Beneath the scars

Chapter 17

I was due to leave the clinic in a weeks time . My condition is improving rapidly Josy seems a bit worried of late.  She seems to have a lot on her mind. I hope it's not because of the thought that I'll be leaving here soon . She occasionally came to sit by my side . She would sit silently by my side fidgeting . She seemed detached and worried .  This isn't the Josy I had grown to depend on . She seemed subdued.  One day she made a remark that unsettled me " Riley will you ever be able to forgive the murderer of your mother " she asked.  I jerked up right ,stared at her with an injured look on my face and retorted " Certainly not . This man took away from me the light of my life. I will never ever forgive him.  He  took away from me the only thing that made life meaningful to me . I want him dead " Josy  looked at me silently for a while and slowly asked " What if he is a changed man man who has done everything possible to give back the society what he took from it . I  looked into Josy's eyes there was a hurt expression on her face. 
Will I ever meet such a person again in my life . One who will give all her selflessness to a stranger like me . She  was an angel. She tried making a remark but hesitated,  shut up and quietly left the room .I noticed she was shedding tears .I stared at her as she left in surprise . A day before I left the hospital to return to my adopted family she came over to see me and  we chatted for a while . She told me she was very pleased with the progress I was making . She handed over to me a tightly sealed envelope  and asked me to make her a promise . The promise was to leave the envelope sealed until I had arrived at my adopted parents home.  Then only  will I be free to open it . I was curious what's all the this was about.  I gave her that promise.  we hugged  and she left  .  
Today is my last day in the clinic Josy says to me "today is your last day . Whatever the outcome I have you know that I'll always be there for you if you need me.  What do you plan to do after leaving your adopted parents place ?" she inquired" I plan on going to see my father after I have plans to go to college and let destiny guide me .  I was wearing a plain blue t-shirt and jeans and a pair of vans my adopted mum brought over . "Riley remember my envelope it includes a gift I have for you I hope you get all the happiness you deserve."Thank you Josy I'll never forget you. I walked down the hallway looking for my adopted mom .
After a while I spotted her standing by someone who looked familiar. The same curly dark brown orbs, sharp pointed nose and the same killer smile . I walked closer till I saw the persons face . The same face I had longed for two years. The same face that managed to bring a smile on my face no matter what. The same face that brought back so many sweet memories. It was Johan , my best friend . With teary eyes I run and wrapped my legs around his waist as I hugged him . I had missed him so much . In his last letter he wrote that he had relocated to a new state .I never imagined he would be here today .
I touched his cheek to make sure that he was the one and that I was not dreaming. I felt a thumb wipe my tears and I melted in his touch . I had missed him, how protective he was over me acting as though we were related by blood . " I missed you . You look healthy and happy. Your eyes have gotten those sparks back . I miss this side of you ." I heard him say." I missed you too Jo." I managed to say even though the lump in my throat did not permit me to say louder .
"You're here Jo, I really missed you. If not for Josy and some other people I would have never come to understand what you meant by  letting go of the past brings peace to the soul. Thank you for all the letters and for never giving up on me." " Thank you too mom . " While leaving I saw Lydia a woman I had made friends with recently. She looked sad . Who wouldn't when her own flesh and blood ,her own daughter wants nothing more to do with her . Her daughter left her here and throughout her stay her she did not receive even a letter from her. I went towards her and hugged her. " I'll miss you aunty Lydia." I said . "Always stay happy dear."  she said. " I'll always come and visit when I get time.  I'll never forget all your advice and your stories. I'll miss you alot aunt " I said . " They are waiting for you dry your tears . I don't want your tears to be the last thing I see." She said . " Good bye aunty. Hope we meet again soon." "Goodbye " she said. I followed Johan and my mom outside as I stood frozen and let the cold air embrace me . It's been so long . So, so long and now I finally have my freedom . I had so many plans I had set aside for this day and now the day had come into reality. I didn't know if I could be the same person I was before but I was determined to at least try .