The Ink Well Prompt #66: History has a price

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Committed to leaving the life she knew, Marisa Benitez decided to change the direction of her existence. She realized that in order to be the person she had always wanted to be, she had to stop clinging to the known. Taking responsibility would be part of her new story. So he took money without the consent of his father, Benito, to leave for the city.

The Benítez family were country people, noble, simple and hard-working. They had cultivated the vineyards for several generations. Their entire livelihood came from the land. Something that did not attract the attention of the firstborn, Marisa. She was a bohemian, a lover of history and art, and always kept her passion for antiques. Her father, Aroldo, a widower for a long time, raised and educated his daughters. He never agreed with Marisa's whimsy; that was how he considered his daughter's enthusiasm. He said that his daughters should imagine being good housewives in order to get a good husband. That is why the youngest daughter, Conchita, was his favorite. He taught her the art of vineyards and wines. She would follow in the footsteps of the ancestors. All these attitudes and lack of support were what prompted Marisa to make decisions .....

The day of departure arrived. Nanny Almudena was sad. She was an accomplice in Marisa's transfer. She cried silently and kept the letter that Marisa wrote to her father.

-Nana you know, tell my father to forgive me. I'll come back when I have my own business. Then my father will be proud of me.

Almudena hugs her, her face expresses the pain of her departure, she gives her a little gold medal that was hers and tells her:

-I wish you the best. This is my gift. It was always my talisman. I no longer need it. Keep it with you always. Go now, don't let your father notice, otherwise he will force you to stay here.

-I'll manage to keep you informed, answers Marisa.

Marisa left in the evening with the help of some friends and in complicity with the foreman of the farm.

She arrived in the city and moved into Almudena's relative's house. She was exhausted, perhaps the fatigue was more psychological stress than physical. She immediately dropped into bed, covered by a beautiful crocheted blanket. One of those that only her nana knew how to make to perfection. The next day a refreshing breakfast awaited her. Her nanny had planned everything so that she would be more comfortable and, accompanied by the aromas and flavors that she liked so much.

When Don Aroldo heard the news, he could not contain his anger and worry. He cursed everyone who was in his presence. Even his beloved dog Toby got his, he tripped over him and kicked him. The dog did not understand his master's reaction......

The opposite happened to Marisa's sister, Yolanda. She was happy that she didn't have to convince her sister to stay at the farm. It was one less worry for her. Yolanda was the opposite of Marisa. She was happy in the field, she sang and talked to the vineyards. She said they became more beautiful.

Meanwhile, Marisa was rushing through her history courses. That would help her achieve one of her goals. She also decided to make contact with famous restorers of antique furniture and paintings. After three months she had a clearer picture of how to achieve her ultimate goal: to have her own antique store.

Aroldo read and reread the letter Marisa left him, the anger turned into doubts and worry. It was very hard for him. He did not accept that his daughter was emancipated and independent. After months he started to think a little bit ....

-I never remarried to prevent my daughters from having a stepmother. With the experience my friend, Jose, had, I was terrified of what might happen to my girls. I felt safe with Almudena. She loves my daughters. I think I have given the best to my daughters. But I can't get Marisa's betrayal out of my head. Leaving and taking money with her. I would never have imagined it. Could it be that I didn't know how to understand Almudena because of her mother's absence? Time will tell. I hope I am the one who is right. She should think about staying at the farm with her sister.

Marisa also got a job as a teacher. That money obtained, added to the sale of crochet work, which she sold to her nanny, was enough to start her dream.

The foreman of the farm always kept Almudena informed of Marisa's steps.

Marisa, determined and bold, sometimes felt homesick for her family. It had already been a year without seeing them. Maybe it's time to go back, she thought ......

-I can now return the money I took from my father. I'll have to work up the courage to face his insults. He'll call me a thief.....-

There is a knock at the door of her store. It's a young man asking about some antique furniture. Marisa answers the door in surprise. Only older people come to her store. She attends him and answers:

-I don't have that furniture, but I'll give you the address of the person who can find it for you.

Jorge, that's the young man's name, was surprised that a young woman was running this kind of business. As he loved the deal, he kept passing by with the excuse of antiques. In time they became great friends. They had many things in common and a strong family background.

Marisa decides to return to the farm. She is prepared for anything that might happen, but before that, she receives a surprise...

Already more confident, she tells Jorge about the decisions she had made in the past. Cupid begins to shoot his arrows of love .... even though neither of them had planned to fall in love.

After the conversation they decide to go together to visit Don Aroldo. There would come more surprises....

They are greeted by the foreman. Almudena is frightened when she finds out. She doesn't know how Don Aroldo will react....

-What a nice surprise, Jorge. What are you doing here? asks Aroldo.

Marisa turns pale. Jorge, surprised, answers:

-I didn't know that you are Marisa's father- -Welcome.

-Welcome, answers Aroldo.

Almudena listens worriedly from the kitchen ....

When Don Aroldo sees Jorge, his best friend's son, he changes his mind. He is happy to see his daughter in the company of this young man. After Marisa explained his behavior and his absence for a year. The get-together came to a happy ending. Everyone toasted to the reconciliation and to love....

History has a price by María del Carmen Sánchez Copyright © 2022

Translated with www.DeepL.com/Translator (free version)