Binary Hearts

27| A Day of Remembrance 🌅

The morning sun filtered through the curtains, casting a soft, warm glow across the room, but it did little to lift the heavy mood that hung in the air. Today marked exactly one year since Adaora's mother had passed away, a loss that had left a deep wound in her heart, one that time had yet to fully heal.

Tunde woke first, his eyes immediately finding Adaora beside him. Her face was peaceful in sleep, but he knew that the moment she woke up, the grief would hit her like a tidal wave, just as it had every day for the past year. He gently brushed a strand of hair away from her face, his heart aching for her. He wished he could take away her pain, but all he could do was be there for her, just as he had promised.

Adaora stirred, slowly opening her eyes to the world, and the reality of the day settled in like a heavy weight on her chest. She sighed deeply, the memories of her mother flooding her mind. Tunde's presence beside her was a small comfort, but the void left by her mother was something no one could fill.

"Morning, love," Tunde whispered, kissing her forehead softly.

"Morning," Adaora replied, her voice thick with emotion. She tried to muster a smile, but it didn't quite reach her eyes.

They lay in silence for a few minutes, each lost in their own thoughts, until Tunde gently pulled her closer. "Let's get through today together," he said, his voice a soft promise.

Adaora nodded, grateful for his support. "Thank you," she whispered, her voice cracking.

They eventually rose from bed, and Tunde suggested they take a shower together, hoping the intimacy and closeness would offer some comfort. The bathroom filled with steam as they stepped into the shower, the warm water cascading over them. They washed each other in silence, each touch a reassurance of their bond, of their shared grief.

As the water washed away the remnants of sleep, Adaora leaned against Tunde, her head resting on his chest. "I miss her so much," she whispered, her voice barely audible over the sound of the water.

"I know, Ada," Tunde replied, his voice gentle. "I miss her too. She was a wonderful woman, and I know she's watching over you, proud of everything you're doing."

Adaora closed her eyes, letting his words sink in. She wanted to believe that her mother was still with her, in some way, but the loss felt so final, so overwhelming.

After their shower, they dressed in somber attire—Adaora in a simple black dress, and Tunde in a dark suit. They both knew the day ahead would be emotionally taxing, but they were determined to honor Adaora's mother’s memory.

As they prepared to leave for Ifo, where her mother was buried, Adaora's phone buzzed with incoming calls and messages. Family members and friends were reaching out, offering their condolences and support. She answered each call with a quiet grace, thanking them for their kind words, but it was the call from her uncle, her mother's brother, that struck the deepest chord.

"Adaora," her uncle's voice was warm and reassuring, though tinged with his own sorrow. "Today must be so hard for you. I wish I could be there with you, but you know I'm always here for you, even from afar."

"Thank you, Uncle," Adaora replied, her voice trembling slightly. "It's... it's been a tough year. I just wish she could see me now, see how much I'm trying to make her proud."

"She does see you, Adaora," her uncle assured her. "She sees how strong you are, how much you've accomplished. And she would be so proud of you. I am, too."

Adaora's eyes filled with tears, but she blinked them back, trying to stay strong. "I miss her so much," she admitted, her voice breaking.

"We all do," her uncle said softly. "But you carry her with you every day, in everything you do. She's a part of you, and that's something that will never change."