Mirabel hurried into the bar where she work, her chest heaving from the weight of the news she carried, She spotted her boss, Mr .Fidelix, leaning against the counter , flipping through receipts. His usually stern face softened as she approached.
"Mirabel, you looked troubled, your colleague told me you went home feeling sick. What's wrong?"he asked, setting the papers aside.
Taking a deep breath, Mirabel started, her voice trembling. "Mr. Fedelix, I'm sorry, but I have to leave. It's my Mom, she's in the hospital and it's very serious. I need to be with her, and I won't be coming back. I'm sorry boss for the short notice".
Felix's brows knitted in concern. "Oh no… Mirabel, I'm so sorry to hear that. Is there anything I can do to help?"
She shook her head, tears threatening to spill. "No, thank you. I just wanted to explain before I left."
Felix stood, placing a hand on her shoulder. "Family comes first. You're one of the best people I've ever had on my team, Mirabel. We'll miss you, but you're doing the right thing."
Word spread quickly through the bar, and her coworkers gathered around to bid her farewell. There were hugs, tears, and words of encouragement from everyone.
"You're like a sister to us," one bartender said, holding Mirabel tightly. "Promise you'll let us know how your mom is doing?"
"I will," Mirabel whispered, her voice breaking.
With her heart heavy, Mirabel left the bar for the last time.
When Mirabel got to her apartment, she quickly began packing her belongings.Her hands worked very fast, folding clothes and stuffing essentials into her travel box but her mind was a whirlwind of fear and worry. In her rush, she completely forgot about the ominous chocolate box, which still sat undisturbed on her room floor.
Changing into a comfortable two-piece purple outfit, Mirabel grabbed her travel box and called for a cab. She arrived at the airport just in time to catch her flight.
The journey to Abuja was short, but her heart raced the entire time, worry for her mother gnawing at her thoughts. As soon as the plane landed, Mirabel stepped into the crowded airport terminal, pacing nervously as she tried to book a cab on her phone.
Suddenly, she bumped into someone.
"Mirabel?" a familiar voice called.
She looked up to see Chief Mina, dressed in an impeccably tailored gray suit. His ever-present air of confidence and authority made him stand out in the crowd.
"Chief Mina!" Mirabel exclaimed, surprised. "What are you doing here? and I didn't see you come to the bar, after that day.
He smiled, his sharp eyes studying her. "Business, as always and I couldn't come to the bar again as promised because I've been very occupied. And you, what are you doing here? You look troubled."
"It's my mom," Mirabel said, her voice cracking. "She collapsed, and I'm here to be with her at the hospital."
Chief Mina's expression softened. "I'm sorry to hear that. Which hospital?"
"Saint Marteens, it's a private hospital ," she replied.
"Come," he said without hesitation. "Let me take you there. It's the least I can do."
Though surprised by his offer, Mirabel nodded gratefully.
At the hospital, Mirabel led Chief Mina to her mother's room. Mrs. Ruth lay pale and motionless on the bed, her breathing shallow. Mirabel's heart sank at the sight, but Chief Mina's calm presence provided an odd sense of comfort.
"Don't worry," Mina said, placing a hand on Mirabel's shoulder. "I'll handle the bills, I know your family can take of that but I just want to be a part of this and I promise, your mother will get the best care while she's here".
Mirabel muttered. "Thank you, Chief Mina."
"You don't need to," he replied. "Your family is my family. I'll visit every day until she gets better."
As he prepared to leave, Chief handed Mirabel his business card. "Call me if you need anything, no matter the time."
Mirabel saw him off, the weight of her worries momentarily lightened.
The next day, just as the sun began to go down at about 6pm. Chief arrived at the hospital again. The staff seemed to part for him as he strode in, his commanding presence undeniable.
"Good day, Mirabel," he said, setting his sleek briefcase on the table.
"Welcome," she replied, surprised. "You came".
He smiled. "How's she doing?"
"She's stable, but the doctors say it's still critical," Mirabel said, rubbing her tired eyes.
Chief opened his briefcase and pulled out a small glass bottle filled with a dark, thick liquid. "This is for her," he said, handing it to Mirabel.
"What is it?" she asked, holding it up to the light.
"It's a family remedy," Chief explained. "Just a pinch in her mouth every night. It worked wonders for my father when he was in a similar condition."
Mirabel hesitated, her instincts warning her to be cautious. "I don't know…what if it does more harm than good?"
"Trust me," Chief insisted, his tone firm but kind. "I wouldn't give it to you if I wasn't sure it would help."
After a moment of silence, Mirabel sighed. "Alright. I'll try it, and it's already evening , should I drop a pinch in her mouth?", Mirabel asked desperately wanting to see her Mother well. "Sure you can go ahead". Chief replied.
Mirabel opened the bottled and pure the liquid into the cover of the bottle and gently slippped it into Mrs Ruth's mouth.
Satisfied, Chief called over a nurse to check on Mrs. Ruth and then turned to Mirabel. "You need rest. Let me take you home. You can't help your mother if you collapse from exhaustion."
Though reluctant, Mirabel agreed.
On the way, their conversation drifted to personal matters.
"Do you have any siblings?" Mirabel asked.
"No," Chief replied. "It's just me. And you?"
"Same here," she said. "It's always been me and my mom."
Chief nodded but deftly avoiding answering her follow-up questions about his family and background. Mirabel noticed his evasiveness, but she decided not to press him. Something about him doesn't sit right with her, but she chose to let it go for now.
By the time they reached her family house, Mirabel was too tired to overthink. As Chief drove off, she stood at the doorway, clutching the mysterious liquid that she had given to her Mother. She couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to Chief and his sudden involvement in her life than he was letting on and his presence in Abuja wasn't as coincidental as it seemed.