Heavy Hearts

NINE

Desmond, Alex and Mrs Simeon leapt to their feet the moment the Doctor rejoined them.
“How is she?” Alex asked.
The Doctor kept quiet for a moment, looking like a man making up his mind. “To tell the truth, I don’t know.”
“Don’t know?” Desmond exploded, “what sort of answer is that?”
The Doctor didn’t take any offence. “She is very ill and I will need to run several test on her to know what’s really wrong.”
“Doctor we know she is very sick,” Mrs Simeon said, “We just want to know if she will be okay. Her Doctor treating her in Lagos said she had few months or more to live.” She explained.
“I’m afraid but I think her sickness has gotten even more serious. But as I said earlier I will need to run some test and if it is possible, I would love to speak to this Doctor that has being handling her case.” He said.
“We’ve called him, he will be here soon.” Mrs Simeon said.
“Good.” The Doctor said.
“Can I see her?” Desmond asked softly.
“Just for a moment. She is weak and needs rest.”

“Veronica. Veronica!” Desmond called softly, he expected nothing, but her eyes opened. His filled with tears. She looked at him.
“I love you,” he said. “Veronica, I love you more than humanly possible.”
“Desmond…” He could hardly hear her. “Love you.”
“I know,” he said. “I know.”
She closed her eyes.
“Dear God, please don’t take her.” He said quietly. And in that instance a thought came to his mind. He got up and walked out of the room.

Desmond Eze stepped into ST. Anne Catholic Church with his shoulder sagged. The church was quiet and dim, and few people were in it kneeling and praying silently. It has been a while he entered a church. The last time he entered a church was on Grace Funeral service. But after the discussion with Alex elder brother, the priest, he has seen reasons to retrace his steps back to God. He just hopes deep down in his heart that God forgives him.
It is never too late to go back to God. He is ever ready to forgive and accept his children back in his presence. He thought, remembering the words the priest had said.
As he walked towards the altar where he intended to kneel down and pray. He thought of Veronica. He has also come here to pray for her. He had come to ask God to give her more time, even if it was just few months He will add just for her to live…before He took her.
As Desmond began to pray, he felt tears fill his eyes, and then trickle down his cheeks, but he didn’t move a muscle to wipe it off, he just continued praying like his life depended on it. He desperately needed God to answer his prayers.
“Dear God, You know best. May Your will be done.” He said and ended his prayer.