Sing Of A Tree In The Wild

A Beautiful Disaster

One more chapter. Who else is excited? 😃😃

24th of July

7:55

Dennis

It was worth the try, wasn't it?

Given the colossal disappointment I was met with yesterday, it would be difficult for anyone to fathom or accept the fact that I've been laughing hysterically since I woke up. I mean, if one failed to bid the love of his life goodbye, who he may never see again, he'd be mopey and melancholic. But not Dennis Asiegbu.

I actually ran all the way from Grace to Elfrida's house around ten, only to be crushed by such sad news. And how the gateman thought my name was Dentist still baffles me.

"...Elfrida needs to come with me to change her lenses. We've been postponing the date, but as you know, she's leaving tomorrow. It's now or never."

And I sheepishly believed this destructive white lie. I mean, the 'now or never' was glaring enough to reveal that they had to leave soon.

Dennis, what if it wasn't...

Oh shut up, you optimistic inner voice! It definitely was. But wait...

"...Elfrida and Oga don leave. Them commot over ten minutes ago...."

Ten minutes before my arrival; they left school around four. Elfrida's facial expression at the time didn't indicate foreknowledge of an early departure, so I have nothing against her on that.

You actually ran like that because of a girl. Oya run to MM Airport. You will see her, trust me.

What if this wasn't my inner voice? Amarachi could be teasing me telepathically, which doesn't surprise me. I mean, Elfrida read my mind a lot when she was still around.

And even if I could teleport to the airport right now, I wouldn't still see her. She's already aboard the plane, and they should be taking off right about...

"Dennis! You're awake!"

No, I'm Sleeping Beauty. Thanks for getting out of my head.

Swiftly, Amarachi makes it from the front door to the dining table, dragging out a seat before sinking to it. "Mum said she found you lying out in the street last night! How did that happen?"

Before breathing in hard like I just did, it didn't occur to me for a second that a cup of hot Milo and some layers of toast- a major throwback to Amarachi's birthday- had been awaiting my indulgence. "I ran all the way from school to the street, so I most definitely passed out."

Amarachi cannot believe it. She's going to explode any moment from now.

"Do you know how insane that is? You weren't expected at home until 10:30; Mum found you there a few minutes after ten. What could have made you do something that daring?"

Against my will, the edges of my lips go up in a smile. Daring. I'm looking Amarachi dead in the eye. She's dying of suspense.

"Why are you so calm about this?" she exclaims. Her mood change suggests that she is coming to the false realisation that I and Elfrida signed off in grand style. Exhaling, I set my arms on the table as my smile disappears. It's about to get real.

"You asked a good question. But permit me to ask my question. What were you doing outside before you got in?"

"For God's sake, why are you stalling? I took out the trash today, which is actually your job. Tell me the story already!"

Just look at the glee and eager anticipation on her face. I can't wait to break her heart the way Elfrida broke mine yesterday. I clear my throat comically, which fuels my sister's 'anger' to greater lengths.