The Final Lesson

  

 

Dr. Ruwan M Jayatunge 

Mrs. Rita, a retired teacher and widow, resided alone in an annex following her husband's passing. Her husband, a police officer with a diverse career, enjoyed a brief retirement of only five years. One morning, he mentioned to his wife that he was experiencing mild chest pain but refused her suggestion to go to the hospital. Instead, he requested a cup of tea sweetened with natural bee honey, which he consumed before lying down. Tragically, within a few hours, he passed away in his sleep.

Following her husband's passing, Mrs. Rita felt a profound sadness that compelled her to leave their town. She relocated to a quieter provincial area, where she rented an annex and chose to live alone. While she received a pension, she found fulfillment in conducting tuition classes for children, which helped alleviate her feelings of isolation and monotony.

She was an exemplary and compassionate teacher, earning the admiration of both parents and students alike. Her innovative teaching methods set her apart, leading to her recognition as a highly effective tutor in the community. Specializing in fifth grade, she concentrated on preparing her students for the crucial grade -5 scholarship exam, which many parents viewed as a vital opportunity for their children to gain admission to prestigious schools.

Numerous students from her previous classes successfully passed the scholarship exam, leading to a rapid spread of her reputation. Initially, she offered private tutoring just once a week. However, as her popularity surged, the demand for her classes increased significantly, prompting her to expand her schedule to two sessions daily from Monday to Saturday, reserving Sundays solely for rest. On Sundays, she engaged in special cooking and completed her laundry.

Her routine from Monday to Saturday is quite consistent. She typically rises at 6 a.m., listens to the radio, and prepares her breakfast, which usually consists of cereal accompanied by fruit. Following her meal, she dedicates time to reading the newspapers. At around 10 a.m., her day servant arrives to handle cleaning duties and prepare lunch. By 1 p.m., she enjoys a meal primarily made up of rice and vegetables, occasionally including chicken or fish. The servant departs by 2 p.m. to attend to another household, after which Mrs. Rita takes a brief nap, waking up at 3:30 p.m. She begins her first class at 4 p.m., which lasts for two hours, concluding at 6 p.m. During a half-hour break, she relaxes with a cup of tea before her second class starts at 6:30 p.m. and continues until 8:30 p.m. She has dinner by 9 p.m., often consisting of bread and butter along with some leftovers, after which she unwinds by watching television. She typically retires for the night around 11 p.m.

Mrs. Rita maintained a generally good state of health, experiencing only occasional mild backaches for which she utilized painkillers. She regularly attended biannual medical checkups, during which she was consistently deemed healthy and free from significant complications. Her active lifestyle, coupled with a stress-free routine, contributed positively to both her mental and physical well-being.

Teaching became her lifelong passion. She used simple examples when explaining the subject material to her students.  She dedicated particular attention to those who learned at a slower pace, consistently motivating them to achieve their full potential.  Initially, she began her classes with just five students, conducting lessons at her dining table. As the number of students increased, she decided to purchase a few long wooden tables and benches. With a spacious living room capable of accommodating nearly 40 students, she transformed the space into a classroom. While the students focused on their studies inside, their parents patiently waited on the veranda or in the garden.

The annex where she resided featured a spacious living room, a bedroom equipped with a small washroom, and a kitchen. The veranda was remarkably large, accommodating up to ten people comfortably. Furnishings were minimal, with her television located in the bedroom. This annex was situated next to a larger house owned by a young couple who infrequently occupied it, leaving the main residence mostly locked. The property boasted a sizable garden where Mrs. Rita cultivated flowers. Although her nearest neighbours were somewhat distant, the neighborhood was peaceful and free from safety concerns.

Mrs. Rita enjoyed a stable financial situation, benefiting from both her pension and a steady income from her tuition classes. Her living expenses were modest, primarily covering rent, electricity, food, and other minor costs, allowing her to live comfortably. Without children of her own, she took on the responsibility of supporting her sister's family, whose husband struggled with alcoholism and failed to contribute financially. This situation placed a burden on her sister, who had to provide for two children and their educational needs. Therefore, Mrs. Rita regularly sent financial assistance to her sister, which constituted her most significant expense, reflecting her commitment to her sister's children and their education.

Mrs. Rita seldom ventured outside, preferring to remain at home where her day servant would deliver the necessary provisions, requiring only her payment in return. Each month, she made a trip to town to collect her pension, send money to her sister, and engage in some shopping. Due to her commitment to tuition classes, she infrequently visited relatives or friends. Once a month, she would hire a cab to visit her sister, who resided 50 kilometres away, but she always returned to her annex the same day without staying overnight. Occasionally, an old friend or relatives of her deceased husband would visit her, typically on Sundays, ensuring that their presence did not interfere with her classes.

Mrs. Rita found great joy in teaching children, which evolved into her true passion. She never felt constrained by her work; instead, it provided her with a sense of meaning and purpose in life. She dedicated her time to nearly fifteen to twenty children from low-income families, choosing not to charge them for her services. Her commitment earned her respect within the community. While her connections with neighbors were limited, she was well-known among many residents.

Mrs. Rita garnered much admiration for her meticulous care of the garden, dedicating time to plant an array of beautiful flowers. Occasionally, the parents of her students would present her with rare and exquisite plants, further enhancing the garden's charm. Engaging in gardening once or twice a week not only provided her with a form of physical exercise but also contributed to the garden's elegant appearance, much to the delight of the landlord and his wife. They would visit the main house monthly, spending a few days there to collect rent from Mrs. Rita, during which the landlord's wife consistently praised the garden's upkeep. In addition to her gardening efforts, Mrs. Rita also took great care to maintain the cleanliness and tidiness of the annex. The landlord and their friends often remarked on how fortunate they were to have such a perfect tenant, who not only kept the house and garden in pristine condition but also consistently paid her rent on time.

The examination period proved to be particularly demanding for Mrs. Rita. To support struggling students, she often conducted additional evening classes, which frequently extended until 9 PM. On occasion, a parent would arrive with their child after 9 PM, seeking her assistance with challenging mathematical problems or questions from previous exam papers. Mrs. Rita consistently accepted requests for accommodations and provided unwavering support to her students. Following the release of exam results, both students and their parents expressed their gratitude during visits to her. These interactions brought her great joy and reinforced her sense of fulfillment in her role as an educator.

The introduction of a new syllabus and additional subject material for the Grade 5 scholarship exam by the Education Department posed significant challenges for many students. In contrast, Mrs. Rita welcomed these necessary changes, utilizing her teaching expertise to clarify the more complex aspects of the curriculum. Her patience, calm and kind demeanour, and thorough explanations enabled her students to grasp the difficult and challenging elements of the material effectively.

In the weeks leading up to the exam this year, she significantly increased her efforts by organizing additional classes. Both students and parents demonstrated enthusiasm, consistently arriving on time for these sessions. Mrs. Rita dedicated herself to providing extra support to her students.

A week prior to the examination, she conducted her last class of the academic year, aiming to provide the students with study leave to adequately prepare. During this final week, she focused her attention on those students who were struggling or required additional clarification on the study material, as well as those who faced difficulties with questions from past exam papers.

In the final class of the year, students shared tragic news regarding a mother and daughter who lost their lives in an accident while en route to Mrs. Rita’s class. The two were attempting to cross the road when they were struck by a bus, resulting in their immediate deaths.

Upon receiving the news, Mrs. Rita felt a profound sense of shock and sadness, yet she struggled to recall either the student or the mother associated with the incident, despite having no memory issues. With nearly 480 students under her instruction, it was understandably challenging for her to remember each individual by name. Nevertheless, she expressed her sorrow regarding the tragic accident, prompting the class to take a few moments to discuss the victims before redirecting their attention back to their studies.

The next day, her domestic servant delivered further information regarding the tragic accident that claimed the lives of a mother and her daughter. The aide reported that the bus driver was under the influence of alcohol, and as both the mother and daughter attempted to cross the street at the designated crosswalk, the vehicle struck them. The police apprehended the driver, and the community expressed outrage over the terrible incident.

Mrs. Rita possessed profound wisdom and a deep spiritual insight, which shaped her understanding of life and death. The loss of her father during her childhood left a significant void, leading to years of grappling with grief. Following the death of her husband, she experienced renewed sorrow, prompting her to reflect on the nature of death and the intentions of a higher power. Despite her contemplations, she struggled to find definitive answers to her existential questions.

The mystery surrounding death and dying weighed heavily on her mind, prompting a reluctance to delve deeply into the subject. She came to understand that death is an unavoidable aspect of life, a fate that ultimately befalls everyone. However, the untimely passing of this young girl struck her as a profound tragedy, leaving her grappling with the complexities of existence, mortality, and the divine forces that shape the world.

The evening before the exam, a few students sought assistance, prompting her to clarify the challenging concepts they faced. After their departure around 8 PM, she intended to have dinner and retire early for the night. As the weather turned, with signs of rain and a gentle breeze, she secured the windows and headed to her bedroom. However, at approximately 9:30 PM, a knock at the door piqued her curiosity, leading her to find a female student in need of urgent help. The student, accompanied by her mother, expressed difficulty with a particular question requiring mathematical, linguistic, and logical reasoning. With a polite request for understanding, the student’s mother asked for her assistance, apologizing for the late hour.

Initially, Mrs. Rita felt a little annoyance at the visitors, but she soon recognized the student's need for assistance. So, she graciously invited the mother and daughter into her home. As the rain began to pour more heavily, she closed the main door. While the mother settled onto a settee, Mrs. Rita directed the student to the dining table. The girl opened her books, revealing past papers with certain questions circled in red ink. Mrs. Rita then proceeded to explain each question methodically, addressing them one by one.

The rain escalated into a thunderstorm, with heavy droplets pounding against the roof, producing a resonant sound that permeated the environment. The thunder rolled ominously, and intermittent flashes of lightning brightened the area, challenging her ability to concentrate on her work.  Despite the unsettling conditions, she remained steadfast, meticulously providing her explanations and responding to the questions posed by the student.

Suddenly, a blinding flash of lightning illuminated the room, followed by a loud clap of thunder that caused the lights to go out, plunging the house into complete darkness. The darkness blanketed the entire home, but fortunately, Mrs. Rita managed to locate a box of matches hidden within a vase on the dining table. Using the faint glow of a match, she successfully found a candle and lit it, bringing a small measure of light to the otherwise pitch-black surroundings.

The dim light from the candle was insufficient, yet she managed to proceed with her task. She presented a mathematical problem to the student and asked her to solve it. As the student focused on writing her answer, Mrs. Rita looked at the student's face and noticed her pale complexion and the mud-stained clothes. Initially, she speculated that the girl might have fallen on her way and considered inquiring about it with her mother.

The mother, seated several meters away, was dressed in a white saree.  As Mrs. Rita observed the child's mother, she became acutely aware of the woman's trance-like stare directed at her. This unsettling gaze, devoid of any vibrant human emotion, resembled dull, clouded glass, leaving Mrs. Rita feeling uneasy. The mother's pupils were wide and unblinking, creating an impression that her gaze could penetrate right through Mrs. Rita. The profound stillness emanating from the woman heightened Mrs. Rita's sense of apprehension.

Mrs. Rita detected an unusual odour that initially eluded her understanding. Upon closer scrutiny, she recognized that the scent bore a resemblance to that of a funeral home, characterized by a blend of floral notes and the distinct aroma of polished wood.

The woman continued to fix her gaze on Mrs. Rita.  Mrs. Rita felt frightened to look at the student's mother directly in the eye.

A sudden wave of fear washed over her as she turned her eyes toward the child. The girl was not writing; instead, she stared intently at the paper, her eyes mirroring her mother's intense focus. Although she held the pen, no words were being inscribed. Mrs. Rita noticed the child wasn't blinking, which heightened her apprehensions.

The living room was shrouded in lightning and darkness, lit only by the faint glow of a candle that cast a ghostly pallor over the scene. The student's mother was draped in a white saree.  She was holding an object that at first appeared to be a handbag. However, upon closer inspection, it became clear that it was a bouquet, typically placed in the hands of the deceased by undertakers. The woman dressed in a white saree bore a striking resemblance to the funeral attire. The sight of her mother’s pale, bloodless skin, combined with the unsettling scent of embalming fluid mingling with floral and varnish odours, instilled a deep sense of dread in Mrs. Rita.     

Paralyzed by fear and shock, she found herself unable to flee, her body frozen in place. The flickering candlelight created a dim illumination, casting spooky shadows on both their faces, rendering them statuesque; the mother gazed intently at Mrs. Rita while the child remained silent and motionless, fixated on the paper before her.

Mrs. Rita's mind raced with questions as she confronted the unsettling presence in her home. She wondered if these figures were the mother and child who had tragically perished in a road accident, their funeral having taken place just the day before. The thought of their spirits visiting her filled her with dread, especially as the relentless rain poured outside, isolating her from any potential help. With no neighbors nearby to call for assistance, she felt trapped; the thunder and heavy downpour muffled her voice, rendering her cries for help futile. Although her instinct urged her to flee to her bedroom and secure the door, a paralyzing fear gripped her limbs, leaving her unable to move or take action.

She was terrified to glance at either the mother or the child, fearing that one of them might raise their heads and approach her. The candle was nearing its end, and soon the room would be engulfed in complete darkness. It was an unsettling experience to be seated next to these two ghostly figures. Summoning her courage, Mrs. Rita hurriedly stood up and dashed toward her bedroom. In her haste, her leg struck a stool, causing it to topple over, but she felt no pain; her only focus was to reach her room and secure the door. She was too frightened to look back, anxious that the mother and daughter might follow her.

She entered her bedroom, locked the door, and positioned herself near it. The darkness covered the space, with intermittent flashes of lightning illuminating the room's contents. Her heart pounded, and beads of sweat formed.  She clutched the door tightly, attempting to prevent any forceful intrusion.

Moments later, a tapping resonated from her bedroom door, intensifying her fear to an overwhelming level. A ghostly voice urged her to open the door, stating, "Madam, please open the door; we are running late." The tone was unsettling, resembling a hollow, fragmented echo accompanied by a disconcerting friction. It emitted multiple jagged frequencies, creating an eerie effect as it was articulated in two distinct pitches simultaneously.

A subsequent tapping on the door was heard. "Teacher, I have completed the paper; please open the door," the child announced. Similar to her mother, the child's voice possessed a displaced echo with rhythmic distortion and elongated sibilance. The girl's fragmented, brittle hoarseness, accompanied by a rasp reminiscent of a glass harmonica, compelled Mrs. Rita to cover her ears. Despite Mrs. Rita's attempts to shield her ears, the girl's voice penetrated directly to the core of her eardrum. At that precise moment, Mrs. Rita experienced a heart attack and collapsed to the ground.

The following morning, the day servant arrived to find the front door closed but unlocked. Upon entering the living room, she noticed a stool that had been knocked over, which was unusual for Mrs. Rita, a woman known for her delicate nature. Concerned for her well-being, the servant realized that the bedroom door was also locked, a departure from the norm, as Mrs. Rita typically awoke early to read the newspapers. After knocking on the door without receiving a response, the servant became alarmed, fearing that Mrs. Rita might be seriously ill and unable to move. In a state of panic, she rushed to the neighbours to seek help.

The neighbours came, and they knocked persistently on Mrs. Rita's bedroom door, calling her name, but received no response. Concerned, they decided to force the door open, breaking the lock in the process. Upon entering, they were dismayed to find Mrs. Rita lying on the floor, her body cold, indicating that she had been dead for several hours. One of the neighbours quickly went to notify the police about the situation. Meanwhile, the servant, overcome with grief, began to sob, while other neighbours gently lifted her body and placed it on the bed.

The Police, accompanied by a doctor and he confirmed the victim's death. Subsequently, the Police officers conducted a thorough examination of the vicinity in search of any evidence pertinent to the case. They took statements from both the servant and nearby residents. Despite their careful investigation of the living room and the entire house, they overlooked several mud-stained books and an old examination paper that lay on the dining table.