What a splendid emotional story it is! Very sad story.
Auguste first saw his daughter, Angela, when she was minutes old and felt a strong duty to protect her. After a tragic fire, he blamed himself for not ensuring she had her mother by his side. During the fire, he fought to keep Angela, who suffered from asthma, safe as they both struggled for breath in their bedroom, filling the space with damp towels to fight the smoke. He managed to call 911, seeking help as flames threatened to consume them. As firefighters arrived, he handed Angela to a rescuer, despite the chaotic scene, while hearing his ex-wife Angelina's desperate cries.
Auguste's memories of Angelina were filled with love, but her descent into drug trouble marked a steep decline in her behaviour, leading to their separation. Despite the chaos, Auguste felt responsible for Angelina and partly to blame for her struggles. His desire to protect his daughter overshadowed his judgement as he gave her chances, believing she would improve. Tragically, after saving Angela, he opened the door to save Angelina but was met with flames that left him severely burnt.
In the hospital, Auguste desperately enquired about Angela, relieved to know she was safe but devastated to learn of Angelina's death. Recognizing the need for a stable home for Angela, he called his sister Helene, a social worker, for help. Helene arrived at the hospital, bewildered by her brother’s choices for risking his life. As Auguste's condition worsened, Helene tried to offer him hope and comfort, reminiscing about their childhood to distract him from his pain.
Despite Helene's efforts, Auguste was critically injured and underwent numerous surgeries to treat his burns. At the same time, Helene grappled with how to keep the truth of Auguste's condition from Angela. She initially told Angela that her father was very sick but not dead, hoping to shield the child from the harsh reality of his injuries. As time passed, Angela was desperate to see her Papa but was horrified at his altered appearance, leading to emotional trauma.
Helene supported Angela through her grief and adjustment, but Angela struggled with her father's condition. While Auguste underwent rehabilitation, he sought to help others who faced similar struggles in a burn recovery facility, learning to navigate his own pain while assisting others.
Years later, he bonded with a fellow patient, Terry, another survivor who faced his demons of loss. Their friendship provided a sense of hope but ended tragically with Terry's unexpected passing from a pulmonary embolism. Auguste mourned for Terry but remained inspired to live fully. Afterward, he inherited Terry's apartment, a new beginning for him and a potential home for Angela.
As he made the apartment comfortable and welcoming, Auguste found a new passion: becoming a clown. He channelled his experiences into a vibrant persona, using makeup to transform his appearance while hiding his scars. His journey through grief, healing, and finding new purpose in life illustrated his resilience and unwavering love for Angela, with hope still shining for their future together.
A therapist was facing increasing joint pain, making it difficult to work. Medication adjustments were ineffective, so he used pain patches to cope. Working two part-time jobs was a struggle, but he was determined to support his daughter through college. Despite not being present, he closely followed his daughter Angela's growth through photos, letters, and calls, missing her deeply.
Auguste thought he was being secretive, but his daughter, Angela, was just as thorough in tracking his performances through papers and reviews. One evening, Angela visited Auguste, resembling her mother with long black hair and almond eyes. She expressed her love for him, calling him the best dad and clown. They shared a heartfelt moment, catching up while enjoying tea and cookies. Auguste was unaware that Angela had been volunteering at burn units with her mother, Helene.
Angela shared with her father her experience volunteering with burn victims after being encouraged by her Aunt Helene. She initially felt hesitant and scared to help, but eventually found it rewarding. She also expressed her thoughts about her late mother, feeling relieved that she didn't suffer and questioning if she would have been brave enough to handle burns like the patients Angela was caring for. Her father, Auguste, reminded her not to judge her mother for her addiction issues and expressed regret that Angela couldn't have known her better. Angela reassured him that she understood addiction but believed her mother wouldn't have reacted well to it. Auguste embraced Angela, acknowledging her intelligence, and then explained why he had kept his own burn scars hidden from her.
Auguste was touched when his daughter Angela called his burn scars badges of love and courage. She wanted him to come to her school for Career Day to show what he does for people. Auguste recalled the day he saved Angela and tried to save her mom. He realized he had caused heartache due to his own fears. To make up for lost time, he spent time in burn units and schools, showing both his real face and a clown's face. He made people laugh and cry, teaching them to smile and greet each other as equal souls. Auguste believes children are closer to God and teaches people that their love is unconditional, providing healing through laughter.
Overall, it is a brilliant performance.
Continue your majestic writing.
A Review from: "Positive Hearts Reviews Group" |