The Legacy of Seán-A Father's Journey-5
The Legacy of Seán
A Father's Journey
Original Story by Sayantani Banerjee
Genre:- Fiction Story for Young Adults | Suitable for Age group: 18-25
Part 5
Chapter 2:- The Puck King
The birth of their second child was a difficult one. It was a cold, harsh night in January. Caitlin went through painful labour in the hospital. The doctors and nurses grew increasingly worried when the baby got stuck and wasn’t coming out, as if it wasn't ready to see the world yet.
Everyone in the family prayed for the safety of both mother and child. The labour was exhausting for both, and when the baby was finally born, it hardly cried. It had no strength even to coo. The doctor gave a firm pat on the baby's bottom, causing a reflexive flailing of its arms and legs instead of the usual cry.
"I wonder if he will ever talk," the doctor expressed his doubts to the family members.
"Pity!" James Finnegan, the baby’s uncle, shook his head and sighed. Caitlin cried for hours holding her baby boy close to her chest.
The baby didn't care at all. It lay in its cot or its mother’s lap, drank milk, puked, pooped, hiccuped, yawned and slept, oblivious to the commotion surrounding its silence. On the other hand, the doctors were at their wits' end trying to determine why the baby never cried after birth. The vocal cords appeared to be perfectly normal, yet it did not cry even when pinched or patted. And then, as if out of the blue, one day it started howling like a banshee, startling everyone within earshot.
"Oh, gracious God, the boy finally did it!" exclaimed Caitlin, overwhelmed with relief. "And oh, how that puny bundle of energy wailed at the top of its lungs!" That was how she used to describe her son to her relatives and friends. And that baby boy my dear friends, was our Seán Allen, a miraculous gift from God, as his name meant.
For two more years, Seán remained the apple of everyone’s eyes, even his elder brother Shane, who took good care of him as a child. But, when Shaw was born, the attention slightly shifted to the youngest one, as it was a very common trait among parents to give importance to the newest member of the family.
As time went by both the parents became increasingly preoccupied with family matters. After World War II ended, a conflict between the Allens and the Cunninghams resulted in an unequal distribution of wealth among them. Consequently, the Allens faced challenges in maintaining the family income despite their long history of affluence. Patrik got involved in the country’s administrative matters and Caitlin embarked on starting her own business. Their two toddler sons were now entrusted to Hannah, who assumed the responsibility of caring for them as if they were her own.
The two brothers, Seán and Shaw, were poles apart in temperament and behaviour. Shaw exuded a natural joviality, the type of child who thrived in the company of others, always eager to engage in play and exploration. Shane, their elder brother was, on the other hand, more serious and acted like a guardian to his baby brothers just like their father.
Compared to these two brothers, Seán was just the opposite. He was introverted and possessed a quiet, introspective nature that often kept him withdrawn from the hustle and bustle of the outside world. He found solace in his solitary pursuits. His mind was a canvas painted with the colours of his imagination, where he could create worlds and characters beyond the constraints of the everyday. His hypersensitivity would often be triggered if anyone dared to venture into his realm of solitude without understanding how to interact with him. Consequently, he behaved like an eccentric individual, often resulting in unwanted strife and disciplinary measures being imposed upon him.
It wasn't that Seán's parents and brothers completely misunderstood him; they loved him dearly and wanted the best for him. They urged him to mingle more with others, step out of his comfort zone, and engage in activities that would help him connect with his peers. But unfortunately, Seán found this advice difficult to implement. He felt that mingling often meant conforming, which clashed with his desire to stay true to himself. The mocking he faced, whether light-hearted or mean-spirited, hit him hard, reinforcing his belief that he was fundamentally different and misunderstood.
What happened during the family reunion at Allenteagh was nothing but a typical episode in Seán’s life. His eccentric nature and careless attitude made him an easy target for teasing and pranks.
Will be continued in Part 6 (Chapter 2:- The Puck King)
Name: Sayantani Banerjee
Sayantani Banerjee is by profession a digital marketer and guest blogger and loves to write on various subjects like fashion, lifestyle, digital marketing, psychology, personal development, etc. She writes in Bengali and English language.
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