𝑩𝒆𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝑴𝒓𝒔. 𝑶𝒔𝒖𝒋𝒊

Prologue

Prelude

PROLOGUE

"Sir, you have to understand that we will do everything in our power to help your daughter. But, like I said earlier, Goodness is at a critical stage of her life and cannot undergo surgery so we just have to keep on managing her condition." Dr Nduka advised the father of one of his favourite patients.

Mr Gabriel Osuji, a doting father to two lovely kids, Goodness and Grant—twin girl and boy respectively, stared at the middle-aged petite doctor blankly. How long did he need to wait for some good news? His daughter had experienced another seizure attack, in fact, this was the third time in two months and he was scared to death that the next time she might not make it.

"Okay sir," he said evenly. His tone clipped.

"You just have to keep supporting her, emotionally, physically, mentally and by also ensuring she takes her medications in time." The doctor instructed.

When Gabriel left the doctor's office, he was in a remote mood. His thoughts hovering over where he needed to make extra efforts and improvements in the way he handled matters concerning Goodness's health. As if he was a robot being controlled on where to go, he suddenly realized he was standing just before the elevator and seconds away from pressing the inlet button. He hesitated whilst trying to recall if he needed to buy extra medicines, madam Itoro hadn't made mention of purchasing any more drugs.

It didn't take him long to navigate his way from the doctor's office to the elevator even in his absentminded state because he's been to this hospital numerous times and already knew which path led to the other like the back of his palm.

Before he could press the button on the iron panel, the doors slid open on their own. He waited as a young boy, maybe in his early twenties, walked out of the elevator before he entered.

The soft sigh that came up behind him rattled him. He was shocked to see another person, this time a young girl, inside the elevator. How had he not noticed her before entering? He's usually observant of his surrounding, he should have seen her almost immediately. Blaming his lack of consciousness on his current mental state, he responded coolly to her faint whisper of greetings to him.

All of a sudden, the elevator made some rackling sounds and the lights went off. It's stopped moving too. Gabriel was alarmed, he's seen movies and heard stories of people being stuck in an elevator but he never thought he would ever be a victim. What made matters worse was that this was Nigeria, he didn't know how long they'd be in here until help comes. He busied himself swiping through his phone for any contact that might prove useful at this point until he started hearing heavy breathing sounds from the lady behind.

He turned back to observe her for a moment. Since he couldn't make out her slender form in the dark, he put on his phone's torchlight.

"Are you okay?" he queried.

Her rigid posture and hovering large eyes gave off her frightened state. "What is happening, sir?" her quivering voice started.

"I have no idea why this thing stopped working but I hope it's nothing serious. Are you sure you're okay?" he asked again, noting that she shrunk further into the steel partition as she wanted to be engulfed by it.

"Young lady?"

"I want to go back!"

His eyes narrowed at her reaction which brought a thought to his mind. "Are you claustrophobic?" he asked.

She acknowledged him for not more than five seconds then shook...nodded...shook her head again. "No." Came her answer.

"You don't feel so comfortable in enclosed or small spaces?" Gabriel went on.

She nodded frantically. "Yes."

'Definitely claustrophobic.' He concluded.

"Okay, dear, look at me." He instructed, turning to face her directly. "What is your name?"

"P... Peace," she stuttered, obviously petrified.

"Alright Peace, everything is okay. You're not alone, I'm right here. We're in this together so let us help each other out. Listen to me and do as I say," he said.

The torchlight was just enough to illuminate an insufficient exposure of his face so she could see that he meant no harm.

"Take a deep breathe very slowly,"

She did as told.

"Now, exhale in the same frequency." He practiced alongside. "Again."

They went on for three to four more times before he saw her shoulders go limp and her face no longer crumpled in tension. Then he stopped.

She tried to smile and say a word, however, the elevator jerked impulsively causing them to lose their balance. Gabriel was able to get a grip on his balance but the lady unfortunately crashed into him and together they slammed onto the other side with his back to the steel rift, and the frightened lady in his tightened embrace.

She gripped his shoulders, her fingers digging into his black shirt so hard he almost winced.

Then the lights came on, the elevator started moving again. He stared down at her since he was taller by a few inches. Her eyes were tightly shut.

"You can open your eyes, you're safe now." He instructed, a smile tugging at his lips.

Gradually, she opened them only to see that she was a hair-length away from his chin and upturned mouth. He was having fun at her expense, she had thought he was a nice man. Immediately, she pulled away from his hold.

"Thank you." Her mouth said but face meant otherwise.

He simply nodded, stunned at the rapid changes her huge eyes depicted in the short span of time. Yes, he'd walk away from here and may never see her again for the rest of their lives but something whispered to him that those eyes—the most alluring he's ever seen, that had him captivated for some seconds, would haunt him for a long time.

......

However, at this point, it's best to read their love story from the horse's mouth. Don't you think?