CONCEIVED IN DARKNESS

Chapter 7 - The Burial

Mr Moses returned from work that night around 8pm. His daughter came out as usual to welcome him from work at the entrance and she hugged him and spoke nothing about the afternoon scene with her mother. He then went upstairs and saw his wife still asleep and went to take a shower. After which he woke her "Hey I'm back". He said softly as he patted her hair and sat beside her.

Mrs Moses jerked in surprise and wondered how she was still alive. "I'm alive?" she asked her husband in utmost shock.

"what do you mean? Of course you are, why wouldn't you?" He asked in return bewildered by her outburst.

Her mind quickly raced back to the voice she heard then, what is this joke, was her mind playing games with her or was this just simply another dream. She was confused. Filled with rage, she turned to her husband "this cant be, I was supposed to be dead, to be with Condolesa. Once again, He didn't show up when I needed Him"

"What nonsense do you speak of, who didn't show up? Stop doing this to yourself, to us. We still have a living daughter. I know all this is hard, but I am here, we can get through this together. Please."

Shivering and sobbing she said "He told me to let go and Let Him. Right after I asked him to take me away. I saw our daughter Jack. I saw Condolesa, she called out to me"

Baffled, Mr Moses thought his wife had begun to loose it and sensed that she must have misinterpreted what she heard "hey, look at me. When Jesus spoke to you, he meant let go of everything you feel and cast it on Him. Let him into your heart again to heal you." He moved closer and held her hands "please Kaito, let Him. You, we can't bear all this alone."

She continued sobbing "I can't forgive myself Jack, I cant forgive her"

"You can't even call your own daughter's name. I know this is hard but you have to forgive yourself and let Jesus in. Remember you used to preach forgiveness a lot even at your deacons assembly. Where is your faith now, where are your teachings? where is that strength" find it and use it."

She looked away from him and fidgeted "This is different. I just ... cant "

Mr Moses didn't know what else to say, he sighed in defeat and stood trusting God to get through to her. She didn't ask why he was called to work and he didn't bother to tell her either. He went to his daughter's room and discussed with her. She suggested a date for the burial and he agreed. He hugged and started to leave when she remembered to ask "dad, that reminds me, why were you called to work? I thought you are on leave."

He came back towards her smiling and said "Good news dear. I was promoted, meet the new general manager for all African branches" He took a bow and on raising his head, Adanna jumped on him

"That is amazing. Congrats dad. Does mum know?

"No not yet and I intend to keep it that way at least till after the burial. Do not breathe a word about this to anyone"

"Roger that sir" she said as she gave a mild salute playfully.Thank you Jesus

Mr Moses didn't tell the full story. The position came with a new house and a new car with a driver. I'll tell them when I get the key to the house, it will be proper then.

Mr and Mrs Moses hardly spoke after that scene in their room. Infact the whole week passed by quickly with little or no activity and positivity.

The fixed date for Condolesa's burial was Wednesday The 22nd of June, 2014. On monday morning, they opened a condolence register and friends and family came and wrote their well wishes and stories for the dead. Some cried, some made comments, others just came to show their pity faces but the atmosphere was very leaden.