MY YEARS WITHOUT YOU

Part 39- Reality

PLEASE DO VOTE

I managed to put the children to sleep even though I was sure they would wake up again asking for their parents.

Nma's mother hadn't recovered from the news yet, her eyes were very swollen.

Most of the time,she would talk to herself and at other times, act like her daughter was conversing with her.

A few relatives had arrived the house. Her sisters, father and brother.
It was a sad mood in the house as the wailing started all over.

I couldn't cry again, my eyes were weak.
I had to be strong to do the consoling.

The man who was with me earlier had gone back home, he was a true definition of the good Samaritan.

It was 12 am and everyone was still wide awake except the children.
I couldn't sleep even if I wanted to.
I was sure Nma would haunt me in my dream because I failed her.

We were all in the parlour where her Junior sister was still grieving.
Her father and brother's sadness could clearly be seen ,but as they say, men have to be strong,
so I couldn't find tears in their eyes.
But I knew they were grieving.

It was a sad night, and a silent one too.
I was sure more people would come the next day.
And they would all be asking the same question.

"Where's her husband, John?"

Nma's mother and I had narrated what had happened.
But we were not giving the reason behind the pool of blood which she had shown them on her phone.
She had snapped it before cleaning it off.

"I don't know what happened." Nma's mother said breaking the silence as she tried to fight the tears.

"Maybe she had fallen down and no one was around to save her. I should have arrived earlier" she cried more.

"But the children say their father was at home that morning, so why isn't he back yet?" her father asked.

Everyone was silent, no one had an answer.

"Maybe he traveled" Nma's sister dropped in.

"We are all just trying to find answers.
There are no clues , just my sister's blood on the floor.
And now she is dead" her angry brother said his thoughts out loud.

Nma's junior sister started crying again to that reality, I joined in silently.

"I begged her to leave him" I said slowly.
They all turned to look at where I sat at an edge on the floor.
They were confused and waited for me to speak further.

I hesitated, looking at her father's sad face.

"I knew something was wrong in their marriage, but she wouldn't say.
She kept denying it all." I cried calmly, sniffing the tears in.

"I told her to leave him , but she was scared for the children"

"He was hurting her at any slightest provocation,but she still chose to stay"I cried

"What do you mean he was hurting her?" Nma's elder brother asked with uncertainty and anger still.

I was quiet for a while and then I finally began talking.