Jack is a handsome young man. He works with a telecom company and his line of duty does not literarily afford him enough time to spend with his family, that is, his parents and siblings. Most times he uses phone calls, texts and the social media to keep in touch. These do not in most cases bridge the gap. Even his fiancé usually complains of lack of adequate attention and the much needed human presence. She had on countless times threatened to end the relationship but Jack usually has a way to persuade her to stay.
This time he made up his mind to take a casual leave so as to take his girlfriend Tina to his parents for formal introduction and the performance of the initial marriage rites. He wants this plan to be a surprise to her.
Jack picks up his phone and dials a few numbers and Tina's number flashed on the screen.
"Tina girl, my sweetheart, how are you doing?"
"Hello hubby, am fine, and you?", Tina responds to the phone call in her usual soft but gentle voice.
Jack continues, "well, am fine too. Am coming home by noon so please keep something yummy and delicious for me. You know what I mean".
"Oh, really! That will be nice to have you around. I thought we won't see this weekend but thank goodness I will have you all to myself".
"Trust me, you won't be disappointed. I'll prepare your special delicacy. So please hurry up and come home honey".
"That's my girl", a joyous Jack could be heard from the other end of the line. "Alright. See you by noon okay".
"Okay hun, I'll be expecting you", Tina concludes.
"Aha, least I forget, please do not forget to get that biscuit for me".
"Which one in particular please", Jack queries.
"Okay, hun I mean that brown coloured one you got for me the last time. I've forgotten the name".
"Oh oh, okay dear. I remember that particular one vividly now. I won't forget okay. I'll buy it as soon as I leave the office. See you by noon".
"Catch ya...."
And with that Jack ends the call. He went straight to the personnel department and submitted a thick brown envelope containing his application for the casual leave. Few minutes later the application was processed and he got a confirmation message via his email. Two week was given to him.
Jack drove down to the supermarket and got some bottles of hot drinks, Tina's preferred biscuit and a couple of other things. He then raced down to meet Tina at home.
At home Tina was already waiting for his arrival. She had prepared their native soup and kept it warm while waiting for Jack's arrival.
Once Jack walks in she gave him a big hug and took the bags away from him. Jack went into the bathroom and freshened up. Thereafter he linked up with Tina at the dining.
Once they were done with the meal, Jack tactfully broke the news to Tina.
"Babe, guess what, we'll be going home tomorrow morning".
Tina looked at him with an awry of suspicion.
"I hope all is well dear. This one you are rushing home. Thought we'll be here for the whole weekend?"
"Well, no dear. It is all for good okay".
Jack continues, "I want to start the process of formalising our union".
Tina looks up and straight at him. Finally, she said in her mind.
"Oh, really"' she said in a low but firm tone.
"Honey, that will be nice of you. So finally we'll be walking down the aisle very soon".
Tina stands up from her seat and went straight to Jack and gave him a big heart hug.
"I love you babe", she said.
They held each other for some minutes with Jack giving her a gentle kiss.
Tina was filled with joy at that moment. Small drops of tears could be seen forming around her blue round eyes. Those were tears of joy. She knows they'll get married but she didn't know Jack will do it soon owing to the nature of his job.
The next morning Jack and Tina drove down to the village. They went straight to Jack's house. When the duo alighted from the car they saw a few persons gathered at the balcony wearing gloomy faces. Jack was perplexed. He hastened his steps.
"Please can anybody tell me what is happening here", he queries.
At first nobody wanted to talk but and elderly man summoned courage and dragged Jack to a corner.
"My son welcome".
"Yes sir. Thank you sir. But can you please tell me what is happening here?"
"My son something bad just happened but I know you are a man. You'll be able to handle it"
The man continues, "well, your dad had just kicked the bucket".
"What!!!" No, no, no......." Jack shouted in a high pitch voice which drew much attention to him. Tina rushed towards him and held him.
"How did it happen? Where is my mum herself? Where is my dad now?
"Why, oh God why now?"
"Was he sick? Was it an accident?"
The elderly man remained silent. Jack kept looking at him with a threatening eye.
"Why is nobody talking to me. I need answers to my unanswered questions"
"Please where is my dad. I need to see him now?"
Another elderly man approached Jack and gently took him aside.
Jack, he began, "your father fell off from a tall palm tree behind your compound and before help could come his way he gave up the ghost.
"Oh papa why? Death why now? Why now please?"
Jack wept like a child with Tina joining him at that point. They were then led into the house where Jack's dad was laid down, albeit lifeless. Jack fell on his knees beside his father and wept bitterly. He refused to be consoled.
Image used above is original and mine.
Very profound and sad story. !BBH !WINE
Yes, sad indeed. The young man's plans were shattered. Thanks for stopping by.
!ALIVE
(1/10)
@ironshield!
You Are Alive so I just staked 0.1 ALIVE to your account on behalf of @alovely088.
Hi, @ironshield,
This post has been voted on by @darkcloaks because you are an active member of the Darkcloaks gaming community.
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@alovely088! @ironshield likes your content! so I just sent 1 BBH to your account on behalf of @ironshield. (4/100)
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I love this story. It's entertaining, though a bit sad. Nice one.
Yes, at the beginning was as story of love and affection but at the end was tragedy. Thanks for stopping by.
!ALIVE
(2/10)
@marriot5464!
You Are Alive so I just staked 0.1 ALIVE to your account on behalf of @alovely088.
Quite sad but still kept me glued to the end. Thanks for sharing .
Yes, sad indeed. Thanks for stopping by.