Please forward the picture above to your status. Thank you.🫶 *EP 1* “Get a cup of water.” Abel said as he helped his wife up. She was fragile and her bones were almost visible. Joe rushed into the kitchen and filled the cup with warm water, careful not to let his teardrops get fall into it. Overwhelmed, he dropped the cup and sniffed. He had never seen his mother that sick. He gently wiped his tears, picked up the cup and turned to leave. Abel stood at the door, his eyes moist. “You okay?” “Yes dad. Something got into my eyes.” He wiped his left eye. “You know crying doesn’t mean you’re a weakling.” “I know. I wasn’t crying.” Abel stood for a moment, “Go drop the water on the table, I’d join you shortly.” He tapped Joe on the shoulder as he walked into the kitchen. “You’re about to cook?” He ignored his father’s order. “Yes.” He lifted the pot from the table and placed it on the cooker. “Alright, I’d come join you.” He slowly walked away. “No. Keep Sara company.” He sharply turned, his voice slightly raised. “Okay dad.” For Joe, life was perfect till his mother became ill. First, his weekly allowances reduced as Abel couldn’t keep up. He spent almost all he has on Sara’s treatment. Then, he had to stop schooling in order to work and earn to support his dad financially. Within a few months, Joe’s life changed and he barely noticed the impact it made on him. He would watch his mother wiggle in pain and be unable to do anything about it. Sometimes, he prayed God would make him share in the pain cause it seemed unbearable for Sara alone. To add to it, he watched his father become a shadow of himself. Not having enough time to care for himself as all his attention was fixed on his beloved wife, Sara. His heart broke as he realized Abel was not only losing his wife, but gradually losing himself too. Joe was only fifteen, but had become an adult within the last few months. He has learnt to shoulder responsibilities, ignoring his needs. He had lost his friends as he spent all his spare time doing part time jobs. He forgot all about his dream as he focused on making ends meet. Still, he didn’t complain. All he wanted was that things would get back to how it used to. But that seemed far fetched, as the illness was quickly eating Sara up. Sara had lived with COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) for a few years, until the doctors said she had few more months to live. And though it was hard to take in, Abel made it harder as he hoped on God. Joe’s heart broke every time he heard his father prayer for his mother, assuring her that she would definitely get better regardless of the look of things. “She’ll live. I know it’s” he would say even though Sara told him she was ready to die. Left to Sara, she would rather die. She has suffered enough, than to continually hope she would get better. Asides the pain, she could no longer endure the stress of watching her loved ones suffer all because of her. The doctors had told to prepare for her death, but they chose not to, spending all their time, effort and resources on her health. The fact that they did it out of love only made it harder for her. She cried herself to sleep the day Joe told her of his decision to leave school to get more jobs. And thought Joe said it meant nothing to him, she knew that was a big lie. Joe wanted to become a doctor. It had been his dream since he was a little child. During career day at school, which happens yearly at his school, he is usually happy and excited to dress and act like a doctor. And even on regular days too. With pride, he would hand over pain relief to Abel or Sara at any show of discomfort. With Joy, he watched medical shows and was familiar with renowned medical practitioners. He was the smartest in his school, and everyone including his friends believed he was definitely going to become a doctor But that looked like it wouldn’t happen. Sara had hoped the situation would make him more enthusiastic about pursuing his medical career, not giving up on it. Sadly, her constant pleas fell on deaf ears. “This is the least I can do mum for you. Please accept it.” He begged. But Sara found it hard to accept it. She wasn’t getting any better, yet death seemed far away. She lacked both the strength and courage to commit suicide, yet she desired death. “I would not forgive myself if you commit suicide.” Abel continually lamented. Reminding her that it wasn’t an option. It was torture, one she hoped would eventually end. “Here.” Joe dropped the cup on the table. Sara closed her eyes as she leaned on the chair. “You should drink it now that it’s still warm.” … “Mum.” Sara groaned as she coughed. Joe gently patted her back, hoping it would ease her of any discomfort. But things only got worse as she coughed even louder. She kept coughing till she vomited blood. “Dad!” He panicked. Abel rushed in with a bowl for Sara to vomit in. It wasn’t the first time she coughed out blood. But it was the first time she vomited blood. “Call 911.” Abel ordered, his wife in his hands. Joe’s trembled as he dialed the numbers. _“911, what’s your emergency?”_ Joe gasped as Sara fell, gasping for breath. “My mum.” Tears formed in his eyes. “Sara!” Abel’s loud voice filled the room. “Sara!” His voice broke. _“What’s wrong with your mum?”_ “Sara!” “Hey Kid, what’s your address?” Joe watched life slowly sip out of Sara’s body. She lay weak on the floor in her own blood. A part of him broke as he knew his mother was about to die. But a part of him felt it was the best for her, and perhaps everyone. “Sara!” _“Are you still here?”_ “Yes.” He whispered. _“Can you calmly explain the situation?”_ A tear escaped from his eyes as he took in a deep breath. “My mum just died.” He calmly said. …