Catch Me When I Fall

By Ceanmohrlass

Sissel brushes her thin grey hair, carefully pinning her long braid into a fashionable bun. Dimples in her cheeks appear, as she smiles at the fond memory of watching her mother do the same. The reflection in the mirror shows Sissel’s increasing resemblance to her mother. She closes her eyes and smiles at the early good memories; they are easier for her to focus on.
Suddenly, Sissel hears a familiar voice, and her heart races with delight. Sissel opens her eyes, seeing only her reflection, and quietly nods. Humming an old tune, she takes her time as she puts on her best dress. ‘May 1, 1960, this is the day,’ Sissel whispers quietly, ‘this is the day.'

• Language: English
• Publisher: Ceanmohrlass
• Release date: May 12, 2015
• ISBN: 9781310985102

Ceanmohrlass

Ceanmohrlass is a retired grandmother who has been writing novels for her family and friends for over 20 years.She is the family genealogist, and writing the family history has only increased the passion for writing.Ceanmohrlass resides in Texas and is currently working on three new novels.

Book preview

Catch Me When I Fall

Fang meg når jeg faller

Copyright 2011 Jana Robison

Published by Ceanmohrlass - Jana Robison at Smashwords

Smashwords Edition License Notes

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your enjoyment only, then please return to Smashwords.com or your favorite retailer and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

Table of Contents

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

Chapter Eighteen

About the Author

Other books by Ceanmohrlass

Chapter One

Sissel brushes her thin grey hair, carefully pinning her long braid into a fashionable bun. Dimples in her cheeks appear, as she smiles at the fond memory of watching her mother do the same. The reflection in the mirror shows Sissel’s increasing resemblance to her mother. She closes her eyes and smiles at the early good memories; they are easier for her to focus on.

Suddenly, Sissel hears a familiar voice, and her heart races with delight. Sissel opens her eyes, seeing only her reflection, and quietly nods. Humming an old tune, she takes her time as she puts on her best dress. ‘May 1, 1960, this is the day,’ Sissel whispers quietly, ‘this is the day.’

The late spring day is unusually warm, and the southerly breeze gently brushes her face. Just as she did every day, Sissel takes her lunch to the park, as she tries to stay out of her daughter’s way. Giddy with excitement, the quick walk down the tree lined street makes her heart race.

With the sun beaming brightly, her little town is beginning to wake up from the long, hard winter. The thick heels on her shoes clack, as she makes her way across the quiet, brick lined street. Sissel walks past the bronze statue as she enters the beautiful little park by the river. Children are loudly playing and giggling, as they form a train down the tall slide.

The fresh layer of crushed granite on the walking trail gets a little pink dust on the toes of Sissel’s shoes. The trail winds down the bank almost to the water’s edge, past a small fishing dock. It then takes a sharp dip beside the pedestal grills and picnic tables, and under the willow trees. The fairly steep section back up the hill and around the hardwood trees is just visible from the road. Families are taking photos next to the large garden full of daffodils; the vibrant colors brightened by the sunshine.

A young couple enters the park and wave at Sissel as they make their way down the trail, quickly disappearing from view. Sissel waves back at Daniel and Mary, as she sits down on the deep, tall park bench. The fragrant blossoms from the cherry trees float down around Sissel’s shoulders. She is finally content, as she people watches for a moment before slowly closing her eyes…

A tall, blonde haired man with deep blue eyes quickly hides something in his pocket. Oskar walks toward Sissel, a pouch of paper and a few pencils in hand. He stops to pick a wildflower before sitting down beside Sissel. God morn min elskede, Oskar says quietly, his smile brightening… Sissel’s eyes pop open! You are here- just as you promised! she cries. She stares happily at his boyish grin. Suddenly, Oskar presents the flower.

Sissel enjoys the beautiful aroma then looks into his eyes. Time has been good to him; nary a crease or wrinkle on his face she notes in amazement. Oskar tells her how beautiful she is, just as he remembered her being, and she blushes brightly. I thought I would never see you again... Oh, how I have missed you! I have so much to tell you! Sissel’s words rush out, and Oskar smiles.

Oskar discreetly reaches in his jacket pocket then slowly hands Sissel a beautiful, handmade, wooden beaded necklace, much to her delight. I lost this some years ago, and you have found it! she says happily as she leans towards him...The sweet gentle kiss is over too soon as he takes her hand, urging her to walk with him…

Daniel and his fiancée Mary, sit down next to Sissel. The young couple often invite Sissel on their walks, and enjoy hearing of her youth. Lately, she has just been content to sit quietly in the shade of the cherry tree. She often nodded off, and Daniel would gently wake her to go walk with them. Daniel tries to wake Sissel, but gets no response. Ma’am, are you okay? Daniel softly touches Sissel’s shoulder and gasps! He realizes she is not sleeping…

Mary rushes to the doctor’s home next to the park, as Daniel takes Sissel’s hand in his. Dr. Clifton runs to Sissel’s side, with Mary rushing to catch up. Mary is sobbing, and a few people are beginning to gather around them. Dr. Clifton finally shakes his head, sadly stating that Sissel is gone.

Daniel carefully picks Sissel up, and carries her into Dr. Clifton’s receiving room. The nurse is frantically dialing Sissel’s daughter Anna. Crying softly in the chair next to Sissel, Mary is too upset to speak. Daniel and Mary had happily stopped after their walk this morning, to ask Sissel to sing at their wedding this summer…

Anna hears the phone ring, but ignores it while she finishes drying her breakfast dishes. When the ringing continues, she slams her towel onto the counter, and hastily wipes her hands on her cotton apron. Hello?... What? Oh...oh... is all Anna can manage. Anna’s fingers dial furiously, her heart thumping as her husband answers, Karl, come home immediately, I can’t handle this! It was all Anna could manage before slumping onto the floor.

Karl arrives home, tires squealing, in mere minutes. He bounds into the kitchen and there is Anna on the floor, crying. He holds her close as she cries out, Oh Karl, she’s gone, I’ve lost my mother... It can’t be real... Karl cries hard along with her, unashamed at his open display. Slowly they regain their composure, and sit silent for a long while. Finally, Anna removes her apron, and stands up, vowing to be strong.

Karl slowly drives Anna to Dr. Clifton’s and she is eerily silent. He opens her door and helps her out, but she abruptly pulls her hand away from his. Unfazed, Karl walks toward the door, Anna following silent behind.

Karl opens the front door but Anna remains on the porch, her hand on the column to steady herself. Dr. Clifton motions for them to come inside the receiving room when they are ready, and Karl reverently removes his hat. Quietly, Daniel and Mary offer their condolences to the couple. Karl thanks them, but Anna ignores them as she goes to her mother’s side. Daniel holds Mary’s hand tightly as if she might bolt, and they leave to give the grieving family some privacy.

I’m sorry Anna... I tried to revive her, but her heart was not responsive. There was nothing else that could be done for her, Dr. Clifton says, but she ignores him. Karl thanks him, and tenderly helps Anna up from the deep chair she sat slumped in, next to Sissel’s body. They drive home in silence, stiffly holding hands and looking away from each other.

Anna and Karl wait silently for their only child to arrive home from school. They are both trying to regain some composure in order to break the news to Lina. Sissel had been Lina’s confidant and best friend, and she was going to be devastated. Anna closes her eyes and begins crying once again, as Karl holds her tightly. Despite his best efforts to stay strong for her, Karl’s tears drop on Anna’s shoulder.

Sissel was Karl’s mother-in-law, but she was also his closest friend. Karl had no family nearby, and Sissel had long been his substitute mother. Karl admits he is going to miss Sissel madly; he can’t imagine how Lina is going to be able to handle her loss. It will be a disaster he is certain, she had just begun to come out of her shell. Lina was just starting to really blossom thanks to Sissel.

Sissel’s husband had passed away five years prior, causing Sissel to come live with Anna and Karl. Karl was hoping she would be able to help them with Lina. Lina had become spoiled, overbearing and very belligerent. She had taken to rushing to her room and slamming the door when trouble arose.

Karl could see that Lina wasn’t able to handle conflict. He didn’t know why she seemed angry all the time, and had begun flunking her classes. Anna had somehow become Lina’s enemy, and she was unable to get through to her. Lina barely spoke to Karl then as well, because he had taken Anna’s side in their battles.

When Sissel arrived to live with them, Lina didn’t seem to care. Within 3 months of Sissel’s arrival however, the young girl learned to be more respectful to her mother. She even began doing her school work on time. Lina and Anna fought terribly before Sissel’s arrival, just as Anna had fought with Sissel during her youth. Anna resented the animosity she received from young Lina, and she always handled it badly.

Each evening lately, Lina and Sissel had stayed out on the porch together. They were enjoying the cool breeze, telling each other secrets and sharing their problems. Sissel had a way to get Lina to open up about what was bothering her, something Anna was unable to make happen.

Lina had let it slip one time, that the boys were making fun of her because she was gangly and growing, and it made her angry. They had nicknames for Lina that were not very nice, and she was hurt. Sissel was able to get her to look past what they were saying, and see that they were lashing out because of their own issues.

One night, Sissel whispered a secret to Lina at the dinner table, and the next day Lina came home with a smile on her face. Karl was amazed at the change. Anna was again resentful that Sissel could help Lina, when she herself could not. Lina turned to Sissel for every issue from then on, and Anna felt left out. Karl was just thankful that Lina had someone to talk to now.

Anna pouted, unable to understand how her boring mother could get through to her daughter, when Sissel could never get through to Anna. The sad reality now, is that Lina will have to learn to share with her parents, and Karl admits he is worried. Checking his watch, Karl takes a deep breath in and holds it...

Lina bursts in the door and straight up the stairs, calling MorMor! just as she always did. Bounding back down the stairs, Lina suddenly notices her mother crying. Karl takes Lina’s hand and crouches down in front of her. He softly explains that MorMor Sissel has passed away in her sleep on the park bench. Karl then states that he and Anna are going to be very busy for the next few days, but to come to them anytime she needs them.

Lina slides silently toward the chair; eyes wide, not breathing then screams NO; NO; NO! She falls back against the chair unable to move, sobbing so hard she can scarcely breathe! Karl tries to hold her, but she fights him, glaring openly at Anna.

That evening, Lina locks herself in Sissel’s room, refusing to come out. Lina remains locked in for the next two days, only coming out for the bathroom. Anna quickly grows impatient and angry at Lina’s selfishness. She had expected Lina to cry some the first night, but come to her senses by morning and be ready to help with breakfast.

Anna as usual, thinks about the work to come, with the arrangements for the funeral, and how hard this is going to be on her. Anna feels little about how this affects Lina, but Karl is afraid to speak up. Karl finally persuades Lina to sit at the table, and eat some soup on the third day, but she doesn’t speak to either of them.

Karl closes Anna’s door, and walks slowly to his side of the car. Lina is crouched down in the back seat, sides heaving, face buried in a towel, sobbing. It takes all of Karl’s strength not to break down himself. He tugs at the necktie that is choking his neck, and he clears his throat as he starts the engine. Anna looks down at her black shoes, not able to communicate at all.

The funeral is held at the cemetery, and is short and quiet with only 14 people in attendance. It is sunny and warm, just as it had been the day Sissel passed away. Lina speaks to no one, not even Inger or David. Lina isn’t crying now either, which surprises and worries Karl. The reverend says a final long prayer, during which, Lina only nods.

In the ensuing moments of silence, Lina lays a red rose on Sissel’s casket then runs straight home all alone. No one tries to stop her.