The Dutch's Bottle

The Mind Trap

It's lonesome, always fearing that if I enjoy myself too much, bad things will happen or get out of control. I've lost myself within myself and allowed the entity to feed its control.

The fear of the unknown traps the weak mind that falls prey to temptations and curiosity. One should always be open to seeing things more than the eyes wish to. I am more than meets the eye. I am a world that feeds on your fears and makes you dread ever closing your eyes again.

The unconquerable fiend that lives within me separates when it feels it's necessary. After all, my parents are aware, though helpless, they try their best. My parents told the story of how the fiend came to attach itself to me, an infant, one who had a miraculous birth.

My parents were adventurous—my mother, more than my father. She was a nurse, and my father was a surgeon. They worked at the same hospital. She wanted to see everywhere, travel as much as she could, and when they were financially able, they did just that. She had seen many places with my father, and they were enjoying it immensely. Tokyo, Guatemala, the Philippines, everywhere possible, they could have gone; they went.

With such travels, my mother became pregnant with me. She was excited about the news, but she wouldn't allow it to hinder her upcoming travel plans. She had the opportunity to see a resort in the mountainous area of Pakariama, Guyana. It was the Pakariama mountain resort. She had noticed the small note at the bottom of the article that it would be a couple’s retreat.

When she brought the idea to my father, he didn't take it quite well.

She was beginning to sound helpless when she explained, “Sweetheart, look. I have everything fixed and in place; all we need to do is pack and go.”

“I don’t feel right doing this. I don’t think you could be able to travel to the jungle with a six-month pregnant belly, either.” He stood at the doorway of their bedroom as he folded his arms, listening to her.

“You can take care of me at the resort, we won’t have to do anything but be with each other,” she said to him, hugging his chest. Her arms could barely go around him because of the size of her belly.

“Do you hear yourself? I don’t think it is wise, seeing how advanced you are, and you should not get mad at me. I am thinking about your well-being,” he said, looking at her red face. He bit the insides of his jaw, knowing the tears would come next.

“I am seven months pregnant starting today, and it would be nice to do something before the baby comes. It would only be for two weeks.” She said, sitting at the end of the bed, holding her knees.

“I just don’t see the point in going somewhere we could after the birth. Look, I hate fighting with you, but my mind is made up. Stay here and let me take care of you. I love you, but I don't think you're allowed to fly, either.”

“I love you, too, but I made all the arrangements. I guess I should go cancel them before it is too late.” She muttered, disheartened, turning away from him.

“Sweetheart…,” He called out to her, knowing how upset she was. She fanned him away, but he caught her elbow, making her stop.

“No, it's fine. I should do it now.” She said, leaving his arms and turning away.

Since Momma Anna thought she would be going, she made sure to take all the things that would be necessary to wear, but now she sighs as one by one they go back into the drawers. She couldn’t help it when the tears rolled down her cheeks, and she let them. What made her so mad was that her husband didn’t give her a chance to persuade him. She had high hopes that he would have agreed to go.

Dexter knocked gently as he entered the room, holding onto her from behind, caressing her belly, and snuggling into her neck, as he heard her sniffle, and wiped her eyes.

“Anna sweetheart, I didn’t think you would be this upset,” he said, coming to her and softly touching her arm.

“I am not upset. It's just hormones. Don’t worry about it.” She said, trying to smile, but she was hurt.

“I am always going to worry about you. Look, if this means so much to you, I guess we could go, only after I see what it is about.”

About an hour into the planning, she looked at him, and she smiled. Dexter could see that what he was doing made her happy.

He put on a serious face and said, “I feel sick inside, but it's probably just my worrying.”

“Don’t forget that we have to call the airport, our flights will be ready when we arrive,” Anna said excitedly.

Dexter stayed behind and helped her repack the clothes in the suitcase. He looked down and saw the book with baby names and flipped though it quickly. He looked up and loudly asked, “Anna, do you want to take the baby book with you? Have you given any thoughts on names yet?”

“No, not yet. I wanted us to do it together. I thought maybe we could wait until the baby comes?” She said, swinging by the doorway, holding a few bottles in her hands.

“I know, but we could still think about it, right?”

“Of course. I haven't a doubt you already have a name picked out.”

They went in the kitchen getting dinner prepared, and talking all the while, working so well with little to no fights. To them, as long as they were together, nothing could go wrong; they relied on each other. It was the most beautiful thing that anyone could see, and they made sure to always have each other’s backs and to keep each other smiling. Dexter wasn't exactly okay with the idea, but he wasn't going to say it to her any more.

They had dinner, they watched a television show, and when both felt tired, they turned the light off and headed to bed. The next morning awaits them. It is not every day life throws you a challenge that you pass through with ease. They were enjoying their calm.