It Was Just A Dream

Selma sat beside Corbin's head, caressing his face. He looked worry-free and peaceful in sleep yet she knew that sooner or later, he would wake up drenched in cold sweat, gasping for air and with a severe headache.

Wasn't that how his life had always been all these years?

Selma's heart broke for her nephew, who she had raised as her own son. There was nothing more precious in her life than the happiness of Corbin.

She often wondered where and when he would get it.

A sigh escaped her lips as she ran her fingers through his blonde strands. Lincoln stirred in sleep. Upon not finding his wife beside him, he came looking for her in Corbin's room.

His shoulders relaxed, seeing her sitting on Corbin's bed. He stood at the door, admiring his resilient wife. Lincoln's farming was enough to provide for the two of them. But when they took in Corbin as their son after the accidental death of his brother and sister-in-law, Selma was worried that their income may not be sufficient to provide for Corbin's needs.

Despite Lincoln's reasonings, she started her business of spices. She worked hard all her life, just to give a comfortable lifestyle for Corbin. Her determination motivated him to work harder.

And together, they now were one of the well-to-do families in Broughton. They couldn't be considered among the richest but they were not poor either.

Lincoln stepped inside the room. Selma's head snapped up to look at her husband.

"Lincoln? Why are you up at this hour in the night? Do you need anything?"

Lincoln shook his head lightly. How she always thought about others before her!

"I can ask you the same. Why are you up at this hour?" Lincoln glanced at Corbin's sleeping form, and a warm smile made its way onto his lips.

Selma was silent at first before she said, "I... I just wanted to be with him for a while."

"You can always ask him to spend time with you Selma and Corbin would gladly do it. You don't need to burn your nights sitting beside him when he is asleep."

Selma was silent. She didn't know how to explain to him the restlessness she felt in her heart.

Lincoln observed his wife for a moment before he asked, "Would you come out with me for some fresh air?"

Selma couldn't deny her husband's request and stood up after another glance at Corbin. The old couple walked out of the house and into the small garden around.

Sitting in a swing that Corbin had specially made for his aunt, the couple enjoyed the silence of the night. But Selma couldn't help with her restlessness. Her fingers kept fidgeting in her lap as her mind was somewhere else.

"Selma, my dear?"

"hmm?"

"What's wrong?" He asked, covering her hand with his.

Selma was hesitant at first, but then she sighed dejectedly. She had no one else to share these things with other than her husband. She trusted him with her everything.

"Lincoln, Corbin has just turned twenty five a month ago."

"Yes. How fast that boy grew!" Lincoln smiled, remembering the little five-year-old boy he had brought home with him.

"Lincoln, I am worried about his future."

Lincoln's brows creased as he looked at his wife. The mild light of the shining moon cast on her face showed the lines of worry.

"I don't understand, Selma."

"Corbin is now at the age where he should begin the next phase of his life. He should get married now. Boys of his age are already fathers to one or two kids. And look at him!

At the age of twenty-five, he is still playing with five-year-old kids. How are we going to find a suitable woman for him if he keeps living this carefree life?"

Lincoln stifled his laugh because he didn't look at that situation as a problem like his wife.

"Selma, you are overthinking the situation. Our Corbin is a well-educated man- the best in Broughton. He is also handsome with his blonde hair and big blue eyes.

He wants to establish a factory in Broughton which will provide employment to dozens of young men and women. Until then, he is helping both of us in our occupations.

What else a woman wants in her husband?

He is also a loyal, compassionate and kind-hearted man. He is always ready for others' help. I don't see a single drawback in my son, and I am proud of him!" Lincoln's chest always puffed out in pride whenever he spoke about Corbin.

Selma smiled, nodding her head. "Yes. There is no drawback in our son, Lincoln but..."

"But what, Selma?"

Selma glanced around to make sure nobody was listening to their conversation. Yet she spoke in a lower voice.

"But what about his... I mean... who he is?"

Lincoln instantly tensed upon hearing those words from her.

"Lincoln, we know how kind our son is. He is not capable of evil but... would any woman understand it? Would she understand him, his pain?

What if... she wouldn't accept him for who he is? And if the world finds out about it..." Selma couldn't speak more as fear crippled her heart, and she held her husband's hand tightly.

Lincoln was not oblivious to these things. He had given enough thought, but in the end, he reached only one conclusion.

"Selma, all we can do is trust the time. I am sure Corbin's fate is not that unfair. There must be someone for him out there who will hold his hand and take care of him even better than us.

We only need to be patient. We cannot rush things nor we can keep any woman under the darkness about his reality. Please don't tire yourself thinking about this."

He pulled her in a hug. Selma rested her head over his shoulder, feeling comforted in his arms.

"Maybe you are right! I am just worried for him."

"I understand, Selma. You are his mother. Of course, you worry for him."

A minute passed in silence, and Selma found herself calming a bit. But that moment didn't last long as they heard Corbin's voice coming from inside the house.

They were instantly on their feet, rushing to his room in the dim light. Lincoln was the first one to reach Corbin's room, only to see him sitting in the bed, his eyes wide open and his body covered in sweat while he struggled to breathe.

"Corbin!" Lincoln was right by his side, followed by Selma.

Corbin seemed to be shaken and looked scared. Lincoln wrapped his arms around his shaking shoulders and pulled him to his chest.

Selma got a glass of water and a napkin to wipe the sweat.

"I am here, my son. Your aunt and uncle are here. It's okay... It's okay. It was just a dream." Lincoln whispered sweet nothings in Corbin's ear, trying to calm him.

After a few minutes, Corbin's breathing slowed down to normal. Selma had wiped his face and neck by now. He asked for water, and Selma gave him the glass she had gotten before.

Corbin drank all the water before he lay down in bed and covered himself with the blanket. He closed his eyes in an attempt of getting some sleep again though all three of them knew it was an attempt in vain.

Lincoln and Selma shared a look. Both of their faces were ashen. Selma suppressed a sob that threatened to come out of her throat.

The couple remained by Corbin's side, wondering if their son would ever find peace in his life.