*EP 2* “Life continues.” Abel told Joe after Sara’s funeral, making Joe wonder if he really meant it. “Life continues?” “Uhn uhn.” Abel answered, walking away. “Don’t you care at all?” “I sure do, Son.” He stopped and faced Joe. “But mum just died.” His voice broke. “Okay…I know that already, Joe.” “And life continues?” “You don’t want it to?” He walked closer to him. “Dad_” “Josiah, your life continues. You’re quitting your job and going back to school next week.” “But dad_” “You would not spend any more time at home, doing nothing. You’ve spent enough” He patted his shoulder. “But I am not used to mum’s absence yet.” He gently put his hand away from his shoulder. “I haven’t fully accepted that she’s gone.” “Josiah. I allowed you put your life to a stop because Sara needed it. But not any longer. There is no need for it. So you have to get back at moving forward.” Although Joe could hardly get himself together, he did as instructed by his father. Sometimes, he wondered if his father truly loved his mother, cause he continued with his life like nothing happened. Until one night, while he summoned courage to walk to the kitchen to get water – he had been afraid of walking in the dark since Sara’s demise – he heard his father’s sobs. Confused, he walked back to his room. Was his dad really crying? Could he still be mourning his late wife? Joe concluded, that though his father seemed fine on the outside, he was still broken and hurt at his wife’s death. And that night, he came to terms with the fact that life indeed continues. He shouldn’t just sit back and let time go by. At eighteen, Joe got into the university to study his dream course - Medicine. Abel was proud, but not surprised. “I knew my son could do it.” He boasted to his friends. But the celebration didn’t last as the reality of their separation hit them. Joe had to leave the town for school and wouldn’t return till the holiday period, which was months away. The day of Joe’s departure came, and though Abel tried not to give in to his emotions, his red-rimmed eyes betrayed him. He quietly drove Joe to the station and stayed till the train took off. As he got back to the car, loneliness engulfed him. The absence of Sara was a lot on him, and Joe’s departure made it unbearable. He wrapped his arms around the wheel as he opened wife the door of his emotions. His hands shook and his chest heaved to the sound of his racing heart. “I need Sara, Lord. I cannot do this without her. I really miss her.” He wept. _ The first few weeks were hard on Joe, but he quickly settled as classes commenced. With time, everyone recognized him as the smart one, and within a few weeks, he earned the name “Prof”. Joe had the attention of everyone. Including his lecturers and female students. Among the many girls that approached him, Shine stood out. Her soft green eyes made a lasting impression in his heart. Sunshine was also a medical student. She had reached out to Joe for assistance in a course, and Joe willingly helped. After their third lesson together, Joe had known all Shine’s secret, and had built a relationship with her enough to call her friend. It was obvious she liked him, and he was aware, but denied it till she confessed her feelings in clear terms. In less than three weeks, their feelings grew as well as their relationship, leading them to become lovers. Sunshine became the “luckiest girl” who got the good-looking, tall guy with brain. She wore her crown around like a proud queen, telling all who cared to hear that she was his Queen. But that didn’t last, as Joe was more invested in his academics than his romantic relationship. After a few weeks of trying to keep up, Shine broke the relationship, leaving Joe both confused and hurt – but not enough to neglect his academics. In a bid to get people on her side, Sunshine went around saying bad things about Joe. She played the victim so bad, Joe became the bad guy. Thankfully, in the midst of all these, Joe found solace in Beth, who was also a bookworm like him. Instead of defending himself, Joe studied all day in the library. Exams kept coming closer, and he wasn’t ready to lose on his academics. He and Beth studied like that was all their life was all about. Exam came, and within three weeks of reading and barely sleeping, they wrapped up their exams. Joe waited outside for Beth outside the hall. It was their last paper and he was excited they wouldn’t have to spend more time reading than sleeping. “Joe” she ran towards him in excitement. “Yes ma’am.” He smiled. “How was your exam.” She smiled back, revealing her dimples. “Fine. I answered them well. How about you?” “Same. Can we stop taking about exam? I am hungry.” Joe laughed. “Yes we can.” “I am glad there is no need to read again.” She sighed. Joe raised a brow. “At least for now…” she giggled. “Better.” They spent the rest of the semester together, getting to know each other, and for the first time, Joe spoke to someone about the loss of his mother, and how he felt through it all. ... _Next episode would be out 12 AM tomorrow._