"Wake up, mummy"
I felt a soft tap and I opened my eyes to look into Erica's large orbs.
I smiled. The highlight of my morning even through the dark clouds.
"Hello, sweetheart. Slept well?" I said before kissing her forehead.
"Yes mummy. Dad's making breakfast yay" she squeals in delight.
It's one of those Saturday's where I spend the whole day with my family, since I'm even more busy these days, I hardly have a free weekend. I'm taking a leave from work until when I feel strong enough. I'm supposed to have a two week leave but my boss told me to come back when ever I wanted. I was surprised.
"You're a hard worker, Hadassah, and we need you. But you look so tired, so drained. It could damage your health. Come back when you feel better. Accept my condolences."
I wanted to cry right there, because it was true. I felt so weak.
Since mum died I couldn't sleep well. Migraines raked my body each day. The ibuprofen that used to work so rapidly when ever I took it, does nothing now. I just took it for the fact that I took some medications, that is .
I grab my dressing gown and take Erica in my arms to go downstairs. The weather outside looks beautiful. God is amazing.
Jacob is with David in the kitchen. I could see him making scrambled eggs. David is already eating at the breakfast table. When he sees me he rushes to me and I bend to receive a peck from him.
"Wow you most certainly have a lot of energy" I said. Erica wriggled out of my arms.
"And morning to you too, my angel" Jacob replied . I rolled my eyes.
He's done with the eggs, and turns off the stove. Then he turns to look at me.
"The surgery ended at 3am. Was a hard one but we thank God"
I smiled and touched his arm. He kissed the side of my head.
"I'm sorry I couldn't be with you. I wanted to come home to you so bad"
"It's okay, honey. I prayed and I slept peacefully"
"That's good." He smiled.
"I got the funeral arrangements, so I'm going to book the flight a week prior to the first event, today or tomorrow. I think I'll book them today" I felt restless. "Please, come with me. I can't do this alone"
Jacob paused. "Of course I'll come with you love. I want to be there for you in every way. I'll book the flights. The children should come with us, but if you don't want them to I'll just call my mum and she'll stay with them while we go"
"No honey, they should come"
"Great. It'd be good for them to see Nigeria, explore it, you know. They may like it. They surely will."
"Yes they will"
I felt the tears coming but I kept blinking them back.
"I just can't believe she's dead. I mean, I didn't will-"
Jacob turned off the stove and hugged me. "It was her time. She answered to the Lord. We can't question God"
"I know" I said, body shivering. It was so hard to keep in the tears but I conquered them. I don't want to look weak. "She never mentioned a heart failure, she just didn't, who even guessed.."
