SONGS FOR THE BROKENHEARTED

ALL THAT SHE IS... 3

Lois wasn't going to lie to herself: she loved how Jide treated her. It was embarrassing sometimes, knowing she got herself into this mess in the first place. But the compassion he showed her was something she believed she didn't deserve. Still, having it felt so good, so amazing, that she couldn't help but want more.

She knew she was being greedy, but the warmth that spread through her heart these past few weeks was undeniable. Jide was the reason.

As she scrolled through the pictures he sent, a smile crept onto her face. In her mind, she could see how he shone, vibrant and full of life, while she felt like a dim shadow in comparison. If only she could shine the way he did if only she didn't carry such grim memories with her all the time.

A YEAR AGO

Lois's father had passed away when she was younger, leaving her as her mother's main support. She worked tirelessly, taking odd jobs to help her mum wherever she could. Cooking had never been her strong suit—her younger brother was much better at it—but she excelled at chores. She remembered how her mother would laugh at her burnt toast, their kitchen filled with warmth and teasing.

That fateful day, just after lectures, she was walking out of class with Jide beside her when her phone rang.

"Big sis, Mum is in the hospital!" her younger sister's voice trembled with panic. "I came home and found her passed out on the floor. I had to rush her to the hospital. Dayo and Lanre are on their way!"

Lois's heart dropped. She glanced at Jide, her mood shifting instantly.

"Just stay with her. I'll be there as soon as I can," she told her sister, her voice shaking.

"What happened?" Jide asked concern etched on his face.

"My mum... she passed out. She's at the hospital," she said, her feet moving before her mind could catch up.

"Let me take you," he insisted.

"It's a long drive, Jide, and I don't want to trouble you," she protested, but he wouldn't hear it.

"Aunty, get in the car," he said, his tone playful yet firm.

He drove her to the hospital, and by the time they arrived, her siblings were already there, sitting beside their mother, who looked peaceful yet alarmingly still.

She rushed in, her heart pounding. "How is she?" she asked, instinctively reaching to check her mother's forehead.

"She's asleep," Lanre said, looking up with worry in his eyes.

Jide exchanged a knowing glance with her brothers, no formalities needed. They were family in every sense of the word.

"Jide, thanks for bringing her," Lanre said, shaking his hand.

"No problem. How's Mum doing?" Jide asked, concern lacing his words.

"She's okay... for now," Lanre replied, his voice barely above a whisper.

Lois's heart raced as she sensed something deeper in their tones. "What do you mean 'for now'?" She looked at her siblings, noticing Dami's puffy eyes. "Dami? Have you been crying?"

"Answer me! I'm talking to you!" Lois urged, fear tightening her chest.

"Lois, the doctor said Mum has cancer," Dami blurted out, tears spilling down her cheeks.

At that moment, a ringing filled Lois's ears. "You... you say what?" she stammered, praying she misheard.

"The doctor said Mum has cancer," Dayo echoed, looking drained.