Out Of Pity

Chapter 5: Meeting Morenike

Angela served noodles, sliced bread, scrambled eggs, and tea for breakfast. While not the best cook, she at least attempts to prepare fast food. Kelvin joined her at the dining table. Usually, Kelvin sits up straight, but now, his sitting posture is slouched. After serving, Angela sat opposite him to eat. Then she noticed his absent-mindedness.

“Kelvin, listen.” Angela broke the silence between them. “I know you miss flying, but instead of just being at home, don’t you think it’s time you pursue another option?”

Kelvin’s dropped chin raised in her direction with an emotionless expression. Angel continued, with a mouthful of toasted bread. She had spent almost an hour preparing breakfast, and she was famished.

“I mean... You have been reading and sleeping since you got dismissed from work five days ago. You hardly eat.”

“Reading is my hobby, and I sleep because I’m human. What do you have me do?”

“I don’t know. I just think you should engage in something productive than just being at home.” She clarified.

“Something like engaging in exercises or playing football. I can tell Dunamis to help you train.”

“You know I’m not a lover of football. I prefer going to the gym to exercise. I can create a blog for a book review or something.”

“You can do better, honey.” Angela rolled her eyes. “Try to create an exercising blog instead. Reading would bore them out.”

Kelvin shot her a look of disbelief.

He stabbed on the plate of scrambled eggs with a silver fork. The tip of his teeth cuts a bit of it. His hope was for Angel to eat and leave. Reading online books and listening to audiobooks are Kelvin’s hobbies, but Angel does not find them engaging enough. Kelvin had a feeling that she found him boring now that he had some days off of work and couldn’t fly a plane.

Kelvin’s lowered chin raised in her direction. His thick eyebrows quirked as he watched her speak. “I don’t get you, babe... What are you insinuating?”

Angel stopped chewing when she noticed Kelvin wasn't eating. “You know that’s not what I meant. I mean, you are a senior pilot. Your dream to fly can’t go down the drain because of an accident.”

She gently sipped on the hot coffee and convincingly faced him. Kelvin clenched his fist while he avoided eye contact with her.

“What I’m saying is that you can find a better career or skill to fall back on now you are free from work.” Her warmer hand settled on his. “Something like a hobby that will keep you busy. This way, you can gain your self-confidence and heal faster. No one will pay you for reading their books or giving reviews, unlike playing football and creating an exercising blog.”

Then Angela emptied the glass of water into his mouth and pulled out of the chair. “I won’t come home till Saturday.” She said, changing the subject. I have to leave now. She walked up to Kelvin and gave him a quick lip kiss.

“I’m already late. Please, clear the table after breakfast and do the dishes. Don’t oversleep.” She muttered jokingly.

'It’s as if you don’t understand me, Angel.' Kelvin’s inner voice cracked within. 'I’ll get better and fly again. I definitely would. But... why does it feel so difficult for me?' His eye sac got puffy under his eyes as he pondered on the thought. Tears collected in his lashes, which made it difficult to see. Kelvin thought about what would happen if he couldn’t fly a plane. What would happen if Moses wakes and confesses that he is the murderer? “I don’t want to lose my job. I can’t lose my job.”