"Dili wasn't always this optimistic in life" I listened attentively as Dili's mom continued talking.
"He was once in a very bad place" She narrated sadly.
"It was when his father passed away, that that's when it all started" eagerly I wanted to ask 'When what started' but I immediately stopped my hasty self.
"My baby went into drugs" She choked out a sob. My body automatically moved and I went to her to comfort her, though I didn't really exactly know how to comfort a person. Not a single clue.
To say I was shocked by her words was an understatement. Sure I was surprised by what she said, but the first thing that came first was to comfort her.
After gathering herself she gave me a small smile, indicating that she was alright now. I removed my hands from her and went back to sit down.
"Sorry about that" she tried to joke "As I was saying, Dili went into doing drugs. One time he overdosed and I had to rush him to the hospital. One of the worst days of my life if you ask me" A bitter smile covered her face as she spoke.
Truth be told I didn't even know how to react to what she had told me. I just couldn't imagine Dili doing something like that, pretty sure nobody could imagine it. But just like I personally know, you don't judge a book by its cover. A person might be miserable or maybe even dying inside but the fake smile and behavior you see could easily mask it. It never really occurred to me that Dili might be hurting or has gone through something like this. I've always thought that he was too positive, I didn't just know that maybe he just had to be that.
Mrs. Uzora continued "You see Dili and his father were like this" she joined her two forefingers to demonstrate "So my husband passing away really hit him hard, hit 'us' hard" She corrected. "It took some time, but through a lot of counselling and therapy Dili stopped it. After that we moved abroad for like a year before coming back" She finished with a relived sigh.
"Wow" was all I could mumble out. Couldn't really think of another thing to say.
"it's a lot to take in I know" adjusting herself a little on the bed she spoke "Dili wouldn't have told you, because he wouldn't have wanted you to feel sorry for him or see him in a completely different light. But do you know the reason why I told you Rica?"
"No" I whispered.
"I told you because you needed to know Rica" I wasn't really getting what she meant but I continued listening intensely. "We both know I'm not going to be around much longer, and I need someone to be there for Dili when that time comes. And that someone Rica is you"
"But..." I wanted to counter her statement but was stopped.
"That time 'will' come Rica, no matter how much we both try to deny it, it will"
"I just have one request Rica, will you do this old lady a favor?" She joked with a wink.
"What is your request ma?" My throat at the moment felt scratchy, it always feels like that anytime I was close to tears.
"I want you to always be by Dili's side, will you do that for me?" I just had one question still lingering behind.
"Why me?" I asked "Trust me I'm not the right person for this job. Dili deserves a whole lot better than me" As sad as that sounded, it was honestly the truth. There were better people out there, people that were not me, that were not trying to fix there broken selves.
"Dili was right" Mrs Uzora frowned. She looked...angry? This was the first time I had ever seen such a look on her face. Usually she was always smiling or laughing. This was definitely new. I gulped
"Right about what"
"You conceal your worth way too much young lady. You might not know this but your worth is much greater than jewels and mere gems honey. I thought Dili had talked some sense into you" She muttered her last words.
It was like Dili and his mom just had a gift of making me cry.. strictly in joy though. What did I say, this woman was an absolute gem. I gave her a watery smile.
"And to answer your question dear, the reason why it has to be you is because I trust you. We met in the past Rica, you might not remember me or maybe you do...but we did meet" Confused I stared at her. What did she mean by that. I don't recall ever meeting her before the hospital.
As I was about to find out more on what she said Dili entered the room.
"So mummy I'm done with what I wanted to do. it's already getting late I have to go drop Rica. But don't worry I will be back as soon as I can" I couldn't read the accurate emotion on Dili's face, but all I knew was that he was definitely faking the smile on his face. What was he hiding?
"Let's go Rica" He stretched his hand out for me to hold. That same fake smile was still plastered on his face.
I still took his hand. I guess I would find out what's wrong when we get in the car.