Victim of neglect

Jude diligently searched through his wardrobe for the perfect attire. His eyes landed on a vibrant red T-shirt, a thoughtful gift from his significant other. As he examined the shirt, he noticed that the collar button was missing. Contemplating whether to return it to the wardrobe, he found himself unable to act. With time ticking away, he ultimately resolved to have it repaired, refusing to let a missing button ruin his plans.

He called out to his mother, "Mom, please do me a favor. Get this button intact instantly, I need to see my best friend."

His mother came running towards him. She was dressed like a damsel. Artificial purple flowers adorned her silky brown hair. A few locks were falling down her shoulders. Her floating morning gown was meticulously made.

She was astonished to claim,"You are going to meet Celia?"

"No Mom, it's Juli," he clarified, handing over the t-shirt to her.

She bit her lips to show anguish, "What's so special about that girl? I told you she is not worth it to our family. You had better understand it now. It's your infatuation that is leading you to go for her. By the way, may I know why you are going there suddenly?"

"Mom, to be frank, I have decided to marry her. She is the right person to assemble my life. She is cool, calm, and compassionate, unlike Celia. She has a heart of gold. Celia is more concerned about our status. So let me give her a single chance. Now, Mom, please get my shirt ready," he pleaded.

"No chance, I am going to Celia's house upon an invitation. All my friends are coming. I don't want to waste my precious time repairing your clothes. Send it to the tailor, wise young man, and take care. Bye, son! I promise to see you soon," she plucked a kiss on his forehead, handed back the shirt, and exited the main door, leaving her son dumbfounded.

Jude was very familiar with his mother's disposition. She thrived on socializing, parties, and entertaining others. It was impossible to confine her to the house for even a day. Although she was skilled at knitting and stitching, her true passion lay in hosting gatherings and engaging in social activities. Her husband, a wealthy business executive, had numerous employees and lived a lavish lifestyle, with indulgence in wine, women, and wealth. He provided every luxury for his family, allowing him to live without any remorse. Amid this fast-paced lifestyle, they unintentionally neglected their only son, who was primarily raised by the household helpers. All other responsibilities took precedence over him.

As a result of continuous inattention from his parents, Jude became a victim of neglect. He began to live life on terms. He didn't have to worry about his future because his father was there to fulfill his basic as well as extravagant needs. He had had an abusive childhood. The daily squabbles of his parents made him stay aloof from them. Gradually, things came under control. His father started earning sufficiently for a luxurious lifestyle.

He remembered the day when he didn't have a ballpoint pen to write in the exams. He was damn scared to confront his father because of seeing the consequences. Still, he hurried himself to his room because of fear of his teachers. His father was sitting with a glass of wine. He realized it was a sort of beverage and understood that he was in a jolly mood. He peeped from the door for a long time, waiting for a sweet gesture from his father. Half an hour passed, but there was no response. He stood still. Suddenly, his father got up to receive a call, when his large red eyes fell on him. Poor Jude noticed it secretly. He was so scared that he retreated his steps unawares.

His father disconnected the call and screamed, much to the dismay of Jude, "Oh Jude my brilliant boy, what's up? Why are you here at this time of the day? Where is your mommy darling?"

The continuous chain of questions worried him. He didn't surmise which one to answer first. His poor body shivered from inside. He was silent as ever, observing his father. He knew well that his father's friendliness would turn into his wrath.

He managed to utter, ignoring all the other queries, "Father, I need some money."

He felt a wave of relaxation wash over him, causing him to momentarily forget why he had come to ask for money. His father, Joseph, let out a sarcastic laugh and motioned for him to enter the room and take a seat. As Joseph took a sip from his glass, his laughter rang out, filling the room with an unsettling, villainous vibe. Jude couldn't help but feel like an unwelcome intruder, ruining his father's jovial mood. Although he desperately searched for an excuse to leave, the words he had already spoken had required immense courage to utter, leaving him with no escape. He gazed around the room, waiting anxiously for his father's response. Finally, Joseph subdued his laughter, composed himself, and fixed his gaze upon Jude.

He watched him head to foot saying, "Money, little boy. How come you learned about that wretched thing? It took me a decade to earn it. You need my hard-earned money. What will you do with it?"

Jude was terrified by the angry tone of his father. He chose not to open his mouth.

Joseph became desperate,"Don't you hear what I say. Answer me or get out of my room."

Jude jumped from the chair, turned his back, and ran outside to avoid any scene. His life seemed more precious than his examination. After all, he learned a valuable lesson about money from his father. There were times when his father used to wrack him mercilessly for no reason in a fit of rage. His mother was also of no help to him. Most of the time she remained silent to bear his anger. She even had no objection when he brought girls home to satiate his carnal desires. Harriet belonged to an underprivileged family. With a little bit of education in her hands, she had nowhere to go. Joseph was taking undue advantage of her. But circumstances changed abruptly for her when they became rich. Her husband's behavior did not affect her anymore. She formed a definite set of friendships and started loitering with them to attain her peace of mind.

Jude returned to Earth getting his t-shirt. He gazed at the wall clock to find that he was already late. He threw it on the bed, pulled out another shirt and trousers, and rushed to get ready, realizing the gravity of the situation. It was a `do or die' situation for him.