them back to your brothers! your brothers are rich in a country which support such condition.” said Helen, “ I don’t’ know! I talked to father about this, he said that my brothers have good relationship with people there, and they don’t want anything to ruin their reputation.” Said Simon calmly, “ Ruin their reputation! So to throw them to us to take care!” Said Helen nervously, “ Helen dear! Good deeds will be rewarded.” Said Simon, “Simon! I’m a mother who is worried about her children and family. I feel for these boys, but they behave awkwardly.” Said Helen with worry, “What bothers you from them living in the opposite apartment?!” said Simon, “I’m a full time teacher who prepare for a degree. I leave my children sometimes full day. They won’t be save with Dan and Sam living opposite them.” Said Helen, “Don’t exaggerate things! They won’t harm our children” said Simon, “They behave in strange way Simon.” Said Helen in a low voice, “Let’s leave this building.” Said Helen, “ Helen! I can’t afford rent. We both are working and can’t provide the basic life requirements.” Said Simon, “ I know Simon.” Said Helen calmly, “ Don’t forget that my father and brothers usually support me.” Said Simon, “ In what way tell me! They give you old used clothes!” said Helen with objection, “ Helen! Let’s help father with good intention. I have to go now and help my father before I go to work.” Said Simon.

Chapter Three

Simon was driving back home after his father’s plane got off. He remembered the chat happened between him and his father, “ Son! Take care of your nephews. Don’t change their place or interfere in their business.” Said grandpa, “Yes father! But I’m the one who is responsible now for all people in the building.” Replied Simon, “I know Simon. Keep your eyes on them. If anything happen give me a call.” Replied grandpa, “Father! Do they truly changed; I’m worried about the way they behave.” Said Simon with worry, “ No worried son! They do things carelessly and foolishly. I know that Helen can’t understand them.” Said grandpa calmly, “ True father. They caused many troubles before they travelled with you and mother. The way they look at people…you can’t understand them or expect their reaction.” Said Simon slowly, “ Simon! Remember they are my grandchildren and your nephews.” Said grandpa seriously, “ Fine father. Is it fine with you if they move to another apartment.” Said Simon slowly, “ No! Don’t change their place.” Replied grandpa with confirm, “Okay father! As you wish.” Replied Simon, “And I will talk to your brother to send you some money to support you and your family.” Said grandpa, “Thanks father. No need to bother them.” Said Simon with quiet voice, “ Son. You look after their apartments and family building… and now Dan and Sam.” Said grandpa. Simon had many questions knocking in his head, he couldn’t find answers for them.” Why now! Why me! I have enough issues to handle…why they can’t understand that… I have a family to take care…Oh! How much more Helen will be able to tolerate. They send money to Dan and Sam and I have had nothing from them…Oh! Am I asking in return to my duties as son, brother and uncle… I don’t know!” Quickly, Simon found himself in front of home. He didn’t feel the long distance back from the airport because thoughts were occupying his thinking.

Simon entered the front door building checking surrounding; making sure everything is fine. He then went upstairs to reach his apartment, he stopped and looked at the opposite apartment where Dan and Sam live in. He could hear them talking. Simon opened his apartment door, “ Papa is back!” Amra and Brayden came towards their father welcoming him. “Uncle left!” said Helen, “Yes! “ replied Simon, “Is there anything!” asked Helen, “ I want to have something before going to work.” Said Simon, “Your night shift will last for how long time!” asked Helen, “I don’t know. I’ll check the work schedule.” Replied Simon, “ It is summer vacation and no nursery open. I don’t have work for a while. But we have to make sure not to leave the children at home alone, especially when Amra and Brayden return back home after nursery.” Said Helen with low voice, “ No worries! I’ll check my working hours and let you know.” Said Simon calmly, “ I’ll get you some food…” said Helen, suddenly, a big shouting scream came from the opposite apartment. The shouting broke the silence mood of Simon and Helen’s conversation. Simon rushed to the opposite apartment being shocked with loud sharp scream voice, “ Open the door…What happened! Open the door now! Dan …Sam open the door.” Simon kept knocking on the door loudly, “ If you don’t open the door, I’ll break it… Dan opened the door.” Dan opened the door while he was arguing loudly with Sam, “ I want to eat from the chips potato…”said Dan loudly, “Mine…mine…how dear you eat from my chips… I bout the potato from my money…” replied Sam, “Ya! And the oil from me…” said Dan, “What are fighting at…” shouted Simon interrupting their argument, “uncle Simon! Dan eats from my potato chips I made…” said Sam, “ So what! You are brothers…” said Simon loudly, “Nooo! They are dirty now… he eats from the…” shouted Sam, Sam carried the potato chips and throw them on the ground. Simon was chocked seeing that happened. It reminded him of the old days, when Dan and Sam were young… they still the same. This time they are bigger and stronger. How am I going to control them…” wondered Simon. Dan and Sam’s argument became louder and louder, their eye to eye argument became sharper until Sam rushed to the kitchen furiously and brought a hammer screaming, “ I’ll smash you face!” said Sam angrily, Simon opened his eyes widely and in glimce hugged Sami preventing him from committing something stupid. Simon managed to take the hammer rom Sami. “Now you both! This not acceptable here.” Said Simon seriously, “Uncle Simon! It’s not your business; grandpa promised us not to allow you to interfere in our life.” Said Dan, “It is my place! And you have to behave well in this house, both of you.” Said Simon, Dan and Sam started laughing, “Not any more uncle!” said Dan. Simon kept silent trying to control himself, when he turned back, he saw his wife Helen and children looking and filled with shock and fear. Simon looked at Helen, “Let’s go Helen.” Said Simon quietly. Simon, Helen and their children went to their apartment hearing the argument continuing between Dan and Sam.

Chapter four

Simon and Helen were sitting in their apartment, “Big bodies with child brain. Not easy to control them.” said Helen. Simon didn’t utter a word, “ Simon! It won’t work like this…you can’t control them… not like the old days when they were kids… they are bigger and stronger than you…” Helen continued, “ Helen watch you words!” Simon looked at Helen sharply, “ I don’t mean to insult you… this is the reality…” said Helen calmly, Amra interrupted their conversation, “Mama! My rabbit want to sleep…””Helen! Let’s talk later…I have to go to work…they called me more than once.” Said Simon. Helen kept silent, “ And you my Amra, let’s go to put your rabbit in his place.” Said Simon. Simon was about to leave when he whispered to Helen, “keep the door locked.”, Helen nodded her head. Simon left the apartment with his daughter, he made sure that Amra returned back to the apartment before he left to work.

It was near midnight, Amra and Brayden were sleep but Helen was still awoke. She was thinking about what happened, when her cell phone rang, it is Simon, “Helen! Are you still wake!” said Simon, “ Yes. Simon. I can’t sleep though I’m very tired.” said Helen quietly, “Helen! Don’t over think… go to bed and rest.” Said Simon gently, “I’ll try. Good night!” said Helen, “ Good night Helen!” said Simon. Helen lied on her bed, she pushed out all thoughts and went into deep sleep. The silence was occupying the building completely when Dan opened his apartment’s door, heading towards the opposite apartment, he started knocking on the door strongly shouting, “uncle Simon…uncle Simon…where are you?” Helen woke up with panic, she jumped to her children’s room, where she found them awake with fear, “Don’t be afraid sweeties! It is Dan.” Said Helen with short breath, “What he want!” asked Amra, “ I don’t know.” Helen went closer the apartment door. She could see the door shaking as Dan knocking on. ”Dan. What do you want?!” said Helen with loud voice, “Where is uncle Simon? I want to talk to him.” Said Dan loudly, “ He is not here. He is at work.” Said Helen, “ You lie! Nobody go to work at night.” Said Dan sarcastically, “I’m not lying Dan. He has a night shift.” Said Helen, “ Aunt Helen…” Dan interrupted Sam, “You call her Aunt… Only Helen and full stop… How is that…Helen full stop.” Dan and Sam started laughing and saying loudly, “Helen full stop… Helen full stop!”, “ Shut up fools… go away…” said Amra loudly, Helen held Amra back, “Ooh! Look who’s talking…the little witch…” said Sam with creepy voice, “Go away stupid!” said Amra loudly, “Okay little! I’ll show you…” said Dan slowly, “Please! Go to your apartment. I will tell your uncle that you want him.” Said Helen, “Helen full stop…Helen full stop…” Dan and Sam went to their apartment laughing loudly. Helen told her children to their room. She was about to pick her cell phone to call her husband, when she heard steps down the stairs, Dan and Sam are running down the stairs, “What are they doing?!” Helen wondered. The night was filled with dark silence except for the noises of laugh playing from Dan and Sam, Helen heard again a moving up the stairs towards the roof of the building, “ What are they doing?! Helen started worrying, she went to a front window, where she could see the roof of the building clearly. She opened slowly the window and for her surprise, Dan and Sam were hanging Amra’s rabbit. Helen opened her eyes widely, she kept her breath and couldn’t release it; she was shocked with fear and unexpected behavior. She picked her cell phone and called Simon, “Simon, Simon…” said Helen quickly with fear, “what happened Helen?!” said Simon, “They hanged Amra’s rabbit!” said Helen with fear and tears, “ Why they did that!!” said Simon quickly, “Amra shouted at them to go away!” said Helen, “What…When..!” wondered Simon, “They were knocking the door heavily… they wanted to talk to you..” said Helen, “Helen! Calm down. I only left with two working hours. I’ll be home as soon as possible. Make sure the door is locked. Don’t worry! The door is made from a fine wood.” Said Simon, Helen kept silent and ended the call. “Mama! Where are you…I want to sleep with you.” Said Amra, “okay sweeties! Come to my room.” Said Helen gently, “Helen went with her children. She lied besides Amra and Brayden, but she couldn’t sleep; what happened stole her mind besides he had that dream again, “ They still coming and entering my place…they are many…they enter and sit in my place…why I’m having this dream… it is repeated… the same scene…” Helen was wondering until the early light appeared. She heard something, it is Simon, he opened the apartment door quietly. “Simon!” said Helen, “Yes dear!” replied Simon with low voice, “ I put the rabbit in its place. We will bury the rabbit when Amra wakes up.” Whispered Simon, Helen nodded her head, “ Let me rest for couple of hours…” said Simon. After few hours, Amra and Brayden woke up and started playing together with their toys. Though Helen was in short of sleep, she got up to prepare breakfast, “Mama! I want to see my whity!” said Amra, “Sure dear! When papa wakes up, you will go with him.” Said Helen gently, “Mama! It’s down stairs.” Amra was annoyed, “ I know Amra. It is better to be with papa.” Said Helen, “Good morning my amra!” Simon interrupted the conversation, “Morning papa! I want to see my rabbit!” said Amra, “Sure dear! Let me wash my face first..” Simon looked at Helen with sorrow, “Hurry up papa, my whity is waiting…” said Amra, “Okay dear!”. Simon went with his daughter Amra down stairs. Amra wept bitter her rabbit when she saw it, “Papa! My whity died!”, “Dear! I’ll bring another rabbit.” Said Simon sadly, “No! I want my rabbit back!” cried Amra with loud voice, “ Amra dear! Let’s bury whity together.” Said Simon quietly, “Papa! I want to bury whity under the tree.”, “want you to be strong and brave Amra! Don’t allow anybody to scare you” said Simon, “Yes Papa! I’m trying. But I’m afraid of Dan’s eyes, they are big … very big.” Amra gestured with sounding “Boo!”, “So. What will you do?” asked Simon gently, “I don’t know!” replied Amra, “Think!” said Simon, “Erasing them with foam!” said Amra, smiled Simon, “I don’t want to look at them.”, “Sounds good!” replied Simon quietly.

Chapter Five

Simon and his daughter Amra were stepping up the stairs when they saw Dan and Sam opening their apartment door and running down stairs. Simon was surprised,” Dan…Sam where are you going..!” said Simon, he looked at them going towards the building front door talking to someone. “Amra go home dear. I’m coming.” Said Simon. Simon waited on the stairs until dan and Sam finish talking and came back towards the stairs. Dan and Sam were holding bags and covered plastic plates, what seemed to be ready made food from a restaurant. “Dan.. Sam for what all this food!” asked Simon, “We are hungry!” said Dan, “It is much food for both of you!” said Simon wondering, “We like to eat when we play games.” Said Sam, “ You want to talk to me…!” Said Simon, “ Not now! We are hungry.” Said Dan. Dan and Sam entered their apartment and closed the door.

Simon went to his apartment. ”Helen! I need some rest.” Said Simon, “Simon! I want to discuss what happened yesterday.” Insisted Helen, “Later! I’m tired.” Simon went straight to bed and fell in deep sleep. After two hours, Simon woke up. He entered the bathroom to wash his face. “slept well!” said Helen, “ I feel better now.” Replied Simon, “Your coffee is waiting.” Said Helen, “ I’m coming.”

Simon and Helen were having their coffee when Brayden came towards his father, “Papa! Car!” said Brayden, ”You want me to fix your car Brayden!” said Simon with a smile, Simon started to work on Brayden’s car, “How’s work!” asked Helen, “ Fine!” replied Simon, “what about your night shift!” said Helen, “ You know Helen, I’m working in a service company; Trucks should be ready in the early morning everyday…” said Simon, “Is there any way to change your shift!” asked Helen, “I’ll talk to my boss.” Replied Simon. Simon fixed Brayden’s car and gave it to him. Simon and Helen kept quiet, they could hear the sounds of games coming from the opposite apartment, Helen looked at Simon, “They are playing games…” said Simon, Helen kept silent, Simon continued, “ I met them on the stairs… they ordered much food…I’m thinking Helen to encourage Dan and Sam to go out and have friends to spend time with, and to learn how to deal with people.”, “What do you have in mind!?” asked Helen, “Dan and Sam are in this town recently. I’m thinking of encouraging them to visit an internet café…where they can play their favourite games; socialize and most important to get busy with something, rather than staying home, making troubles with each other or with us.” Said Simon, “I’m not sure! They don’t know how to deal with people.” said Helen, “I’ll call them to come here and see…” said Simon, Simon opened his cell phone calling Dan’s number, “Dan…Sam…”, “ Yes. Uncle Simon.” Replied Dan, he was eating and talking, Simon could hear the sounds of games being played loudly, “I want to talk to you both.” Said Simon,” we are busy playing…” replied Dan, “It won’t take time…” said Simon, “ Okay! We are coming.” Replied Dan. Dan and Sam entered their uncle Simon apartment, “come and sit..” said Simon, Dan and Sam sat down, Simon was about to start talking when Sam interrupted him, “Hey! Brayden your can is nice… I want to play with you… I have a nice car too…” said Sam with open eyes and smile, “ You want to play with Brayden Sam! Bring your car…” said Simon, Sam brought his car and started playing with Brayden, “Dan…Sam…there is an internet café in this town. Where you can play your favourite games, eat food you like and meet friends. I want you to go and enjoy your life.” Said Simon with excitement, Dan opened his eyes wider and smiled, “Waw! Great! Sure we go and play, “I’m sure you will…”said Simon when a loud shout from Sam interrupted the conversation, “Hey! You knocked my car… I break your car!” Sam hit Brayden’s car toughly, as a result Brayden started crying in shock. Helen heard Brayden’s voice, she carried him far from Sam.

Next day, Simon went with Dan and Sam to an internet café nearby, Dan and Sam were very happy to see their favourite games playing there, what made them more pleased that the café was near a restaurant, where their fatty junk food was made. Simon met the man in charge, “ Hi! Mr Adam.” Greeted Simon, “ Hi! Mr. Simon. How are you!?” replied Mr. Adam, “Fine thanks!” said Simon, “Dan and Sam are my nephews visiting us these days… they like playing games on internet… I want to make registration for them.” Said Simon, “Yes sure! You pay the fees for both of them.” Said Mr. Adam, “ Anything else!” said Simon, “A copy from ID.”, “Okay! What about working hours?!” asked Simon, “We open for the public from 8:00pm until 8:00am.” Said Mr. Adam, “sounds good!” replied Simon, “food and coffee requests are provided.” Mr. Adam looked at Dan and Sam when they started laughing hearing about the food. “Thank you Mr. Adam!” said Simon, “Welcome!” replied Mr. Adam. Simon was about to leave when Sam said, “Uncle Simon! I want to play now…”, “ No Sam. Not now. You come at 8:00pm. I will put the alarm for you.” Said Simon, “Okay!” said Sam.

Simon and his nephews returned back home. Dan and Sam were very happy, their laughs and talks could be heard when they stepped up the stairs. “ Get ready Dan.. Sam!” said Simon, “Okay uncle Simon!” replied Dan. Simon entered his apartment. Amra and Brayden came to welcome their father, “Any news!” asked Helen, “Good news!” replied Simon with a smile, “ I can hear them laughing…” said Helen, “ Yes dear! Hope they change when they deal with people.” Said Simon, “Hope so!” replied Helen, “I have also something…!” said Simon smiling, “What tell me!” said Helen waiting, “I change my night shift to morning for today and tomorrow.” Said Simon, “ At least to stay with us for two nights.” Said Helen. Simon and his family had quiet time together. They enjoyed having lunch, playing hide and seek, and watching T.V.

It was 8:00pm, when Simon heard Dan and Sam opening their apartment door. He went to talk to them before they leave. ”Look at you! I can see you are ready to to the café!” said Simon, “Yes uncle Simon!” replied Dan and Sam with joy, “Do you have money?” asked Simon, “Yes uncle! We have much money from grandpa ” Replied Dan, “Okay! I see.” Replied Dan, “Uncle Simon. We want to go.” Said Sam with joy, “Okay! Take care.” Said Simon, Dan and Sam went to the café. Simon’s family went to bed early that night; they hadn’t have enough sleep for days.

It is nearly midnight when Helen woke up breathless and panic. ”Helen dear! What’s wrong!” Said Simon with worry, “It is the same dream… it is repeated…”said Helen slowly, “What dream?!” asked Simon, “I have had a nightmare… it is repeated again and again!” said Helen, “Helen! You are thinking a lot these days… don’t overload yourself with negative thoughts.” Said Simon seriously,” I’m trying Simon. But that dream hasn’t stopped from attacking me in my sleep.” Said Helen with worry, “Dear! Rest…Things will be fine…No worries.” Said Simon quietly. Helen put her head on the pillow. She kept looking at the window until the first light of morning shined. Helen got up to be ready for another day. She entered the kitchen to prepare for breakfast and for a special dish; her husband will have lunch with them. Simon woke up and got ready for his morning work at the company. “Simon! Are you wake!” called Helen, “ Yes Helen! I’m coming.” Replied Simon. Simon was having his coffee, “ Have some biscuits.” Said Helen, “Mmm! Nice…I have to hurry up!” Simon went out the apartment, when he met Dan and Sam. They were exhausted and sleepy, ”Dan…Sam how was it?” said Simon,” We played all night.” Replied Dan, “And we ate much food!” continued Sam, “Go and sleep then!” Said Simon smiling. Simon went to morning shift work, he will stay with his family tonight and they will have another quiet night.

Chapter Six

Next day morning, “Mama! I want to see brawny!” said Amra, “ Okay dear!” replied Helen. Amra was running down the stairs when she saw Dan and Sam coming with two strange boys. They were heading up towards their apartment. “Papa! papa!” called Amra, “Yes Amra!” said Simon, “strange boys come with Dan and Sam.” Said Amra, “What! Stay here.” Said Simon. Simon went out quickly, he met Dan and Sam with the boys, “ Dan…Sam…what’s going on here?” said Simon seriously, ”Who told you! The little witch!” said Dan, “Dan! what’s going on?! Who are they!” said Simon formally, ”Uncle Simon. They are friends.” Replied Dan, Simon looked at the boys who were exchanging eye to eye contact. He noticed on of them was smoking with a scar on his check. The other boy had big body with muscles. “Dan! You know that no stranger is allowed to enter your grandpa apartment.” Said Simon seriously, “Uncle Simon! It’s not your business anymore. We are men now. ”Dan smiled wickedly, “Let’s go guys!” said Dan. The boys passed by Simon looking at him. They entered the opposite apartment and closed the door. Simon was sweating and shacking with anger, he controlled himself during the conversation. He didn’t know how to deal with such unexpected situation. He faced trouble makers and unstable boys who entered the apartment opposite his family’s.

Simon entered his apartment and close the door slowly. “who are they?!” asked Helen, “Friends!” replied Simon with absent mind, Helen looked at him with suspect, Simon continued, “Dan and Sam want to spend time with friends.” Said Simon, “Such!” said Helen, “They are in their apartment; sure at night they will go to the internet café.” Said Simon, Helen kept silent, “Helen! Make sure to keep the door locked. I’ll bring Amra’s rabbit here. I’ll put it in the balcony.” Said Simon, Helen nodded her head. Simon got dressed and went to work.

In the afternoon, Simon finished his morning shift and went back straight home. He was stepping up the stairs hearing the noises of laugh and games. He smelled ready made food which was thrown outside the apartment, where Dan and Sam and their friends were in, as well soda cans and other stuff. Simon entered hi apartment slowly, he was trying to understand what happened. He targeted something and he ended with unexpected result. “Papa! Browny is happy to be with us!” Said Amra welcoming her father, “Yes dear!” said Simon, “You back!” said Helen, “Yes dear!” replied Simon in a low voice, “Lunch is ready.” Said Helen, Simon nodded his head. Simon’s family were having their lunch, they could hear the noises coming from the opposite apartment mingling with Amra and Brayden’s soft sounds as they were playing with spray foam, “Stop it Amra!” said Helen, “We want to play with the foam mama!” replied Amra, “Dear! You make a mess..” Simon interrupted their conversation, “Helen! Let them play.” Then, Simon talked to Amra, “Be careful! Don’t let the foam touch your eyes.

It was 8:00 pam, when Simon and Helen heard stepping down the stairs. “The boys are going to the café.” said Simon, “seems so!” replied Helen. Simon opened the window, he saw the boys talking and laughing, their voices filled the empty silent road, “At least, they will be at the café all night.” Said Simon, “I’m not sure about it!” said Helen, “Dan and Sam get busy with their friends.” Said Simon, “with whom!?” replied Helen surprisingly, “ I mean …” Helen interrupted Simon saying, “Simon! You have to call uncle; Tell him what’s is happening!” said Helen seriously, ”It is not my business any more Helen, remember!” said Simon, “ I know! Let him know then wait and see…” said Helen calmly,” I’ll think about it. Tomorrow, I have a night shift. Lock the door, and don’t get in touch with anybody.” Replied Simon, Helen kept silent, “Papa! You sleep with us tonight!” said Amra, “Yes Amra.”

Next day morning, the small family had their usual routine. “Nobody has shown!” said Helen, Simon kept silent thinking, when he heard the boys entering the front door building, he opened his apartment door and met the boy on the stairs. “Uncle Simon…I want to tell you…” Sam was about to continue when the big boy looked at him sharply, the big boy’s look blocked the words in Sam’s mouth. “How’s everything Dan?” asked Simon. Dan looked down and said, “Okay! We are enjoying our time.” The boy with scar smiled. “Dan…Sam you are not allowed at all to bring any friends here in this building.” Said Simon,” Yes uncle!” replied Dan and Sam, “Or! I will call grandpa.” Said Simon seriously, the boys kept silent. They moved and enter the apartment then closed the door.

Simon entered his apartment wondering about Dan and Sam’s reaction, “they change! Why!” wondered Simon, ”Their reaction is different this time! What happened? They are hiding something” Helen cut Simon’s thinking and said, “What’s up?!”, “Nothing!” said Simon with a breath of release, “ The boys are hiding something.” Simon continued, ”What do you mean?” said Helen, “Their friends control them…they are trouble makers.” Said Simon, “ Oh! Certainly they will. Dan and Sam are considered to be children. The strange boys are more mature and strong.” Said Helen with certainty, Simon kept silent, “It is really sarcasm! We couldn’t manage to deal with Dan and Sam case though we are educated; these failures know the clue…how come.” Said Helen with low voice, Simon was looking far away thinking, “Helen! I’ll get ready for work…As I told you before keep the door locked.”, Simon got dressed and went to work.

Simon left and Helen kept waiting until 8:00 pm; expecting them to go to the café. That didn’t happen. Helen became worried, she called Simon, “Simon!”, “Yes Helen!” replied Simon, ”They still in..” said Helen, “who!” said Simon, “ They boys…they haven’t’ gone to the café yet.” Said Helen, “Okay Helen! I should call father.”, Simon ended the call with Helen. He searched his father’s name and pressed call, “Father! This is Simon.”, “Simon son! How are you and everybody!” replied grandpa, “fine! Father I want to tell you something important…” said Simon, “ Go ahead son!” said grandpa, “ Dan and Sam bring strange boys to enter your apartment.” Said Simon, “ Who are these boys?!” asked grandpa, “They said they are their friends…” said Simon, “They are their friends then!” replied grandpa, “ But father, they are trouble makers…” said Simon, “How do you know?” asked grandpa, “Form their appearance; they behave awkwardly.” Said Simon, “son! Have they done anything for Dan and Sam…” asked Simon, “Not far as I know. But I noticed that they control them…” said Simon, “ Did Dan and Sam complain to you?” asked grandpa, “Yes…I mean no…Not directly!” said Simon hesitantly, “Son! As I told you before don’t interfere in their life. I’m in touch with them and they are fine.” Said grandpa, “But father…” grandpa interrupted by saying, ”Simon! Tell Helen and Amra the same.” Said grandpa, “Amra! But father…” Simon was astonished, “Okay son! I hear from you.” Grandpa ended the call. Simon was in shock with his father’s reaction. He was wondering, ”Have Dan and Sam been calling father?! Since when! My father knows everything. Does he truly believe what Dan and Sam saying about Helen and Amra…Amra.”

It is 2:00 am. Helen and children were sleeping when heavy knocking on the door started. Helen and her children woke up. Helen went closer to the door, ”Who is it?!” asked Helen, “open the door…where is uncle Simon…” said Dan loudly with panic, “Your uncle is not here; he’s at work.” Replied Helen, “ We want him to come now. It is a robbery. Someone break into the apartment and take grandpa money. A lot of money.” Said Dan, “What! What are you saying!” said Helen with surprise, “Yes! After our friends left…open the door…”said Dan, “ No!! I can’t open the door. Wait until your uncle come.” Said Helen seriously, “ Okay! Helen full stop.” Said Dan with mockery. Dan and Sam were talking loudly blaming each other. Helen took her cell phone to call Simon, ”Simon! You nephews want to talk to you.” Said Helen, “What happened!” replied Simon, “they said there is a break in uncles’ apartment…” said Helen,” What!” replied Simon loudly, “ Yes! They said uncle’s money was stolen.” Continued Helen, ”What money… father didn’t mention that at all…” replied Simon, “Is it true! Uncle keeps money in his apartment?” asked Helen,” I don’t know!” replied Simon, “They said a lot of money being stolen.” Said Helen, “I don’t know what to say. I have to call father.” Said Simon quickly, ”Simon! Don’t be late. Please come as soon as you can.” Said Helen with fear, “don’t worry Helen! Keep the door lucked and don’t open to anyone.” Said Simon slowly, “Yes. Simon..” replied Helen. Simon ended the call and call back his father, “Father! father!” said Simon with worry, “Yes. Simon” replied grandpa, “Dan and Sam are talking about a rubbery…” said Simon, ”What! Where are you?” said grandpa loudly, “I’m at work…night shift. Do you keep money in that apartment?” asked Simon with a low voice, “Son!...Son! I mean yes. I keep some in your mother’s drawer.” Replied grandpa hesitantly, “Father! Why you do that?!” asked Simon with surprise, “I don’t want to keep my money in the bank…” replied grandpa slowly, “Oh! Father. You keep money in an apartment where unstable boys live in …” said Simon with wonder, “ I thought it is better to let them live in the apartment to look after the money…” said grandpa, “What father! You put them as guards; Do they know about the money?!” asked Simon, “No. They don’t know.” Said grandpa with low voice, “ Ooh! For sure they don’t, otherwise, they would spend it..” Said Simon seriously, “Simon. It is not the time to discuss anything; Call the police and find out who did that…” said grandpa, “I will father.” Said Simon.

Chapter Seven

Simon was calling the police, ”Police station.” Said officer, “ Hello sir! Someone broke in to my father’s apartment.” Said Simon, “Who’s with me?” asked officer, “I’m Simon Brayden!” replied Simon, “When was that?” asked officer, “Yesterday night” replied Simon, “Where are you now?” asked officer, “ I’m working night shift; I’m on my way home.” Said Simon, “Give me the address.” “It’s in25 street, near the petrol station. It is a building with 4 apartments.” ”Anything else!” ”An internet café is nearby. I’ll be there soon.”

IT is 8:00 am. Helen was wondering about what happened when her son Brayden cam, ”Mama, water…”” Yes dear!” Helen gave him some water, “You want to have a bath Brayden…!” smiled Helen, Brayden smiled back, “Okay! Let’s prepare for your bath.” Helen started to take off Brayden’s clothes when she heard somebody knocking on the door,” Open now!” an officer, “Who is there?!” asked Helen, “ It is the police. Open the door now!” said the officer formally, “I’m alone with my children.” Replied Helen, “I said open now.” The officer said in a loud voice, “My husband is not here.” said Helen with worry, “ Open the door.” Replied the officer. Helen opened the door, the officers started to enter the apartment, one by one, “Here you are! Why you didn’t open the door immediately?” asked captain Mark; looking at Helen with suspect, “I…I…” Helen was shocked with fear and confuse, “Why…tell me?” said captain Mark loudly, Helen was confused and hesitant, “Bring her with you…” captain Mark ordered the officers, ”No…No… I have children.” Helen was screaming while the officers are arresting her, “Search the place!” ordered captain Mark,” Sir. We haven’t found anything.” Said an officer, “Let’s go and bring this lady.” Helen was screaming calling her children’s names, “Please! My children are alone… the door is open… I left the door open.” The officers took Helen with them in a police car, heading the police station.

Amra and Brayden were alone in the apartment. They were crying seeing the police taking their mother. The door was opened; Amra heard Dan and Sam’s voices, they were laughing in a low voice. Amra ran and hided under the bed leaving Brayden alone. Dan and Sam entered the apartment, they saw Brayden, “Hey! Brayden…You want to swim…” Said Sam, “ Where is the little witch Brayden! I want to kick her with this.” Dan was holding a plastic stick, both of Dan and Sam started laughing, “Helen full stop go!”, “Let’s go swimming Brayden! But no swimming pool…” said Sam, “You idiot! There is a water tank in the roof.” Said Dan, “Yes! Let’s go Brayden.” Sam took Brayden upstairs, and Dan started looking for Amra, “Where are you little witch! Where are you hiding…”

Meanwhile, Helen was in captain Mark office, “I left the door open… the door is open… the door is open.” Helen was crying and repeating the door is open, ”Stop it lady…stop it…” said captain Mark loudly, “Please! Give me my phone…my children are alone at home.” Helen was begging the captain, “Not before you tell me about the robbery.” Said captain Mark, “What rubbery…I don’t know anything… believe me..” cried Helen, “ what’s your relationship with Mr Brayden?!” asked captain Mark, “He’s my father in law, and Simon his son is my husband.” Said Helen, “What about the fool big boys.” Asked captain Mark, “ They are Simon’s nephews. We take care of them.” Replied Helen, “You take care of them!” said captain Mark, “ Yes! Before my mother in law used to send money to my husband and I to take a good care of the…” said Helen, “ Do you have any evidence?” asked captain Mark, “Yes! I have…” replied Helen, “I’ll let you go now; bring me the evidence tomorrow.” Said captain Mark, “ I promise to do; give me my phon.” Said Helen, “Officer. Give her the phone.” Ordered captain Mark. Helen went out quickly breathless, she was shaking with fear, she called Simon, “Simon! Simon”, “Helen! What happened?” replied Simon, “Go home quickly…please…the children are alone…the door is open.” Cried Helen, Helen went out of the police station looking for a car.

Meanwhile, Sam took Bryden to the roof, he opened the water tank, “Brayden much water here…see… we will swim..” Dan was searching for Amra. “little witch…where are you”, Amra was hiding under the bed, she could hear Dan calling her. Amra saw a foam spray under the bed, she held it, “Amra! You are hiding here; I’m sure” when Dan looked at Amra under the bed, she pressed on and sprayed the foam on his eyes, “Ooh! My eyes… you little witch.. my eyes are hurting.” Amra ran out of the apartment towards the stairs when she met her father. “Where is Brayden amra!” asked Simon, “In the roof with Sam.” Replied Amra, Simon went quickly upstairs, until he reached the roof seeing Sam holding Brayden putting him in the water tank, then raising him up again, “Sam! Leave Brayden.” Shouted Simon, “Oh! Uncle Simon. You back!” Sam left Brayden, ”What happened!” asked Simon, “ They took grandpa’s money.” Said Sam, “Who!” asked Simon, ”I don’t know!” replied Sam. Simon heard Helen’s voice coming, “Helen! Are you okay!” asked Simon, “No! I’m not!” shouted Helen, she took Brayden and Amra and went down, she saw Dan crying leaving her apartment. Helen went in and closed the door.

Simon told Dan and Sam to go to their apartment. He entered his apartment seeing Helen crying hugging her children, “I fed up Simon! I want to leave this building.”, Simon kept silent, “I was about to lose my children and life because of the irresponsibility of your father and brothers. How come your father keeps such amount of money and put unstable boys to guard. True it is his apartment, but we live in the same building.”, Simon tried to calm Helen down, “Helen! Everything will be fine! For sure there should be a decision to be taken.” A noise came from the building front door shifting Simon and Helen’s attention, many steps up the stairs. Simon went to the door, he heard knocking on his father’s apartment, Simon opened the door, ”Hello sir!” said Simon, “Who are you!” asked captain Mark, “I’m Simon, Mr Brayden’s son.” Replied Simon, “You reported the robbery!” said captain Mark, “Yes sir!” replied Simon, “Okay! Helen is your wife..” said captain Mark, “Yes sir!” replied Simon, “Tell her to bring the paper.” Said captain, “Sure sir!” replied Simon, “Where are the boys in this apartment?” asked captain Mark, “They are in”, Dan and Sam opened the door, Dan was crying touching his eyes, and Sam was half dressed and wet. “Bring them!” ordered captain Mark, Dan and Sam started crying, “Sir! They are boys...” said Simon, “Let us do our work Mr Simon.” Replied captain Mark, “But they are unstable; they behave like children.” Said Simon in a low voice, “We will find that out…bring them!” ordered captain Mark, “Uncle Simon! Don’t let them take us…uncle Simon please!” Dan and Sam started crying and weeping like children, then they were taken down stairs towards the police car. The police cars moved heading the police station.

Chapter Eight

Simon called his father, “Father!”, “Simon! What happened tell me; Did the police find the money?” asked grandpa, “Father. You have to com as soon as possible. Dan and Sam were arrested.” Replied Simon. Next day morning, Simon was in the airport meeting his father. “ I know you and your family have had tough time.” Said grandpa quietly, Simon kept silent, “Let’s go straight to the police station; hop to fix the matter.” Continued grandpa. Simon and his father went to the police station and met captain Mark, “Mr Brayden, we found out that Dan and Sam participated on the robbery; the other boys who were with them in your apartment admitted and told us everything.” Said captain Mark straightly, “ Captain. Dan and Sam are irresponsible. The have special condition.” Replied grandpa, “Do you have papers?” asked captain Mark, “Yes I have.” Replied grandpa, “I advise you to have an attorney, or they will end in jail.” Said captain Mark, “Sure I will. Thank you captain.” Said grandpa.

Simon and his father left the police station. They went home. “Mama! Grandpa is back!” said Amra, “Welcome uncle!” said Helen calmly, “How are you Helen?” said grandpa, “Fine!” replied Helen in a low voice, “ So sorry for what happened!” said grandpa, Helen kept silent. “Come father please!” said Simon, Simon and his father sat in the guest room, “Simon son! I want to give you mother’s inheritance. You are free to decide for you and your family.” said grandpa with emotion, ”What about the apartments?” asked Simon, “Your brothers have to find a way or employ a guard; they can afford it.” Replied grandpa. Helen entered with coffee, ”Uncle! There is something we have to talk about!” said Helen, “I know my daughter…” grandpa interrupted her, ”I know what do you want to say. You and your husband are free now to choose for your life; To stay here in this building or to move out.” Said grandpa, “Not only this uncle. The moment I saw Dan and Sam in chain, I realized that we all drive them to end in jail.” Said Helen sadly, “You are right Helen. I make use of them to keep my money. I saw them growing bigger thinking that they are suitable body guards.” Said grandpa, ”Simon and I couldn’t form with them a family. Our concern was to avoid them and the sequence of the behavior. We could show them how to take care of themselves and others. Instead, we left them to failures manipulated them. I felt bitty for them.” Said Helen with sorrow, “My daughter! Captain Mark promised me to move them to a specialized center for such cases.” Said grandpa, “At least to move them from the jail!” said Simon, “Now! I have to go and check my place. Good night. ”said grandpa, “Good night father!”. It was a quiet night for Simon’s family. No more noises or sounds, mostly no more surprises.

In the morning, Simon woke up early before everybody, he prepared breakfast and got it ready. “Good morning Simon!” said Helen, “Good morning Helen!” replied Simon smiling, “You prepared breakfast!” said Helen, “I want you to have enough sleep!” replied Simon, “Yes, I had! I managed to kick them…” said Helen with release, “Who!” asked Simon, “people in my dream… I shouted at them and kick them out.”.