Then, Emma repeated the Chief Priest’s story to her, without adding or subtracting any information from what he told him.
“What is the meaning of this problem? Why will this man be creating problems for himself and the people around him?”
Now, Emma, who was fuming with anger, kept mute. Although, his wife was not happy either, but she had to be strong at least.
“I think it is appropriate to inform his children.”
His wife advised.
However, Emma, who had not thought of that, heaved a sigh of relief. Even though informing his children may not yield any results, but at least he had acted.
“I think you are right, Obidiya. I have not thought of that, but I will contact the children as soon as possible. It is said that the anger of a brother does not get to the bone. In any case, he is still my brother.”
Emma claimed before he asked his wife after he had calmed down.
“How was it at the farm today?”
“It was fine. I did the little I can and started coming back home after I noticed that you were not coming. Let me change and take my bath, please.”
She said as she excused herself.
Now, which of the children will he visit? For his age, he did not need much stressful trip.
“Obidiya.”
“Yes, nna anyi - our father.”
“Which of the children do you suggest I visit?”
He asked his wife aloud, who was already in the bathroom.
“I suggest that we find out where Ugo is. You can visit the home of the child she is spending her time with. With that, you can then kill two birds with one stone.”
“You are right. L beet me find out from her friend at the market square.”
“It is all right.”
He left before his wife could respond. Emma and Obidiya had married for over fifty years, and they were very fond of each other. It was not a secret that Emma loved and respected his wife, while the wife respected and supported him in the running of the family. They had four children, who were all married. He was one of the first people to send their children to the white man’s school. Despite the mockery from his people, he never relented in his decision to send all his children to school.
Obiagaeli, the last child and the only daughter, was the first female graduate in the community. They visit their parents occasionally. Nevertheless, Obidiya had travelled overseas on many occasions to stay with the children. She stopped visiting when her husband was getting older and weaker to be left in the hands of maids.
She told her children categorically that if they would not permit her to visit with her husband, they should forget it. Now, the children were working towards that.
When his younger brother, Beck, asked for Ugo’s hands in marriage, the family decided to carry out a due diligence on his family. The commendation of the people concerning Emma and his wife made people to recommend Beck. Their parents had a blissful marriage and Emma took after them, there was no doubt that he would do well in marriage too. But he turned out to be the black sheep of the family. Just as the saying goes, 'one mother gave birth to children who were created differently'. Very soon, the world would be relieved of his presence.
At the Federal Capital Territory.
Despite all arrangements to send him outside the country for a surgery or invite a team of Surgeons over to Nigeria for the surgery, Beck finally gave up in the early hours of Thursday. Dr. Dixon kept it away from the family until later in the day. After Mrs. Eze left and Sara joined her husband in the bedroom, he got a call from Dr. Dixon.
“Hello, doc. Good to hear from you.”
“Good to hear from you, Evans. I'm at your house.”
“What! I hope there is no problem?”
Evans asked as he quickly dressed up and walked to the door to receive him. Sarah dressed up too and followed behind.
“Come in, please.”
Evans announced as he opened the door for him. He searched his face for a clue and observed that he was distraught. The doctor walked in and took his seat. They gave him an askance look before he announced.
“We lost him. He gave up last night.”
“What!”
Evans and his wife screamed at once. Then her mother, who was in the guest room, joined them.
“Good day, doctor.”
She greeted before she took her seat.
“Good day, mama.”
Dr. Dixon responded. Before she could ask any question, Evans asked.
“Where is the corpse? Do we need to come and see it?”
“Which corpse?”
Mama asked. Before Evans could respond, the doctor replied.
“We kept it in the morgue. You are free to come over if you wish to see it.”
“That is good. Thank you so much.”
“Thank you doctor. You have helped us. We appreciate.”
Mama, who had gotten the complete picture, said as she appreciated the doctor. Sarah did the same too. Although the damage on his nerves were much, he might have survived if his body constitution was healthy, but before he came over, he was already unwell. Alcohol and lack of proper feeding had caused a lot of damage to his system. So, his body could not contain such attack. Besides, his age too was another factor. These assumptions were according to the medical predictions, but spiritually, the medical predictions may be wrong because, the Chief Priest's prediction could not be overlooked.
“I will be on my way. I felt I should not break such news over the phone. Take heart.”
“It is all right.”
“Goodbye, doctor.”
Mama greeted. Then, Evans walked the doctor to the door, and after he left, he walked back to his seat. While Sarah breathed heavily and walked to the kitchen. She put a call across to her siblings, who took the news in their strides. Then Ada inquired.
“How is mama? I hope she is not being hard on herself?”
“She is calm. You can give her a call.”
“It is all right. See you later.”.