The Ink Writing Challenge | Season 2 Week 3 - My Last day with the Bradfords'

He couldn’t sleep a wink last night, tossing and turning. He couldn’t think anything as if his mind went blank. He kept staring at the ceiling for hours, remembering the past. The sun rose and he got up from the bed. He moved his curtains away from the window.

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And right there, right outside the window just a few steps away stands tall and proud, the mansion he worked at for the last 45 years, the Bradford Castle. It has been 45 years already! It felt like yesterday the day he started working as a steward at this mansion. He was recalling how his new Master couldn’t find his watch and tossing his whole room. He chuckled at the thought of it. He sighed and went to the washroom to get ready for today.

As he was still buttoning his waistcoat, he was glancing at the mansion. Why is he feeling so restless, he couldn’t figure it out!

He heard a knock on the door.

Steward Randolph: Come in!

His son walked in. He’s going to be the new steward. The old steward felt a little joy in his heart. His family has been serving at the Bradford for many years now. His father and grandfather before him and now his Son after him will be fulfilling this duty.

New Steward Randolph: Are you ready, father?
Steward Randolph: Yes, yes I’m ready. Let’s go.

They walk out of the room and heading towards the mansion. The son felt that his father is a little agitated.

New Steward Randolph: Are you alright, father? You seem a bit restless.
Steward Randolph: Yes, I’m fine.
New Steward Randolph: You don’t look fine.
Steward Randolph: It’s my last day at work son. I don’t know how I feel.
New Steward Randolph:, Hmm, I understand. You have spent so many years here. It’s an unusual feeling.

They both reach the front door of the mansion. A staff was coming towards them

The staff: (to Steward Randolph) Sir, the Master has asked for your presence.
Steward Randolph: I’ll be right there. (Towards his son) I’ll get back to you later.
New Steward Randolph: Okay I’ll see you later, father.

Steward Randolph started walking up the staircase. When he reached the top, he turned left to the hallway. He was thinking about what could have happened. As he came close to the door of the Master’s chamber, he saw a cushion flying through the door. The old steward got startled and looked inside. As soon as he looked inside, he finds himself fighting off a laugh from coming out. The room has been turned upside down and in the heap of all that is the Master who frantically looking for something.

In the meantime, Lady Bradford walks and stands next to Steward Randolph.

Lady Bradford: You know what, Edison?
Steward Randolph: Yes, my Lady?
Lady Bradford: He’s never going to change. (they both laugh as the Master still unaware of their presence)

Steward Randolph coughs to make aware of his presence.

Steward Randolph: You asked for me, Master. Is everything alright? Are you looking for something?
Lord Bradford: Yes (he frantically says). I can’t find my pocket watch. Have you seen it somewhere? I don’t know where that blasted thing ran off to now!

Steward Randolph walks inside the room and pours a glass of water for the master.

Steward Randolph: Master, you drink this glass of water while I search for the watch.
Lord Bradford: Oh thank you Edison. You’re a lifesaver.

Lord Bradford sits in the armchair and takes the glass of water. Steward Bradford notices something.

Steward Randolph: Master. Can you please check your upper-left coat pocket?

Lord Bradford fumbles around his coat pocket.

Lord Bradford: Merlin’s beard. How did you know it was here? (smacks his own forehead) Of course, you’d know Edison. (They both laugh). Have a sit Edison. How are you?
Steward Randolph: Master, you know everything. I have no clue what I’ll do after today.
Lord Bradford: You do realize that you need a break, right? Trust me it will be good for you. Besides we have our daily chess tournament.
Steward Randolph: Yes, Master. We do. We do.
Lord Bradford: You remember that chess tournament 40 years ago?
Steward Randolph: Oh yes, vividly. You forced me to participate. (smiles)

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Lord Bradford brings forth an old newspaper clip and shows it to Steward Randolph.

Lord Bradford: And you won. The credit goes to me. (they laugh) You know Edi life gets a little bit boring when we retire, becomes a bit stale but this is best for us. God knows I’m not up for any more shenanigans.
Steward Randolph: I know and I understand what Master is trying to say. But this work has been my whole life and how to walk away from the life I do not know.
Lord Bradford: Blasted Edi. You’re not walking away from life. You’re going for an adventure to rediscover yourself. You mark my words. You’ll thank me for it.
Steward Randolph: I sure hope so.
Lord Bradford: Let’s play for some time. If you win then my words are true, if I win then you’re words are true.
Steward Randolph: Now Master, this is wrong.
Lord Bradford: Well I dare you. Let’s start.

All the characters in the story are fictional. Solely made for your entertainment. I hope you enjoy it. Thank you so much.