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the ember never dies

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CHAPTER ONE

Mr. Bill Smith, a man in his late sixties, is dark-skinned, with a slightly grey colored beard, a typical sign of his peak adult age. The hair on his head is also somewhat greyish. He’s a proper definition of a lofty man; he is 6ft, 2inches tall.

He sits on one of the stainless chairs kept for visitors and patients, just outside the doctor’s office, where his wife was undergoing diagnosis. He sat there, with his head bowed down.

Many thoughts ran through his mind. He thought of what could be the result of the diagnosis. He was still sitting and thinking when his phone rang, he brought it out from his pocket, and it was his client, who hired his services for the painting and interior decoration of his new house. His client wanted to check how work is going in his new home, and he assured him that work is moving swiftly there.

Mrs. Theresa Smith, a woman in his early sixties, also has the same skin complexion with her husband, Bill Smith. Dark skin complexion is rampant among African Americans. She’s tall. The hairs on her head were already greyish, showing the signs of aging. She is a retired high school teacher.

Their first daughter of the Smiths’ family, Susan, is already married and has moved into her husband’s house, leaving her three siblings behind.

Jim, his first son, is gradually taking over his father’s business as he’s already getting ready to retire. Kevin, the immediate younger brother to Jim, is in his finals in college. The last Daughter, Margaret, just got into college for her university education. She’s in her first year.

Mrs. Smith sat on the wooden chair, kept in front of one doctor’s desk. She sat there while listening to the doctor as he counseled and diagnosed her.

After asking her some pertinent questions, the medical doctor went to meet her husband. He was sitting outside his office.

Mr. Smith, seeing the medical doctor, stood up and went to meet him. The doctor asked him to follow him to his office; he obliged.

His wife has had memory impairment. She no longer remembers important information, ones significant like her children’s whereabouts. She was having difficulties thinking and understanding people and things around her and also struggles to recognize familiar elements. She often repeats her own words while speaking, and finds it hard to sleep comfortably at night.

Dr. Brian, a neurologist, asked her husband a few questions and told them that Mrs. Smith had developed Alzheimer’s disease caused by the abnormal build-up of proteins in and around the brain cells.

He spoke extensively to them on managing the situation because; her ailment has no cure yet. That was the beginning of continual problems for the Smiths.

As her husband drove her home, he kept thinking of managing the new situation and his business.

Their children are not always at home, nobody to take care of things while they are out. His wife, who sat tired on the passenger’s seat, told his husband not to worry that God will take charge and control the situation for them. He reminded her husband of how the disease is not a death sentence; it can be managed at least.

When they got home, their last daughter, Margaret, was sitting outside the balcony listening to music with her phone and reading her books; it’s the examination period. On seeing her parents, she rushed downstairs to meet them.

As they entered the house, her mom, who was already tired, went upstairs to rest. Her dad also tired, just sat on the sitting room sofa to rest for a while. As her parents fondly call her, Maggie couldn’t wait any longer as she popped the question to her dad.

“What did the doctor say is wrong with mum? She asked.

Her dad, who was still lost in thoughts, asked his daughter to give him some minutes; he dialed his client’s number and told him that he had just returned from the hospital and might not be able to go to his house to check how work is going. However, he assured him that he would send his son to oversee the work at his new house.

The client, Mr. Steinfeld, who has known Mr. Bill as a competent man who never fails his clients, obliged. He hung up and called his son, Jim, who was also taking care of things at another site to check how work is going at Mr. Steinfeld’s house.

He turned to her daughter, who has got busy chatting with her phone.

“Maggie, go and get water for me.” He called her attention.

As she returned with the glass of water, she asked her dad again about what the doctor said.

Her dad asked her to sit down, and she did.

He narrated everything to his daughter; he told her that the doctor said her mother had developed Alzheimer’s disease. Maggie, who doesn’t know what the ailment is, quickly checked her phone’s mobile dictionary and found out what has come to get hold of her mother.

On seeing the meaning, her eyes got soaked with hot tears, which rapidly ran through her cheeks. Her mood changed as she looked up to her dad. She bent her head in sadness again, confused.

She didn’t know what to think. Is it that her mom won’t be able to remember things easily again, or that she will be having difficulty concentrating, or that she now has mental confusion—is such a complicated issue.

She stood up and walked to her mother’s room. On knocking and entering, she found her mom standing in front of the window, gazing up to the clouds and the sun, which was already bowing out. She approached her and found out she has been weeping, and that made her sadder. Of course, no child will be happy seeing either of her parents shedding tears.

She fell into her arms, and she hugged her warmly. Mothers’ hugs usually come with some sort of warmth; it soothes tensed nerves and calms nervous spirits. She tried reassuring her mom of their constant, continuous love and support.

“This is not the end of life, and you shall overcome this. Once there is life, there is hope that you will win.” She said.

Her mom, who can’t stand seeing her daughter in tears, consoled her and told her that she would be fine.

At exactly 6:45 PM, Jim finished checking how work was going at the two houses they were working on and rounded off for the day. He entered his car and drove home. Their family house was not far from the last house visited. As soon as he entered the compound, he drove into the small garage beside their home and parked his car.

He sat there for some minutes, a habit he developed when he finished college and joined his father in his business. He usually stays inside his car to finalize his activities for the day and plan the following day, clients to attend to, and things to be done, in the order which he will do them.

On that particular day, he took more time than usual, after planning his day like he used to do; he started to think of what could be the result of his parents’ visit to the hospital. Many thoughts ran through his mind. As he sat in his car thinking, his phone rang; it was his girlfriend, Nadine.

It has been a routine for her to call him at the end of each day, to ask how his day went. That day wasn’t different, just that Jim wasn’t in the right mood to chitchat. He picked regardless and told her about his parents’ visit to the hospital and his nervousness about the possible outcome.

Nadine, who understood the situation of things, began to speak to him; she told him not to bother when he has not heard from his parents.

“Since you’re already in the house, go inside and know the situation of things yourself, than sitting outside and wallowing in worry.” She said.

She also told him to give her feedback when he must have found out from his parents. Jim agreed and hung the call.

With the assurance his girlfriend just gave him, he heaved a sigh of relief, stepped out of his car, and walked towards their house with mixed feelings.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CHAPTER TWO

The Smiths’ house, a beautiful one-story house, was decorated with flowers around it. The compound has a small relaxation field in front of it, with a long bench made from mortar, where they sit to relax during evenings and weekends when they are less busy. Few trees were also planted around the house, to beautify the looks. It had a small garage beside it where cars are parked.

Mr. Bill built the house during the peak of his adult stage, a few years after getting married to his wife. As an Interior decorator, he maintains the house, which keeps it in good shape, always. The interiors of the house were well decorated and painted; of course, charity begins at home.

Inside the sitting room are soft sofas, built with fine, smoothened woods for natural comfort and relaxation. A beautiful wedding picture of Mr. & Mrs. Smith hung on the wall.

As Jim entered the house, he saw his parents and younger sister sitting down in the sitting room, watching TV, everywhere was quiet, which was unusual to him. His younger sister, who usually rushes to hug him whenever he returns from work, didn’t move from her seat on that day. At that point, he knew he was not going to hear good news; the environment itself wasn’t enticing.

Nevertheless, He greeted his parents and sat down. His mom came downstairs with his sister after she spoke to her in her room.

His dad asked about the progress of the two jobs they have handy, and the new one they are likely to take up soon.

“Work went well.” Dr. Brian’s ends in a few days”. He replied.

Jim asked about the outcome of their hospital trip, and silence ensued. His dad ran out of words to use and tell his son that his mother has got Alzheimer’s disease. He was still thinking of how to voice it out when his sister ‘spilled the beans.’

“Mom has got A-a-a-a-a-Alzheimer’s disease.” She stuttered.

She, too, found it hard to say it.

Jim almost passed out. As a college graduate, he had two friends whom one of their parents, respectively, suffered the same illness and eventually died. He got scared.

He didn’t know whether it was the disease itself that scares him or the fact that two of his friends had lost their parents through the same ailment. At that point, nothing made sense to him again.

He stood up and went to where his mom was sitting; he hugged her tightly and consoled her. That’s the only thing he can do at that moment. He was still consoling her when his phone rang, he checked, and it was Kevin, his younger brother.

Kevin is a young guy approaching his middle twenties. He’s 5ft 9”, has a dark-skin like his father, with an almost built body physique.

He asked of his dad and told him that he has been calling him to know about their mom.

“It seems his phone is inside the room, and it’s not here with him. That’s why he wasn’t picking.” Jim told his brother.

Their dad on hearing that rushed into his room and brought his phone. He had kept the phone there when he went inside to take his bath and change his clothes.

Kevin, who was still on call with his brother, queried about their mom, and the outcome of their hospital visit. His dad had briefed him over the phone earlier in the morning about the visit. His father told him that the doctor said their mom had Alzheimer’s disease.

“Wh-a-a-at?” Kevin yelled.

He felt numb. He didn’t know whether he should cry or shout. He simply told his brother that he would return home as soon as he’s done with his semester examination.

The Smiths’ family that night wasn’t as it used to be; things are beginning to take a negative route. Items are starting to look blurring. There were no discussions about the day’s activities that night, the usual night joke and laughter were absent.

They were still sitting when Maggie, who went to prepare dinner, came out and called them to go to the dinner table. She had entered the kitchen to make dinner after Jim returned from work. Dinner, which used to be prepared by their mother, with a little help from Maggie, was cooked by her alone, that night.

It was her first time cooking alone in the kitchen, and she was already missing her mom.

They all came to the dinner table and took their positions and sat down politely, while Maggie set the plates and cutleries and afterward, dished the food.

The dining table which used to be a lively place too in the Smiths’ house was quiet that night, as everybody kept gazing at each other, without uttering any word.

Maggie, who was beginning to feel uncomfortable with the new atmosphere in their house, decided to break the silence when her friend, Cleo, called to whisper to her what happened in front of their home. They usually refer to that kind of small talk as ‘whispering,’ especially when they wish to make a mockery or laugh at what they are talking about.

She kept laughing while answering the call, and her older brother and parents were just looking at her. When she ended the call, Jim asked her who was that and what was making her laugh like that while eating.

She told him that it was Cleo, her friend.

Maggie, who was now happy, told his parents and brother that they shouldn’t be sad and grieving over their mother’s predicament; at least, it’s not a death sentence yet. She gave her mom a soft pat on the shoulder and held her, she reminded her of the loving husband and children she has got, and the comfortable life she used to live and will continue to live even though her health appears challenging.

While she spoke to her mother, some positive energy got into her body through her daughter’s hands, and she felt lively again. She drew her daughter closer and hugged her.

After dinner, Jim and Maggie entered their rooms too, freshen up and take their bath while their parents went back to the sitting room to wait for them to finish so that they can say their night prayers. Night prayers in the Smiths’ family have been like a bond that binds them together. They never miss their night and morning prayers daily. It has become a routine.

While they waited, Mr. Bill sat close to his wife, and she rested her head on his shoulder while he rubbed her hand. They watched a funny entertainment show on the TV, and they couldn’t help it but laugh at the hilarious displays on the screen.

As they were having a good laugh, Mr. Bill thought it’s the right time to reassure his wife of his everlasting love and support to her, even amidst her current situation.

He told her not to worry about anything, because things will be fixed for her, always. He opted to stay at home with her if it requires that she needs His company, at least, his son, Jim, is there to oversee the successful running of their business. He thanked her for standing by him all the years they’ve been together as husband and wife.

He was about to kiss her on the forehead when their daughter returned to the sitting room. She joined them to watch the show being displayed on the television. 5minutes later, Jim joined them, and their dad leads in the night prayers. He then asked Maggie to say a short prayer for their mom, and she did. They retired to their various rooms for the night’s rest, afterward.

Jim, who was still scared of losing her mom due to that illness, couldn’t sleep earlier, as usual, that night. He picked his phone and called his girlfriend, to tell her what the doctor said as he promised earlier in the evening.

Nadine, who was already asleep when Jim called, couldn’t pick, and after three trials, Jim kept his phone on the small table beside his bed.

Still having that fear in his heart, he said a short prayer in his heart, “God, please, I don’t know how to go about this, but I’m only asking you to keep my mom safe and sound. Also, help and hoist this burden off my heart, because it’s too heavy. Heal my mom and give my dad enough strength to bear this cross. Strengthen every one of us in Mr. Bill Smith’s family. Keep us safe. Amen!”

After saying the prayer, he closed his eyes and slept off.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CHAPTER THREE

The morning of the next day came with mixed feelings for the Smiths’ family. It was precisely 06:10 AM on a beautiful Sunday morning. Maggie lay on her bed, thinking of how her day will be. Her mom is Sick, so her chores in the house have doubled. She has to do most of the cooking this time, with very little or no help from her mother.

She has to wake up early enough to prepare breakfast for the whole family and get ready for school. After dismissal, she will also have to rush home, take a short nap, and get the dinner ready. The table has turned, she said to herself.

As she was thinking about attending to all these new responsibilities, her brother opened the door and entered her room.

Ahhh! Jim, though I had told you always to knock before entering my room? Don’t you know that I’m now up to 20? I’m now a big girl oo. She said with a slight smile on her face.

“Whether you’re a big girl or not, even if you grow bigger than me tomorrow, you remain my younger sister, my baby sister, even,” Jim replied.

You eh! You can’t even massage my small ego. Maggie replied with a smirk on her face.

Jim told her that she’d needed downstairs for morning prayers, and she needs to be fast so that they won’t be late in church.

She rushed downstairs for the prayers, after which they went to their parents’ room to greet their mom. Upon entering their place, they found their mother still deeply asleep, so they left to prepare for the Sunday service.

Their father, who was wondering how they will leave their mother at home and go to church, decided to stay at home and look after his wife. Maggie made breakfast, which they ate and moved to the church.

Mrs. Smith woke and began to have delusions; things started to change in her sight. Her brain cells were already degenerating. She woke up that Sunday morning seeing her husband as someone else.

The voices in her brain became louder, more confusion set in. Her mental health began to decline; she started to have difficulty understanding people and things around her. Her thinking got warped; she started to make things up in her head.

Her husband, who was sitting on the sofa in the sitting room, heard footsteps on the staircase and rushed to meet her. On getting there, his wife didn’t act as if she knew him. She simply asked about her children, and he told her that they’ve gone to church.

She quickly went back into their room and locked the door. Mr. Smith, who was still trying to understand what happened, went to the kitchen, took a glass of orange juice, went outside to the small park in front of their house, and sat down.

He kept reminiscing over his wife and her new attitude. He began to think of how he will cope with the recent developments from his wife. He sat there thinking when his son drove into the compound, with his sister.

Seeing their father outside and sitting in that manner, they knew that something was wrong. Maggie touched her brother and asked if he didn’t see the look on their dad’s face? Jim, confused, answered in affirmative.

They quickly stepped out from the car, walked to where their dad was sitting and queried about what happened, and asked why he had that look. He couldn’t utter any word.

While Jim pressed on to know what happened, Maggie rushed into the house to meet her mom. She expected to see her sitting on her favorite sofa in the sitting room, but she was not there. She rushed upstairs and knocked on their room’s door.

“Come in.” Her mother answered.

She threw the room’s door open, rushed, and hugged her mom.

She queried why their dad was sitting outside alone, and she was lying down inside the room alone. She complained of the look on her dad’s face.

Her mom simply told her that the man sitting outside isn’t her husband. Maggie stood up, shocked!

“Mom, what did you just say?” She queried her mother.

“I said that the man sitting outside is not my husband.” She replied.

At this point, Maggie realized the extent of the damage her ailment had caused to her brain.

“This wasn’t noticed earlier,” she thought to herself.

She sat down beside her mom again and tried to convince her about what she said, but she wasn’t getting any of her words.

She left the room, went downstairs, opened the door, and stood at the building entrance, looking at his brother and her father. Her eyes became flooded with tears, and it flew down her cheeks.

Her brother, who had his head bent, looked up and saw her sister crying. He became devastated and confused. Jim’s father was sitting beside him in a sad mood, upstairs is his mom lying down, with many complications about her health, and now, his younger sister, gazing at them and crying.

He got to that point when one wishes that the ground opens so that you can just fall inside it. He has gotten to that point when nothing makes much sense again. He stood up, walked to his sister, and hugged her.

He was able to calm her down and told her to go and make Sunday lunch.

Maggie, in the kitchen cooking, had her mind divided. One part focused on the food she was cooking, while the other focused on her family’s latest situation. It was becoming a reality to her, and it’s not as if the case gets better as the day goes by.

As she cooked, she thought of what to do. She decided to call her older sister, Susan, who’s already married, and keep her abreast of the latest happening in the house.

It was then she even realized that nobody had called her. She lives a bit far away from their family house. She graduated as a medical doctor.

She rushed to her room and got her phone. She called her sister and told her every detail of things that happened for the past few days in their house.

Her sister, who was surprised to hear that assured her that she would visit as soon as possible. As a medical doctor, she might at least have or know something to help manage their mother’s ailment.

The usual Sunday lunch wasn’t eaten as usual in the Smiths’ family on that particular day. Sunday lunch in their house has been one they all look forward to. It’s usually eaten with joy and smiles, with excess loads of laughter at the dining table.

At noon, everybody was already sitting, waiting for lunch to be served, except their mother. She was in their room, sleeping.

After Maggie served her father and brother at the dining, she rushed upstairs to call her mom to join them at the table, but she refused. She instead chose to eat in her room alone—something she had never done before since they became a family.

Maggie tried persuading her to join them at the table, but she persisted. She was left with no other choice than to dish her food on a plate, and serve her in the room.

As they sat at the table eating their food, Jim threw their mother’s predicament up as a discussion and gave the opinion that something needed to be done soonest. Her case wasn’t getting better, after all.

Maggie told him that she had already called Susan and told her what happened, after which she agreed to see their mom as soon as possible.

Their father who sat, and was just eating, couldn’t say anything. He looked like a hungry child, whom his parents forcefully snatched away his plate of food from him. Blames shouldn’t be apportioned to him, seeing his beloved in her current condition is enough reason he will become tense.

After lunch, Maggie entered her room to have a short nap to get ready for her revisions; she has semester exams to write. Mr. Bill retired to his room to have his siesta while Jim entered his room to rest too.

As Jim lay down, waiting for the cold hands of sleep to come and take him away, his phone rang. It was Nadine. He had even forgotten that he had an appointment with her that afternoon.

He quickly got up, took his bath, and dressed up for his meeting. Even though he’s no longer trying to woo or impress Nadine, he takes his time to look his best whenever he meets her. He was never cut unawares.

He knocked on Maggie’s door and told her about his appointment with Nadine; everyone in his family already knew her. She’s more like a fiancée to Jim; he has come of age and is necessary to have marriage in mind.

He came downstairs, entered his car, and zoomed off to the usual spot where Nadine waits for him to come to pick her up.

On getting there, Nadine was already sitting waiting for his arrival. As soon as he slowed down, Nadine entered the car. Discussion about where they will go to for the Sunday fun took the next 5minutes of their time. After the long talks, they finally settled for a nearby ice-cream shop, where they will just go, sit, gist, and grab a few cups of ice-cream.

While en route to the shop, Nadine, who was still worried about Jim’s mother, brought the issue up again. Jim wasn’t ready to discuss that yet and pleaded that she wait till they get to where they are going so that they can sit down and talk. He’s driving, and people’s emotional strengths are on different levels.

In a few minutes, they got to the shop, bought cups of ice-cream, and sat under a table close to a beautiful, artificial coconut tree. The tree’s long stalks and leaves gave shade to that table.

Nadine, a young girl who’s into Jim so much, wouldn’t rest until Jim clarifies him on any issue she raised. Jim spilled everything and told her everything that happened, from the hospital visit to the recent one that just happened that same afternoon. Nadine needed no soothsayer to tell her that Jim is going through a lot; the feeling was written all over his face.

She stretched out her hand and grabbed Jim’s palms; she began to say some words of encouragement to him. She gave him hope; she revitalized him. She calmed his troubled spirit and told him to take things easy; nothing lasts forever. A positive change can still come in a twinkle of an eye when nobody expects it to happen.

It was as if Nadine’s words helped the cold ice-cream he licked to be moving through his esophagus smoothly.

With his hands still held by Nadine’s hands, Jim, with his hands, reminded her of the everlasting love he has for her. He thanked her for being a source of hope and solace to him, whenever he’s not having the best out of life.

“I’ll always be there for you whenever you may need me.” He said.

He planted a soft, passionate kiss on the back of her palm. After they had fun, Jim drove Nadine to her house before he went home. He got home that evening by 06:45 PM.

By the time he got home, and to his surprise, his parents were sitting in the sitting room, watching one of their favorite TV shows being displayed on the TV screen.

He greeted them as he entered, and his mom replied with a beam of a smile on her face. He went to where his mom was sitting, and while hugging her, used signs to ask his dad what happened? It was confusing seeing someone who didn’t acknowledge him in the morning, now sitting down with the same person she dreaded and also, watching one of their favorite TV shows with him.

His dad, who was also confused, just smiled and gestured, ‘I don’t know,’ to him.

He queried about where Maggie was, and he was told that she’s still reading in her room. He went upstairs, gave her the one cup of ice-cream he bought for her, and then came back downstairs to join his parents in watching the TV show.

As he entered the kitchen to get water to drink, he took his phone with him and called his older sister, to relate to her about the recent positive change he was seeing. Susan, a medical doctor, who knew how people with Alzheimer’s disease behave, told him that she might still wake up any day and start seeing him as a stranger again. Even them that are her children are not exempted from that.

Jim begged her to please find time to come home as soon as possible so that if there’s anything that can be done by her to salvage the situation, she will do it. She agreed to visit during the coming weeks.

The Smiths’ family remained calm for the rest of that Sunday evening. When it was time to serve dinner, their mom stood up and entered the kitchen to serve the dinner herself.

They had delicious jollof rice, peppered chicken, and fruits. After they finished eating, Maggie packed all the dishes to the kitchen and did her night dishwashing, while the rest of the family waited for her at the sitting room.

When she was done, they said their night prayers together, and everybody retired to their various rooms.

Maggie, who is starting her semester examinations the next day, couldn’t sleep early that night. She kept thinking of how the exams will be, it was her first year in college, so it was her first time writing a college exam. She felt nostalgic.

She picked her phone and called her friend, who’s also her classmate, to enquire about how prepared she is for the exam. She shared her fears to her friend, who told her not to worry; of course, it’s normal for someone to feel somehow when doing something for the first time.

After the phone conversation, she covered herself with her duvet, turned off her bedside lamp, and slept off.

As the early morning sun penetrated through the windows of Maggie’s room, it rested on the small table beside her bed. She was still deeply asleep, but the sun rays that rested on her face woke her up.

She quickly checked the small clock on the table, and it was precisely 07:15 AM. She jumped out of bed and rushed into her bathroom to freshen up and get ready for school. She almost forgot she had an examination to write.

She brushed her teeth, took her bath, and rushed back into the room. She was lucky to have packed her book inside her bag the previous night after studying; it would have been another work again selecting the papers she needed to go to school with.

She wore her clothes and picked her phone to check the time, and she saw the missed calls on her screen. Her classmate had called her four times to know whether she was done preparing; they usually went to school. But she didn’t hear the phone ring; she had forgotten it was on ‘silent’ mode since she woke up; she usually put it on silent mode before sleeping, to avoid unnecessary calls disturbing her sleep.

She quickly-paced fast down the staircase to find something to eat before leaving for school. She entered the kitchen, opened the fridge, and took bread. She quickly boiled water to make tea. She wanted to fry an egg and take it with the tea, but she was already late.

So she just sat, and while drinking the tea, dialed her friend’s number. She told her to meet her at their usual spot where they usually take a taxi to school; on days they don’t want to trek.

She rushed her breakfast, and hurriedly went to Jim’s room to tell him that she is leaving for school, and left.

Jessie, on sighting her, swiftly stopped a taxi, and they entered and left for school.

Jim, whose sleep was already disturbed by the knock from Maggie, couldn’t sleep again. He just lay on his bed, thinking, and planning how his day will be. It’s a Monday morning and a working day.

After making a mental note of the day’s engagements, he stood up, knelt beside his bed, and said his morning prayers. He never missed them.

After the prayers, he entered his bathroom and freshened up. He came out, wore his clothes, and a shoe to fit, then went downstairs to take his breakfast. He got to the table, and nothing was served, Maggie woke up late, so she couldn’t prepare anything that morning, and she has an exam to write.

He entered the kitchen, opened the fridge, and saw the bread Maggie kept for him. He boiled water and made his tea, drank it, and then went upstairs to meet his father.

His father briefed him on the new clients he will have to meet, and where he will meet them. He pleaded on him to represent him well and make sure that their jobs are delivered promptly and at the right time.

He told him that he would have to stay at home so that he would attend to their mother if she needed anything.

Jim, rapidly went downstairs, entered his car, and left for their office. En route to the office, he called their receptionist to tell the driver to get the van and the tools ready before he gets to the office. He also urged the painter and the drawing artiste to be prepared too.

When he got to the office, he slowed down and stopped in front of the gate and signaled at the driver who was standing outside to call his colleagues, and they left for work.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CHAPTER FOUR

Back home, Mr. Bill sat at the balcony, receiving the breeze that comes from the fresh green trees scattered around the compound. He was relaxing with a cup of orange juice, which is his favorite juice. Susan had advised them to be taking oranges or its juice because it boosts the immune system, which aids in fighting diseases in the body. It’s a good source of vitamin.

He was sitting there, thinking about the early days of his marriage, and how fun and beautiful it was for him and his wife. It was close to perfection. He also thought about the good and bad times; of course, marriage has its ups and downs.

He began to imagine how his wife’s condition will be in the nearest future, using her present state as a case study. He thought of what to do, but his mind couldn’t arrive at any.

He was still lost in thoughts when he heard a sound coming from the sitting room downstairs. He rushed to see what caused the noise but reaching there, and he found his wife breaking one of their best wedding pictures that were enlarged and hung on the wall.

He tried to collect it from her, but she refused. He asked her why she is breaking the picture, and to his utmost surprise, she said that she doesn’t know the man in it. The voice in her head controls some of her actions now.

She refused to drink the tea her husband made for her that morning. Things kept falling apart as the day goes by.

Sometimes, she gets easily irritated, even by her children. Maggie, who was worn out due to the exam she wrote in school, was returning home one day, and as soon as she entered the house, she found her mom sitting on the sofa, relaxing.

Out of excitement, she rushed to hug her mom, but she was met with great spite. Her mom gave her a stern look and asked her what her problem was? Maggie, who was disappointed, just entered her room, sat down, and started crying.

She kept asking God why He allowed such a predicament to befall her mother. Her mom used to be full of life and vibrant. Who did she offend? She has stopped visiting people; she prefers to stay alone in the house. She only goes to see her friend, and colleague, who live down their street, sometimes.

They watched their mother lose weight; she stopped taking care of herself.

Jim, returned from work one day and greeted his mom, but she kept mute. She didn’t act as if someone was talking to her. She sat on the sofa, absently minded; she didn’t notice that his son was standing beside him.

At that point, Jim realized that his mom is gradually leaving her being. He quickly picked up his phone and sent a strongly worded text to her older sister, explaining their mother’s situation. It seemed as if Susan didn’t understand the weight of things, the reason why she was yet to see their mom.

Susan, who was stunned when she read the text, replied that she would visit home the following Friday. She needed to put things in place and make sure that somebody works in her place when she will be absent.

Days passed, and things weren’t getting any better. Maggie, who doesn’t want what her family is passing through to affect her examinations, decided to take things the way she saw it. Whenever she returns from school and greets her mom if she didn’t answer, she will simply walk to her room and rest.

Every one of them began to live with their reality. It was a situation that the whole family couldn’t do anything about. Mr. Bill had already decided to accept his condition; at least, he has done his best by ensuring that she lacks nothing and that she was well fed.

On that Friday evening, Maggie took her siesta in her room; she just finished her semester exams, and her dad was sitting outside the small field in front of their house reading newspapers, while her mom was sleeping on the sofa in the sitting room.

Mr. Bill, on seeing her daughter, Susan, been dropped by a taxi, felt happy. He went to meet her.

“Susan, welcome.” He said.

“Good evening, dad,” Susan replied.

They hugged, exchanged pleasantries, and Susan told her father that she is happy that he’s beautiful and healthy, at least.

They walked into the house, and Susan greeted her mother. Her mother, on hearing her voice woke up and signaled at her to come and hug her. She sat down beside her and asked how she is. She answered, and started to say irrelevant things, midway into their discussion.

Susan gazed at her, and tears dropped from her eyes. What Maggie and Jim have been telling her on the phone has dawned on her. She turned to her dad and asked about Maggie and Kevin.

He told her that Maggie is sleeping in her room, and Kevin has not come yet. She took her phone and dialed Kevin’s number, he picked and told her that his train ticket expired before he could get to the train station, but he will surely come back the next day, as he has gotten another ticket.

Maggie, who heard her sister’s voice in her sleep, woke up, came out of her room and looked downwards, and saw her sister.

“Aunt Suzy! (As she fondly calls her)” She shouted from the staircase.

She ran as fast as a deer and hugged her; she has missed her only sister. She gave her the dress and jewelry she bought for her, and Maggie jumped in excitement and hugged her again, then thanked her.

They were still talking when Jim came back from work. Surprised to see her sister, he spread her arms for a hug, and her sister hugged her.

“You look good. Hope you brought goodies for us?” He said.

“Goodies?” It’s meant for kids. Or are you still a kid?” Susan asked.

“Yes! I’m someone’s kid.” Jim replied, and they burst out laughing.

Susan told Maggie to give him the shoe in one of the bags she bought for him. Jim thanked her and left for his room.

Maggie carried her sister’s bags to her room and then went to the kitchen to prepare dinner for the family. She decided to take her sister’s favorite food, saying ‘welcome’ to her.

Jim entered his room, removed his shoes, and checked the new one his sister just got for him, and it was precisely his size. He was about to remove the last one when his girlfriend called. Jim picked and, after exchanging pleasantries, shared his good news to her. He just had a new pair of shoes added to his shoe racket.

Nadine, who felt thrilled about the gift, told Jim to send her regards to his sister. Susan is an easygoing and cheerful person. Anybody that gets close to her ends up getting hooked and attracted by her pleasant personality.

Susan and her dad went to the small field in front of their house to discuss. He gave her a summary of everything that has happened so far concerning their mom. Susan told him that she came with a sedative drug that she will administer to her, which will help calm her down and make her sleep well.

Her father thanked her, and she went inside to join Maggie in preparing dinner. Mr. Bill joined his wife in the sitting room where they watched their usual Friday evening show on the television. Maggie and Susan had a lovely time cooking in the kitchen.

Maggie shared with her older sister, everything that happened since the last time she visited. She complained to her about how chores doubled up for her in the house, due to their mother’s ailment.

These days, I have to wake up very early before others and prepare breakfast before school. After my last lecture, I’ll also have to rush back home, take a short nap, and still cook dinner, with little or no help from mom.

After a few minutes, food was ready, and Maggie called her dad, older brother, and mom to come to the dining table for dinner. The six chairs at their dining table would have been occupied if not that Kevin was not yet back.

When they finished eating, Maggie packed the dishes to the kitchen to wash as usual, but Susan entered the kitchen and told her to go and rest, that she will do the washing by herself. After washing, she entered the room to take her bath and get ready for night prayers.

As she threw the door open, she saw everything still in shape and the position it was when she left the house. She used to share the room with Maggie before she got married. She commended Maggie for keeping the place in good shape and arranging things properly.

As she sat down on the small couch inside the room, she felt at home once more. There’s no place like home.

She entered the bathroom, took her bath, and they went downstairs for the night’s prayers. When the prayers were over, everybody retired to their rooms.

Maggie, who still want to chat with her sister, entered the room in high hopes of the sweet conversation she will get that night, but her sister who haven’t taken even a short nap since she arrived, begged her to allow her sleep and continue the discussion the following day.

Saturday mornings in the Smiths’ house is a day meant for general sanitation and house cleaning. It starts at precisely 07:45 AM, and everybody is expected to assemble in the sitting room so that their father can assign duties to every one of them.

Susan was the first to wake up, and she tapped her sister to wake up for the Saturday morning duties. They knelt beside the bed and said a short prayer, and then went to the sitting room where the responsibilities are to be shared.

Mr. Bill divided the work among them, depending on capabilities and strength. Together with him, Jim has to do the tedious jobs and require extra strength, while Susan and Maggie cleaned the house.

When they were almost done, she left the small portion at the balcony for Maggie to finish, while she entered the kitchen to make breakfast for everybody; she wanted her younger sister to rest a while from the kitchen errands.

She was trying to use that means to see if she can renew their family’s bond. After a few hours, everywhere became neat and was sparkling. Mr. Bill thanked his children for a job well done, and Susan, who had already finished making breakfast, invited everybody to the table.

Breakfast on that Saturday morning was the first they were having in a long while as a family; only Kevin was absent. Every one of them has missed the memories they used to have then, making that morning’s own unique.

When they were done eating, Jim, who had work to do left for his business, and Susan, Maggie, and their dad remained at home. They kept themselves busy with some movies that Susan brought while coming.

At noon, they were still busy with their movies when they heard the doorbell ring, Maggie went to open the door, and it was Kevin who just arrived.

Maggie and Kevin greeted in their usual manner at the door, and he went inside to greet his parents and older sister.

He hugged his dad, who was very happy to see him, and also his mother and Susan.

“You’re now a big boy. See how big you’ve grown.” Susan commented.

“Of course, the boy has grown into a man now,” Kevin replied, and they laughed out loud.

He apologized for disappointing them the previous day that he promised to return home. He went back to his mom to ask how she is doing correctly, and she just nodded. Kevin turned to his father and sisters in bewilderment.

The cold response he got from his mother passed the whole message to him; things have changed a lot since the last time he left for school.

Maggie came out from the kitchen, prepared lunch, and took his bags to his room. Since he usually comes home often, he has his room, everybody in the Smiths’ family has their room except Susan, who was already married.

After the chitchats with his sister, he went to his room, took his bath, and then came down to join them in the sitting room. It wasn’t long afterward when Maggie summoned them to come for lunch. They had noodles with vegetables, eggs, and fried meat for lunch that day. Maggie was too tired to cook a heavy meal.

Afternoon siesta followed immediately. Theresa remained in the sitting room as they entered their various places to sleep. Kevin, who saw that chance as an excellent opportunity to discuss with his mother, stayed back.

He tried to ask her how life has been for her since her retirement as a teacher, but his mom was docile. She couldn’t say many words; she was just staggering. It was as if the confusion and forgetfulness she usually experience rose to its peak on that Saturday afternoon.

Kevin, who got tired of asking questions without getting a rational response, retired to his room to sleep; he was tired and needed to rest as he just came from back from a journey.

In the evening, Susan suggested to Kevin that they should walk down the streets and see how the neighborhood looks. It’s been a while since the last time they walked together on the roads as siblings. Maggie, who felt she might be bored at home, agreed to follow them.

Mr. Bill recommended that he drive them in his car to wherever they want to go, it’s been a while he also went out. He has been indoors most times recently, looking after his sick wife.

That Saturday evening was fun-filled for the Smiths’, and only Jim was missing, he was still at work. On their way driving around the town, they stopped by an ice cream outlet to buy ice cream. As they entered the shop, Maggie sighted Jim sitting at a table with Nadine, his girlfriend.

She tapped her sister and showed Jim to her. As they sat down, Susan picked her phone and called Jim to prank him.

While on the phone, she told him that he was needed at home urgently for an important issue, that he needs to be at home in the next 5minutes. Jim thought it was an issue related to his mother and told Nadine that they should postpone their meeting till the next day as he has something important to attend to at home.

He told her to come with him so that he can drop her off before going. Nadine wanted to get sad, but she had no other option. Unknowingly to Jim, his sister was sitting a few tables away from him inside the same shop. He stood up to leave, and Nadine followed him.

As they approached the door, he saw someone who looked like Susan, but he wasn’t sure. Susan just called her, and she can’t be there at that moment. Susan was just sitting and laughing at him, he stopped to look at her well to be sure it wasn’t her, and he noticed she was smiling.

Jim didn’t know whether he should get angry or just laugh; the situation compelled him to do the latter.

“Damn! You can’t be serious.” He said as he walked to the table where Susan was sitting. He also found his dad, Kevin, and Maggie sitting down, and they laughed. That was when it dawned on him that he has been fooled successfully.

“You! You! He said while laughing as he pointed at his sister.

“Yaay!” Susan said as she shook her body in excitement.

She told him that she won as she successfully played a prank on him. Nadine, who initially got sad, became happy seeing Susan; she never met her before. She has seen Jim’s dad, mom, Maggie, and Kevin before, except Susan.

She greeted all of them at once except Susan, who she has never met. As she turned to greet Susan, she stood up to hug her. They shook hands, and Nadine politely told her that she’s Nadine, Jim’s fiancée. Susan introduced herself to her also, and she asked her to take a seat.

Susan turned towards where Jim was sitting and gave him a stern look. Jim already knew why he got that look from his sister; he has never told her about Nadine.

He stood up, went to where Susan was sitting, held her shoulder, and apologized to her for not telling her about Nadine, himself. He told her that he planned to tell her about Nadine when she came back, but they hadn’t had the time to discuss it. He never wanted her to find out accidentally, as she did.

“No problem,” Susan said, signifying that she wasn’t angry.

Susan shifted attention to Nadine. They talked about a lot of things and were laughing hysterically while at it. Jim was just moping at them; he was surprised that Nadine and his sister stirred along quickly and quite well.

She ordered snacks for Nadine and also bought some for her mom.

After they finished their discussion, they left the shop and set to go home. Jim wanted to drop his fiancée at her house, so he asked his dad and siblings to go, while he returns later.

When they got home, Susan took the snacks she bought for her mom to her room. Her mother collected it and thanked her; she had initially thought that her family left only her at home and went out to have fun. She felt loved again.

Maggie and Susan cooked dinner for the whole family; they were complete now. Before they finished, Jim returned and brought some fruits that he bought from the fruit store on his way back.

After eating dinner, they ate the fruits with their mom, said their night prayers, and everybody left for their various rooms.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CHAPTER FIVE

20/5/2012. On that day, the sun didn’t set on its usual time, and its light did not shine so bright. The dawn came at noon.

Mr. Bill woke up as usual and left their room to get a glass of water from the kitchen. More often than not, he adds lemon to the warm water he usually drinks whenever he wakes up in the morning. The lemon in the water aids in cleansing his body system and vital organs, and keeps him active and vibrant.

Drinking water early in the morning and regular exercise with the running equipment at his balcony is his usual morning routine. That Sunday morning’s own wasn’t different.

Around 7:20 AM, when his children were already preparing for church, he was at his balcony doing his exercise. When Susan and her siblings were done eating their breakfast, she went to their mother’s room to greet her and tell her that they were going to church.

When she got there, she greeted her mom, but she didn’t respond. She thought it was her usual way of not understanding greetings, so she got closer to where her mother was lying to hug her and give her the message she brought.

Unfortunately, she touched her, but her body was cold. She tapped her back, but there was no response. She didn’t want to think anything near to death, so she shook her severally, but she got the same result. No response.

It was then that she brought her ears near to her chest to check her heartbeat and movement, but she did not hear any sound nor see her heart movements. She wanted to shout, but she covered her mouth with her hands.

She quickly rushed to their room and took a stethoscope. She returned and used it to recheck her heartbeat, but nothing was forthcoming. She kept shouting her name until she started crying, which attracted her dad’s attention.

He stopped his exercise and came in to know who was crying. It was from Susan. He asked what the problem is, but she didn’t say anything. He looked at his wife and saw her lying lifeless on the bed.

His heart stopped beating for a second, and goosebumps filled his body that is filled with hairs. He felt empty instantly. He walked sluggishly to the balcony and sat on the wooden chair that was kept there. His mind went blank; he couldn’t find anything to think of.

Kevin and Maggie were already seated in the car, waiting for Jim and Susan to come so that they can leave for the church. Jim, who was waiting for Susan in the sitting room, called her, but she did not answer.

He hastily went upstairs to know what was still holding her and met the shock of his life when he entered his parents’ room. He walked back and leaned onto the wall. Hot tears started dropping from his eyes.

Kevin and Maggie got tired of waiting. He picked up his phone and called Susan, but she didn’t pick. Kevin paused and wondered what could have happened, but couldn’t come up with any reason. He left to check what’s happening inside the house, and Maggie followed him.

They entered the door and called their names, but nobody responded. They rushed upstairs to their mother’s room and beheld a sight they never thought will show to their face on that Sunday morning.

Maggie, seeing her mother, ran to where she was lying and shook her nonstop, but she was lifeless. She fell on top of her and burst out in tears. She has never seen a dead body all her life, but her mom’s body became the first one she saw.

Out of fear, she ran to her room, locked herself up, and cried uncontrollably.

Kevin wasn’t an emotional person, but tears flowed from his eyes too. He left the room, went to the sitting room, and sat down. He felt weak.

That moment became the worst time in Bill Smith’s house, everywhere engulfed in silence. Only the sound of cries and shouts were heard.

Mrs. Theresa Smith has died after weeks of mental breakdown.

The silence and cries lingered on till the sound of the ambulance was heard approaching. Bill had called the hospital ambulance while he was sitting at the balcony. He went downstairs and signed the necessary documents, as they took his wife’s body into the van.

Maggie, who couldn’t come to terms with the fact that she won’t see her mom again, wanted to follow the ambulance, but she was repelled, and they drove off.

The Sunday service was put on hold for that day; things took another turn. No lunch. No usual watching of the Sunday afternoon TV shows.

Susan, who planned to return to her husband’s house on that day, couldn’t go again. She called her husband on the phone and told him what happened.

In the evening, their family friend, who lives nearby and saw when the ambulance came, stopped by their house to ask what happened. They felt sad, hearing the news of Theresa’s demise.

Oblivious of the fact that she was sick, they asked what caused her sudden death. It was then that Bill told them what happened, and her medical condition some weeks before she died. Mr. & Mrs. Woods, who never heard of her ill health, apologized for not seeing her all those while.

They complained that they stopped seeing her while driving to church or going out, but they thought it might be because of her retirement, which made her always be at home.

When Mr. Woods and his wife left, other people from their neighborhood also came. All of them never knew that she was sick; her husband and children never mentioned it to anybody.

The news of her death just came as a shock to most people. At 7:30 PM, when the visits have halted, Mr. Bill asked his daughters to help out with a light meal for dinner.

While they were at the dinner table eating, Maggie looked at her mother’s usual position, then looked at her dad and started crying again. Susan, who sat close to her, drew her close into her arms and consoled her. She promised to stand in for their mother, and do everything she did for her when she was alive. Maggie felt relieved from her sister’s words, wiped her tears, and remained calm again.

Susan also told them that she would leave very early the next morning, but promised to come again as soon as possible, for their mother’s funeral preparations.

When they finished eating dinner, Maggie packed the plates to the kitchen and washed all of them; it’s her usual routine.

After that, she went to the sitting room where the rest of the family was waiting. They said their night prayers and went to bed.

Jim remained in the sitting room; he wondered how to break the news to his fiancée. He went to the kitchen, took a glass, and poured some chilled apple juice into it, and returned to the sitting room.

He took his phone and dialed Nadine’s number. She didn’t pick after the first two trials. He tried again, and she answered. After exchanging greetings, he broke the news to her.

“How? What? Why?” She asked repeatedly. She was dumbfounded. She couldn’t find the right words to use, so she stuttered. Her voice changed and became cranky; she began to cry. She has met Mrs. Smith on a few occasions, and she proved to be an exceptional woman. The news of her death pierced her so much.

Jim started to console her, she was supposed to comfort him, but the tables turned. Nadine felt empathy for her fiancé and told him to be courageous. She promised to stand by him throughout her funeral, and at all times. She told him to call on her whenever he feels like talking to someone; her shoulders lean on.

She told him that she would stop by their house the following day. Jim, who has got his spirit and hope lifted by Nadine, felt alive again. He thanked her for her endless love and support.

After saying the usual ‘goodnight,’ he hung the phone. He sat for some minutes on the sofa before entering his room to sleep and cool his head.

The next morning came like the average day, but it looked extraordinary for the Smiths family. Susan woke up as early as 4:30 AM and started preparing; she has to report to work that Monday morning. By 6 o’clock, she was through with her preparations. She woke Maggie up and told her that she’s leaving, Maggie, who still had sleepy eyes, muttered an ‘okay’ and went back to sleep.

Susan went to her dad’s room to announce her departure. She told her dad to keep her abreast of developments and preparations concerning their mother’s funeral.

She went to Kevin’s room, knocked and entered, but he was deeply asleep, so she left him. Kevin doesn’t like his sleep being disturbed. She finally went to Jim’s room, she told him to help their dad in the burial preparations, and keep her updated while on it.

She begged him to come and drop her off at the train station so that she won’t be late. Jim won’t object, so he agreed.

He picked his car keys, wore his slipper, and left to drop his sister off.

When Jim returned, he met his father in the sitting room relaxing, and he joined him. He asked his dad how they will attend to their clients; it was Monday. His dad suggested that Jim takes the day off to stay with the rest of the family. He has completed the major project they had at hand, which was that of Dr. Stenfield.

They were still discussing when Maggie came downstairs from her room and greeted them. Her dad summoned her and drew her close to himself and enclosed her in his arms.

“How are you, Maggie?” He asked as he rubs his palm on her head.

“I’m fine, dad. I’m okay.” She responded with her soft feminine voice.

Okay! You know that you’re your mother’s look-alike, and you remind us of her. So keep being fine.

“Okay, dad. I will.” Maggie responded.

She left for the kitchen to prepare breakfast, and Jim and his dad continued with their discussion.

Kevin was in his room, updating his social media handles with the recent news of his mother’s demise. His friends and loved ones sympathized with him. To forget his condition, he picked his headphone and connected it to his phone’s Bluetooth, and started listening to music.

He came out of his room and entered the sitting room. He greeted his dad and Jim, then sat down and joined them in their conversation.

They were still talking when their doorbell rang, Kevin went to check who was at the door, it was their neighbor who lives opposite them. He had stopped by to sympathize with them about their recent loss.

Mr. Bill warmly welcomed him; he was his friend after all. He told him that his wife only had Alzheimer’s, that she was diagnosed just a few weeks ago, but she’s gone now.

The visitor, Mr. Robert, told him to endure, that God knows the best and why everything happened the way it did. He told Mr. Bill to inform him whenever the funeral date is fixed. He agreed and left.

When Maggie was done cooking breakfast, they sat at the table and ate. Together with their father, Jim and Maggie went outside to the small open field in front of their house to relax while Kevin remained in the sitting room, with his eyes glued to his phone’s screen.

Their day wasn’t filled with many activities, as they were mourning. They later ate dinner at around 7 PM, and everybody went to sleep.

Days passed, and Mr. Bill felt it was time to bury his wife. He summoned for an extended family meeting, one which his own family and his wife attended. After many discussions and considerations, the burial date was fixed, which will be convenient for everybody.

He went to the hospital and made the necessary arrangements for the ambulance to convey his wife’s corpse to the cemetery. He also made casket arrangements, and all other required things needed for a successful funeral ceremony.

They printed burial invitation cards that were shared by the family members. He also contacted their local parish priest, who will officiate the funeral requiem service at their local church.

After a few weeks, two days before the burial, Susan returned home with her husband for the funeral service. They had a full house for that period.

Two days later, it was the burial day proper. Amidst nostalgic feelings, they woke up and started preparing. Before 9 AM, they were all set and gathered at the table to eat breakfast, which Susan and Maggie had made for everybody.

After eating, they all went to the garage. Susan’s husband, Barack, who brought his car with him while coming, carried his wife in his car. Mr. Bill carried Maggie and Kevin. Jim was absent as he left early to the hospital, to lead the ambulance that will take the corpse to the church for the service.

In a few minutes, they arrived at the church, which was not far from their house. Everybody inside the church wore black, signifying the sad state that they are in.

Everything worked out well, and the service was done within a few hours. After that, they moved to the graveyard where the remains of Theresa will be laid to rest.

People came from far and near to pay their last homage to Mrs. Theresa. A few of her students and the teachers teaching in the school where she retired from, attended her funeral. Her family invited them.

After the songs of prayers, which are usually recited at funerals, the remains of Mrs. Theresa Smith got lowered into the grave. Her immediate family wept bitterly as they each threw a spade of sand into her grave. Maggie cried uncontrollably. Nobody to call ‘mom’ again.

Nadine was also present at the funeral. She stood beside Jim throughout the burial. After the grave got filled with sand, the last requiem prayers were said and, everybody moved to the Smiths’ house for a light refreshment.

Everybody was served food and drinks. The people who haven’t gone for their condolence did that, while people ate.

Mr. Bill later thanked each and everyone who made sure that his wife’s funeral ceremony was successful. He also thanked those who came from far and near to pay their last respect to his late wife.

By evening, everybody returned to their various homes.

After two days, when Mrs. Theresa’s grave had been covered and built with bricks and mortar, her immediate family returned to the cemetery to drop flowers. May her soul rest in peace. Amen!

Few days passed, and condolence visits became lesser; Susan and her husband traveled back home. Gradually, things began to return to normal for the Smiths’ family.

Kevin and Maggie remained at home; they were on holiday. Mr. Bill resumed work fully and realized how far Jim had taken his business, felt so proud of him, and decided to open another interior décor agency for him, in his name. Jim, who was already thinking of marriage, saw that as a big opportunity to actualize his dreams.

He thanked his father so much and promised not to disappoint him.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CHAPTER SIX

Days passed into weeks, and weeks into months, almost getting to one year. Things have settled fully in Bill Smiths’ house. No more cries due to their mother’s loss; everybody had accepted the reality with full hands.

Mr. Bill has begun to live his normal life.

One morning, he woke up, went to his balcony, and sat down to plan his day’s activity. While thinking, his mind had a flashback to when his wife was still alive and suffering. He had to stop going to work and stay at home to attend to her increasing demands, which exhausts him most times, but he cannot complain.

He began to feel as though he’s relieved of those duties now. He felt relieved that his wife was no longer suffering (pains that only death can keep away or stop). He felt as though he is secretly pleased within him, that she’s gone. But that particular feeling makes him feel guilty.

He looked back to his new lifestyle, and it felt as if she had been the one stopping him from getting the best out of life. The days of staying at home while his children go out were over.

He quickly got hold of himself and decided within him, not to harbor such thoughts again. It was as if he had forgotten his late wife so easily.

He finished his day’s planning and entered his room to take his bath and prepare for work. After some minutes, he was done and moved down to the table to eat his breakfast. Maggie has served him before retiring to her room to sleep more.

He ate his food and left for work. When he got to his office and sat down, his phone rang, and it was someone who was referred to him by one of his former clients.

By 9:50 AM, he left the office for the eatery that was just a few kilometers away. At precisely 10 AM, he was seated, waiting for the client to arrive. He was replying to some texts on his phone when someone kept a bag and a book on his table; he looked up to see who that was. What he saw was so startling to him.

It was his old high school lover. For a second, he thought it was all in a dream.

“Bill B. (as she fondly calls him then).” She called him.

Mr. Bill laughed and shook hands with her. He was yet to align with the reality of who he just saw.

“Wow! Stella. Is this you? You look good, yunno.” He said, with a face full of smile.

She sat down, and Mr. Bill ordered two cups of coffee.

She told him that she never thought she would meet him again, now business has made them cross paths again. She asked that they finish their business talks first before catching up.

Mr. Bill showed her some designs of his agency’s décor work. She didn’t hesitate to choose one and paid him the required percentage of the money needed to start the work. It was all done within a few minutes, and they now moved to talk about themselves.

Bill queried about her family, and she said that she was not yet married. Stella, who knew that Bill must be already married, asked about his own family, he told her that they’re wonderful, although he lost his wife about a year ago.

She felt sympathy for him and told him that everything would be fine. After their meeting, Bill stood up and said to her that he hoped they would meet again while shaking her.

“Sure. We will.” She answered, and they left.

When Stella got home, she felt as though something was reignited in her, but she cautioned herself and decided not to have such thoughts again. Bill called her in the evening to enquire about her day. They had fun discussing and laughing on the phone.

After the call, she sat down and cautioned herself to take things slowly; she can’t be getting worked up by someone he just met today after a very long time.

Bill, on his side, lay on his bed with many thoughts running through his mind. He was feeling reluctant to intrude into Stella’s privacy by asking her about her love life. He thought it was too early for him to do that, he just lost his wife, and he just met her on that day.

He was thinking of what to do when the cold hands of sleep’s breeze came and blew him away; he dozed off.

Weeks passed, and they had gotten acquainted again. They now make frequent calls and also go out together.

Bill began to think he’s starting to have a resurgence of feelings for her. He refused to accept that he does.

His children who stay with him at home began to notice how happy he is always, on some days when he returns from work. Those are the days he goes out with Stella.

One evening, after going out with Stella as usual, he came back home. Maggie was watching TV when he entered the house. She kept looking at him while she greeted him. Her confused dad asked her why she looks at him that way.

She pleaded on him to sit down, and then she asked the $100,000 question.

“Daddy, are you seeing someone?”. She boldly asked while looking at him.

Her dad never expected the question from her. He told her that he wasn’t seeing someone. He told her that he just reconnected with an old high school friend.

He told her that he worked for her before, so they usually hang out and talk about the good old days.

Maggie looked at him again and just nodded. Her dad went upstairs to his room to freshen up and came down for dinner.

One day at school, one of Maggie’s friends made a jest of her using her dad. She told her that her father is already seeking love, just after a year that her mother died. The words felt like a sharp sword piercing through her heart.

Her friend must have probably seen her dad with her ‘new friend’ in one of their numerous outings. Maggie just gave her a stern look and left.

She got home that day, entered her room, sat down, and reminisced over what her friend told her in school. Truths can be cracked as jokes; sometimes, she said to herself.

She remembered that her dad once said that he did go out with an old high school friend, and thought she might be the one her friend was talking about. She decided to share her experience with Jim when he returns from work.

She got up, took her bath, went downstairs, cooked, and ate her lunch. She lay down on the sofa in the sitting room reading, and she slept off. She slept till Jim came back and woke her up. She got up and greeted him.

She quickly told him that she wants to discuss something with him, and he asked that he takes his bath first, and she agreed.

She entered the kitchen and started preparing dinner. When Jim was done, he came downstairs and called Maggie for the discussion. She related everything she had noticed and heard about their dad to his brother. Jim also confessed to seeing the same behavior from their dad. He later agreed to ask him about it.

When their father came back that evening, Jim waited till he freshened up and sat at the balcony, then he went to join him.

He asked him about what Maggie told him and what she heard in school, too; his father gave him the same reply he gave to Maggie. He said to him that she’s an old friend whom he just reconnected with.

Jim, who always trusts his dad’s words, didn’t stress the issue. He hastily changed the topic of discussion and asked how his business has been, and he answered in the affirmative.

Stella visited her parents and told them about who she met recently. They started encouraging her to consider an affair with Bill and see it as the start of a new life. She felt reluctant, so she thought of following him meticulously.

She has moved into her own house, has a well-paying job, and is fine the way she is. She feels having an affair or even considering marriage with Bill won’t be that important.

Days passed, and she went to her parents’ house to see them as she usually does. As they were discussing, they brought up the marriage issue again and tried pressurizing her to pursue Bill more aggressively.

“It doesn’t matter who popped the question. What matters is that the other person agreed, so that the journey to an eternal marital bliss will commence.” They said.

  Remember! This is just a sample.

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