Nwayirindu,
A piercing scream shattered the tranquility of the early morning.
"Help!" Susan cried out in distress. She had gone in search of her lady and discovered her lifeless body near the water. The night wind had scattered her belongings, and the book was nowhere to be found.
Susan held Virtue's lifeless body in her arms and wept inconsolably. "Help!!!"
Lukas was the first to rush to the beach, followed by Moses.
Moses stood in shock, gazing at his sister's lifeless form. Her skin was pale and devoid of life.
Mr. Lukas knelt down and checked for a pulse, but there was none. He gently took her from Susan, who looked around frantically for the mat. When she found it, she carried it over and covered Virtue's body as they all silently made their way back to the house.
"What transpired?" Virtue's mother inquired. With a puzzled expression and drowsy eyes, she attentively listened to Susan's explanation but struggled to comprehend its significance.
"Madam, as you are aware, she did not sleep in last night. Consequently, I embarked on a search for her last night but was unable to locate her." Evelyn offered her tissues to wipe away her tears and nasal discharge. Susan blew her nose into the tissues and continued speaking.
"We were unable to find her last night, but this morning I decided to check the beach once more, and there she was, madam, devoid of life." Susan wailed uncontrollably.
"I apologize, but who has passed away?" Evelyn asked again, still confused.
"Virtue! Your daughter." Lukas shook his wife as he embraced her and cried aloud.
Moses sat on the floor and remained speechless, staring at his sister's lifeless body.
Evelyn didn't understand until a few minutes later when everywhere was quiet and Virtue wasn't getting up from the table she laid on. She cried profusely at this realization.
Virtue's body was moved to her room where it was dressed for burial.
In the dim light of the small living room, the air hung thick with sorrow. Photographs adorned the walls, each frame capturing moments of the rare times Virtue smiled and —her daughter's bright smile, the way her eyes sparkled with life. Now, the space felt achingly empty.
Evelyn sat on the edge of the sofa, hands trembling as they clasped the table cloth her daughter knitted, Virtue's favorite. Memories flooded her mind—Each thought was a bittersweet reminder of what once was.
Outside, the rain fell softly, echoing her silent tears. She glanced at the empty chair across from her, imagining her daughter sitting there, sharing her day whenever she's asked, laughing about nothing. But the chair remained still, a painful void where hidden joy used to reside.
A distant sound pulled her back to reality—a car door slamming, footsteps approaching. Friends and family gathered, their faces a blend of sympathy and sorrow. They offered words of comfort, but all she could hear was the hollow ache in her heart.
"Why?" she whispered to the stillness, her voice breaking. "Why her?" The question lingered in the air, unanswered, as she clutched the table cloth tighter, desperate for a connection to the little girl she had loved so fiercely. The world outside continued, but for her, time had stopped.
Nathaniel heard the news and came as fast as he could. His eyes were red and almost bloody. He didn't find Virtue sexually appealing but he fancied her and didn't wish for harm to find her.
Beatrice, came to pay her respects and Lukas had the guards send her away immediately.
It was 6am the next day and Susan still remained by Virtue's side, offering her support.
"My lady, I deeply regret not being there to prevent this unfortunate event. Please, if there is any indication or clue as to what transpired, I implore you to share it with me. I shall utilize all the knowledge you imparted through the books you graciously allowed me to read," Susan said, her voice filled with emotion as she wiped away tears.
"I pray that your soul finds eternal rest and peace, free from any pain or suffering, wherever you may be," she added, her voice breaking with sobs.
Moses, who had arrived at his sister's door, waited respectfully for Susan to finish before entering the room.
"Susan," he said as he entered the room, slightly bending his head to pass through the door with ease. His long legs carried him gracefully, and he sat down beside Susan near Virtue's bed.
"You have been a devoted and steadfast friend," Moses remarked, initiating a conversation. Susan took a deep breath and attempted to rise, but Moses gently held her hand. "Please, wait," he implored. "I understand what you wish to say, but I implore you not to," she responded, averting her gaze.
"Susan, I beg of you," Moses pleaded.
"That was a long time ago, and I was foolish to believe that we belonged together," Susan stated before swiftly standing up to check if Virtue's nails were properly cleaned.
"May the passing of our dear lady not rekindle that spark once more," Susan uttered solemnly and bit her lips.
"I sincerely apologize for causing you pain. My feelings for you were and still are genuine. Marrying Mary out of spite for her sister was a grave mistake on my part." He stated as he approached her.
"Moses," Susan responded.
"I should have remained faithful to you," he continued.
"Moses," Susan called out once more.
"Susan, it would be greatly appreciated if you could remain in the house now that Virtue is absent."
"Moses."
"I would like to discuss something with you."
"Moses!" Susan exclaimed.
"What is it?" Moses asked, sounding slightly irritated.
"Please take a look at my lady's hands."
"They appear to be clean," Moses replied. "You have done an excellent job," he concluded.
"Are you dumb? Please take a look at my hands, they have some color on them," she said with wide eyes.
"What do you mean they have color?"
Moses gently took Susan's palm and examined it. "There is some pink substance all over your palm," Moses chuckled lightly. "I truly wish, above all else, that she would miraculously or magically come back to life."
Susan's face fell, and she began to weep bitterly. Moses held her until a knock was heard.
"Please enter." The door swung open and two large men walked into the room. "It's time to escort her to the cemetery," one of the men said.
"No," Susan whimpered and rushed to her lady's side.
Moses gently but firmly grasped her arms. She struggled against his hold, but it was futile.
"Please stop resisting," Moses said calmly, and she ceased her struggle. She sobbed into his chest as they carried Virtue's body away.
Evelyn held her husband Lukas and wailed uncontrollably. Lukas maintained a composed demeanor, as did Moses. They refrained from displaying their emotions in front of outsiders.
The doctor who had examined her body mentioned there were no signs of force, but Lukas could not believe that his daughter would take her own life. 'She is not suicidal,' he thought to himself.
Mr. Nile, who was driving and observing Lukas through the rearview mirror, said, "Virtue is not suicidal, sir," as if he could read Lukas's mind.
"She was just as excited about the wedding as you were for her," Nile added.
"If there is any foul play involved, whoever is responsible will face severe consequences," Lukas said solemnly.
"What are your wishes?" Nile inquired.
"You will wait for further instructions," Lukas replied.
Nile nodded in agreement.
They arrived at the cemetery entrance, where the ambulance carrying Virtue also came to a stop.
On the island, coffins are not permitted, as the belief is that individuals are one with the earth and should be laid to rest directly with only a light piece of clothing covering their bodies.
Virtue will be laid to rest in her family tomb, becoming the first and youngest member of her family to be interred there.
The two men gently carried her as if she were still alive and placed her on a tomb cover. Evelyn, who was standing outside, began to wail again, while Susan bowed her head as tears streamed down her cheeks, staining her blouse.
The two men then went outside to guard the entrance.
"Where is the priest who is supposed to bless her as she rests?" Moses inquired.
"They encountered an unexpected issue on their way here. Apparently, the storm last night caused a tree to fall and block a portion of the road," Nile explained.
As they patiently waited, the clouds started to transform, hinting at the possibility of another approaching storm.
Within the tranquil and dimly illuminated tomb, Virtue's physical form rested peacefully, her once lively and vibrant spirit now existing only as a mere memory. Suddenly, a gentle exhalation escaped her lips, as if the very air acknowledged her absence. Her fingers stirred, then curled, grasping the stone she rested upon.
Slowly, her eyes fluttered open, revealing a gaze that was both familiar and foreign. Confusion momentarily crossed her face as she took in the subdued colors of her surroundings. A wave of warmth surged through her, igniting long-forgotten sensations—hunger, fear, hope.
As she sat up, the atmosphere felt dull. The silence around her was profound, yet her heart beat strongly within her chest, a testament to her renewed existence. Each breath she took carried with it memories of her past, and with them, a sense of urgency. She had returned, and the world had continued without her; it was time for her to reclaim her rightful place.