Feign- Consent- Gain

Mourning

The atmosphere around here seems too cool this morning, I thought to myself as I made an entry into the office. With the exception of the gate keeper who is fond of, did without fail exclaimed a morning greetings it seems every other person seems to be experiencing a period of sober reflection. Even Mr Kelvin the receptionist who would have made some jokes seems to have ran out of one. Everyone just had a moody or rather gloomy face. It wouldn't be right if I were to ignore my assumed primary assignment, as I tried settled in my office. Suddenly I remembered, Joanne hadn't return my text earlier in the day. I hadn't heard from her since I left yesterday. I just hope everything is is going well.
'Or is it?' My mind skipped as I hurried towards the reception beaconing on Mr Kelvin to move closer to me.
'What's going on?' I asked him.
'A sad news got to office this morning, that's why everything appears as such,' he said as he tried moving back.
'Wait, you haven't tell the news?' I petitioned him almost angrily.
'Oh sorry Sam, Joanne's dad just passed away. And as you well know how active Joanne is in this company, everyone really feel for her...'
I knew he was still talking but I could barely even get the conversation until even that far, I was really lost in thought. By the time I came back, u realized that Mr Kelvin had been reechoing my name.
'Sorry, I was lost, what else did you say?' I asked worriedly.
'Don't worry I will get back to you regarding every other information,' he said as he made a move towards his office.
I tried keep calm but, it was just too overwhelming. Immediately after I got back to my office, I picked up my phone and dial Joanne's number. At first she wasn't responding, but after a few attempt, I heard a calm sober voice. She could barely say a word, I just requested that she text me her address.
Some minutes later, I got a text. I swiftly get my office in order then rushed out of my office. I could still remember a voice trying to call me back, but who it was and why I couldn't wait to know.
It took me a little less than two hours to complete a journey that would literally take over three with the exception of a traffic jam such as that, which I did maneuver. I hoot the horn against the gate the gate keeper quickly attended to me.

I just couldn't believe it was happening, I may never be able to set my eyes on my dad again. It all looks like a dream to me, as I tried imagining the whole scenario.
Immediately after I set my feet in the compound I became more worried about how the environment seems to calm than usual. I knew dad isn't feeling well, but hardly would such have any effect on workers in the house. When I unlocked the door and saw the house filled to the brim I knew something terrible has happened. Even until then it's still like the Nollywood movie, mom in black, siblings doing the wailing, relatives doing the petting. I screamed as Aunties Kate ran to my rescue, else I may have hit my head against the wall. I had the feelings all day long but I'm still not sure about the fact.
'What happened?' I exclaimed.
Auntie Kate tried pacifying me as she explained that my Dad was really a great man, and that he had run his race to the finish. I screamed all the more I wasn't expecting him to go this soon, I had a promise to fulfill and a wish to grant, why wouldn't he had waited just a little bit longer so he could see this come to pass. Maybe it's my fault, maybe I should have been here earlier, maybe I shouldn't have left him after all, I began blaming myself. After it was dark, I managed to get in my room and haven't been out afterwards. Hannah, my kids sis informed me in the morning that dad left a note for me before his demise. It was more or less like an apology note.It states:
"Dear daughter,
I hadn't been too well recently, and I never can tell what this result in. I wouldn't want to bother you, as you have made a firm resolve to live a real life other than the one I presented to you. You are really a strong girl, and after all this years of disagreement, I have finally come to realize that you are my genuine blood, and only you have my mindset. Which ever way it happens, please be reassured that my animosity against you has been completely melted by your perseverance, and you now have my full approval.
Please know that I can only entrust my future into your care after my departure. You well know how to deal with it, better than your siblings who never experienced real life. I love you my dear.
Yours eternal, Dad."
After I read the letter I just couldn't hold my tears as they flow freely down my cheeks, I started blaming myself again. He really needed me but I wasn't there, I said to myself. I was really bereaved.
Then I picked up my pen and my diary, and started writing as if trying to reply his message. I thought poetry could give me the comfort I needed. I wrote:
Daily, you see me cry;
It shows my peak of fright.
I try keep calm;
Not that my troubles are mild.
In my heart within ;
In "sob and mop" I live in.
I try to create more empires;
But am scared of vampires.
All my efforts in the day;
Toil for life and way.
If only I had a chance;
I'll say life, is not worth a dance.
It's not worth a whistle;
Of a sport played in middl...
Suddenly I was halted by a knock.
'You have a visitor,' a voice said at the door.
'Let him in,' I responded as I closed my diary and tried calling myself to order.