The Agony Of A Weeping Child

10 - The unbelievable

In the morning, Mercy woke up a few minutes past 6:00 AM, her heart heavy with the haunting memories of the previous night. She noticed her mother still lying in bed and tried to wake her gently, but it seemed that Mrs. Sade was in a deep sleep. Panic began to set in when Mercy realized her mother wasn't responding to her calls.

"Mum, wake up! It's already a few minutes past six. We are running late!" Mercy said, desperation creeping into her voice. She began to tap her mother, but when there was still no response, fear surged within her. Memories of her dream flooded back, and she started hitting her mother gently at first, then harder, pleading with her to wake up.

"Mum, wake up! Don't leave me; you're the only one I have!" Mercy cried, tears streaming down her face, turning her cheeks red. Her sobs echoed through the quiet house, and soon, neighbors began to gather, drawn by the sounds of her anguish.

As they arrived, many rushed into the house, offering words of comfort, but the atmosphere was heavy with sorrow. Mercy's cries soon filled the space, mixing with those of her neighbors. Among the crowd were her mother's customers, who had come to pay their respects and share in Mercy's grief.

"Take her to the hospital! She may wake up! Please, help me!" Mercy pleaded, her heart racing with hope.

However, a doctor in the crowd gently shook his head, looking grave. "I'm a medical practitioner. Your mum died in her sleep. Taking her to the hospital wouldn't change anything. I'm sorry." The words felt like a crushing blow to Mercy, igniting a torrent of tears. The reality of her situation was unbearable.

As the doctor offered to take Mrs. Sade's body to the mortuary, Mercy could hardly process what was happening. She cried and dragged her mother's lifeless body, refusing to let go, while her neighbors held her back, trying to comfort her.

In her grief, Mercy dashed outside, rolling on the ground, crying out for her mother. The onlookers watched in concern, fearing for her sanity, but it was simply her way of mourning the immense loss she felt.

After a few minutes, an ambulance arrived, and two slim men emerged to carry Mrs. Sade's body away. The driver, a hefty man with a dark complexion, directed them on how to place the corpse in the vehicle. When they drove off, a profound silence fell over the scene, leaving Mercy alone in her despair. Quietly, she returned to the spot where the ambulance had parked and lay down there, feeling as if her world had just crumbled beneath her.