Chapter 2 Fear of unknown

It is early hours of the day. Richard prepared quite early for work as a result of insomnia. He prayed some day all would be fine and soon he'd sign contracts worth every penny. He was set for work, he sat on his soft leathered sofa with a cup of coffee on his hand, he glanced through his social media scrolling through to while away time since it was too early to leave for work. Then a call came through.

"Hello Mr Richard good morning."

"Yes... Good morning. To whom i'm I speaking with?" asked Richard curiously.

"I am a friend to your Late sister. News has it that your sister was involved in a fire accident which has cost her, her life."

"WHHHAAATTTT... Wait, who are you. What's going on? Where and when did this happen?" Richard asked with a frightened yet demanding tone.

"Calm down Mr Richard. I am John Adams. I've known your sister for few years. I heard the news about an explosion at her apartment. I figured she died yesterday in her apartment after the fire outrage. A lot of people sustained injuries a few died before the fire was finally put out and Juan happened to be among the few. I am deeply sorry for your loss. Stella her best friend was heartbroken and scared to relay the message to you and asked I helped her do that. My condolences." Concluded John Adams.

Speechless... he hung up the call with teary eyes and a heavy heart. He called Stella, Juan's best friend and asked about her body to be buried accepting fate but unfortunately her body was burnt  to ashes as a result of the explosion. He quickly called his boss and relayed the news. Mr Chris asked him to take his time to heal before returning back to work. He consoled Richard, he knew his sister was the only family he had left.

Memories from the past began to unfold. Frightened at the news he developed rigor. The pain of losing a loved one, the pain he felt after losing his parents to illnesses. Richard had lost his dad at a tender age. He and his sister Juan were raised by their single mom who later died few days after Richard had graduated from school. The hardship was much on him as Juan was in her finals then. He got menial jobs to save up for Juan's examinations and helped her start up a restaurant where she became famous not just for her looks or kindness but for the sumptuous dishes she made. She was loved by all who came across her and she spread positivity across all who came her way. Juan later fell in love with Timothy popularly known as Tim. Tim helped her grow in her business. Juan used most of the money she saved to get a nice apartment for her brother hence the apartment where Richard lived.

Viola came in to see Richard sitting calmly at the edge of the bed resting his shoulder and head on the wall, fighting back his tears. She knew he was pained. She quickly went to his side and placed his head on her chest, patted him gently telling him everything would be fine. Richard who tried so hard to hold back his tears could not control it any longer. He held her waist so tight in an embrace and cried like a baby.

"Juan always brought about positivity wherever she went, she had never for once imagined she would be no more so soon, she had dreams, goals to achieve and was very hardworking. Witnesses confessed to her being sick the day she died and it was in the bid of resting a while that the explosion occurred. Why did she have to leave so soon? Why would she have to die in such a way? I can't bury my own sister because her body is all burnt to ashes. What if I'm next? She never planned to leave, what if I leave without achieving anything? What if...?

"Shhhh". Viola replied placing her finger on his  lip. "What if you succeed and live happily ever with your family for a very long time? Focus on positivity,  your sister would never let you think negative in any situation. Maybe that was the proper resting God wanted for her. A peaceful rest for her soul. We may see it as a loss and tragic ending on earth but in heaven, it is an addition and a happy beginning for her. She was as humble as a sheep and fearless as a honey badger. Your sister is resting in peace babe I believe that. As we make plans, God has also got his plans for us, we only need to pray that his mercy goes on with us and as we go according to his will, he would remember his promises in granting us long life and prosperity. God loves you babe, he loves your sister to, he  alone knows his reasons for all he does. Be strong babe I'm sure that's what she would need you do at this moment."

"If only tears could bring her back then I'll cry me a river." Replied Richard with a shaky voice expressing pain.

Viola who was already teary quickly composed herself held his head against her breast so tight then raised his head, she used her hands to wipe his tears and placed a deep kiss on his lips. She felt his running temperature and quickly went to get a wet towel. She used it to calm his temperature before going to a nearby chemist to get him drugs.

Richard mourned his sister for quite long. It was hard accepting her death therefore he kept so dear every memory he had with Juan. Friends began to visit bearing gifts and warm condolences. He felt loved and saw the need to move on. Like a water Buffalo, he possessed strength to move on and interacted with people. He figured he needed to be strong especially for Viola who was never weak whenever he was at his lowest. He appreciated her immense strength in ensuring that the man she loved was never left alone and his love grew for her.

Richard shew gratitude to all who showed up for him at his lowest ensuring he avoided depression and giving him reasons to move on. Mr Chris was there for him as a father. He spoke wise words of encouragement and Richard never took his advices for a joke.  When Richard resumed work, he appreciated everyone of his colleagues. He knew moving on from losing a lost one was hard but with friends around him, he never felt alone. They were more like a family to him and he was ever grateful for their support.

Richard returned home and decided to go through the memories he had kept with his sister. Viola who had returned from duty and prepared him a meal before sleeping off didn't notice his presence. He picked up a paper which contained a poem Juan had written for their mom while She was admitted. Rachel their mom, loved the poem Juan had written for her as she claimed it reminded her of the happy place she'd be immediately she lives earth. Viola finally noticed his presence and sat upright.

"Hey boo, what are you up to." She asked curiously.

"Keeping Juan's memory intact. She wrote this poem for my mom." Richard replied releasing a smile which exposed his masculine chin.

"Do you mind reading it out babe?" Viola asked.

"Yea...I don't mind babe. Well this is it... it's titled Peace.. I'll take myself to a trip To a  place where solitude reigns And movement is breeze  A place filled with peace A place only death can lead." Richard sighed and smiled... "You know, my mom loved this poem it made her feel like there's really no reason to be scared of death." Richard  added.

"It's heart warming." Viola replied with her hands on her chest.