The Missing Key

Episode 11

(Final episode.)

I didn't open my eyes immediately, but I could feel pairs of eyes staring at me. Then I opened my eyes and looked straight at dad. He was smiling. "Why did you take the key?" He gently asked, he wasn't going to allow this spoil his mood. "It was a mistake dad; I mistakenly put it in my school bag last night before going to bed. I was feeling so sleepy that I didn't know when or how I did it. I didn't even remember what happened before I left the sitting room," I said, with genuine remorse. "But why didn't you say anything about it since morning?" mum asked, she was really surprised that of all her kids, I was the one in possession of the missing key. "I was scared mum. It was already too late when I realized that it was with me. The fear of what dad, who was already angry, would do to me didn't allow me to tell anyone that I had it." I answered. "It's alright, you don't need to be afraid of me again, do you understand?" Dad said, with the smile still on his face. I guess he was amused by the fact that I had included the issue in my prayers. "Alright then, give the key to me." I looked at Ada, who was at first concerned that I had rattled myself out despite promising me that she would take the blame. "I have it with me," she said as she brought it out of her pocket. "You knew about this too?" Mum asked. "Yes mum, she told me not quite long ago." Can we now eat our meal? I am starving," Dad said. It was wonderful having the family come together and eat. Even though the eating session was somewhat awkward, but it sure looked like something we would get used to as long as it was done more often. After meal dad said, "I want to apologize for not being there for you all in times past. I promise to be a better dad as from today." I can't explain how warm and comforting it was hearing those words from him. He looked like a changed man; his usually mean face was now softened with kindness. "Let's all try and ensure we have dinner together more often, there must be a genuine reason not to be present. I want you all to feel free with me, I am your father and it is wrong that we all don't get along. We are one family and we must act like one. Am I understood?" "Yes dad," we all chorused, looking at each other amusingly. "Finally, every Sunday will be our family day out. We will eat outside and visit exotic places in town. But for today, we can also take some time out. So I want you to decide where you would like to visit this evening. Go get dressed up, because I will be taking you to any place of your choice. We all smiled and giggled excitedly as we dispersed from the sitting room. Ada helped mum pack the plates while I and John rushed into our rooms to dress up. The lost key had turned around to be a good thing after all.

THE NEXT DAY Dad didn't switch on his mobile phone until he got to the office. He was ready to resign but wasn't ready to hear anything that would spoil his new found mood. Well, after a long discussion with his boss, he was given the choice to state his working condition. Dad was very valuable to the company and the sacrifice he had made couldn't be over looked. An apology was rendered to him and he was given the choice to state his working conditions. The burden of work on him was also reduced by the provision of a capable assistant. Thank you all for reading and I hope you enjoyed the story. Need me say anything more? Alright, guys(males) let me quickly tell you this, three things destroy a man, which are w-w-w wine, women and weed. Ladies, you are delicate. Handleyour body with care or else, HUNGRY men will feast on you and leave you wrecked. Fathers, make out time for your family no matter your job. Mothers, you are the mirror of the family.The children depends on you for training. Even if dad has no time for the family, you must have time. ("Moms should be loved more than Dads in the family. Dont let your husband win your childrens heart more than you"Just my thinking though)

***THE END***