We are the World

Muriel’s world was going to be turned upside down this summer. Shock washed over her face. First, Jules came back home. Muriel stood by her kitchen phone with a stunned look on her face.

“What?!” she asked.

“I’m coming home, mum,” Jules said. Muriel paused for a long second.

“Why?!” she asked.

“You’re so lonely,” her daughter said. “I feel bad for not seeing you enough.” The old biddy slowly shook her head.

“I’m not!” she shouted.

“And you won’t be,” Jules said. “I will see you this evening.” She hung up before her mother could argue back. Muriel sank to her knees with wide eyes.

“No…” she said again. There goes her freedom.

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“You can’t be serious,” Lewis said. Muriel looked like she was about to cry. Aisha rubbed her on the arm

“There, there,” she said. Her friend looked pitiful. Clyde was chewing on a straw as she looked around the Sunny Plum.

“It can’t be that bad,” Aisha said. “She is your daughter.” Muriel pressed her lips together and nodded.

“Yeah…” she said. “But I liked my freedom.” Lewis and Clyde could understand her. Muriel looked over at Aisha.

“Do you have any kids?” she asked.

“No…” the leader said. Muriel pulled away.

“Exactly,” she said. Clyde turned her head and looked behind Muriel and Aisha.

“Uh… guys…” she said.

“What?” Aisha asked. Clyde pointed behind them. The leader frowned.

“Don’t point!” she said with her hands on her hips. Muriel turned around.

“Oh…” she said. Aisha turned her head as well. Her jaw dropped. This giant of a boy with muscles showing through his clothes stood behind the old biddies. He had the face of a fifteen-year-old boy. His bangs hid his eyes. He broke into a huge grin. Lewis blinked at first.

“Uh…” she said.

“I’m Crusher!” the boy said.

“Nice to meet you?” Aisha asked.

“Do you know why they call me Crusher?” he asked.

“No,” Clyde said. Was it possible for teeth to be so white?

“Because I can time something in my hand and crush it!” he said. The boy flexed his fist. The old biddies didn’t know how to react.

“Melvin!” Annie shouted from the back. The boy jumped to attention.

“Yes Auntie!” he shouted. Annie walked up to the counter.

“You’re supposed to be in the back helping me!” she said. “And why aren’t you wearing your apron?” The grown boy groaned.

“Sorry,” he said. He lowered his head and walked back to the kitchen. The old biddies looked at each other, confused. Okay then…

End