Chapter 1: loss
Kenya had just completed her degree in medicine, landing a job at Dun Hospital immediately after graduation. Everything was going well for her until she received bad news; her mother had met with a car accident and passed away immediately.
She therefore had to go for her funeral. She had to first notify Darious, her boyfriend, about the unfortunate event. Darious showed his concern and promised to make it to the funeral although he was not in town. Kenya was touched and told him to travel safely.
Madam Eve was a lovely lady around town, known by both young and old. She was a major attendant at church, bringing joy through her singing. She had raised Kenya all by herself, as her father passed away while on a mission in the army.
A drunk driver had taken her life meaninglessly; the whole town was sad. Kenya decided to stay strong and handled her mother's funeral with great consolation and support from the townspeople.
"Kenya!" Someone knocked on the door after some time. Kenya went to meet them only to find that her best friend, Amika, had returned. She had been in the military for two years now. "Amika! I thought you had been deployed; how were you able to come back?" The two friends hugged each other for a long time before letting go.
"Girl, you know Aunt Eva is considered my own mother; how could I fail to come! I pray Auntie rests in peace. "That son of a bitch driver – I hope he rots in jail." Amika broke down and cried. Aunt Eva had taken care of her from childhood; her parents abused drugs and almost beat her to death. It was Aunt Eva who found her, and together with Kenya, raised them as sisters.
Amika therefore took her as her own flesh and blood. "Alright, it's okay. I know how you feel. Let's lay Mum to rest," Kenya soothingly consoled Amika, patting her back gently in between sobs.
Everyone considered Amika strong and a badass; only Kenya knew that it was only a front. Amika was fragile; she had been abused as a child, but she never cried. It was only when her mum carried her in her lap and nursed her that she would cry and act her age.
Two days after the funeral, Darious showed up at Kenya's house. He apologised to her, telling her that his boss got a last-minute project for him to handle, so he couldn't make it in time.
Although disappointed, Kenya understood; some bosses could be a hard nut to crack. "Did you have lunch yet? "I just prepared some rice and beef stew," Kenya said. After a long journey, Darious must have been tired; it could be seen from his puffy eyes.
"Thank you; that would be great," Darious replied.
They had lunch together, and Darious went two blocks ahead to his parent's house.
He and Kenya were neighbours; they went to school together. Darious was the popular guy at school; he was the basketball captain, tall and handsome.
He was most girls' dream boyfriend; it wasn't until college when he approached Kenya. He promised to marry her after they both got their lives together. Kenya had always valued marriage; she accepted, and the two have been dating ever since. It has been 3 years ever since. Kenya, therefore, was expecting a proposal soon since both of them now had their careers on the right path.
"I just saw your boyfriend outside; he is handsome as always," Amika joked. "His company couldn't allow him to come for the funeral," Kenya complained. "What bullshit company is that? I would have left anyway. It is Aunt Eva's funeral! "Not any Tom, Dick and Harry," Amika replied with passion. Kenya laughed it off.
"By the way, I have to travel back tomorrow; sick people can't wait," Kenya remarked as she was packing up her mother's essentials.
"No problem, I will watch over Auntie's house." Amika replied.
"Thank you. I was worried about the house. I will still keep it; this is our childhood home after all." Kenya showed her appreciation.
"Don't worry about these simple things; go and be great just like you always have been. Are you leaving with your boyfriend?" Amika asked as she helped Kenya pack.
"I haven't asked him yet, but he just came back today; travelling tomorrow might not be possible," Kenya answered. They soon had dinner, showered and slept in their childhood rooms. The next day, Kenya confirmed with Darious whether he wanted to travel, but as expected, Darious had just arrived; he, therefore, couldn't travel. Kenya therefore left that day.
