PROLOGUE

I watched as my Mum rummaged the room searching for her properties and stuffing them in her travelling bag. I felt my eyes teary. I'm only eight years old and I'm miserable at such a young age. She suddenly stopped and looked at me. She had the look of affection and love.

"Honey" she hugged me and I burst into tears"I'll be gone for a while. Once I get there, I'll work very hard and make provisions for you to join me over there. It's for your good, honey. If I don't go, I can't feed you or myself. I'll be back, I promise" I nodded as she smiled at me

"Ok, Mum" I said

"That's my baby. Now, help me get those bags over here " she said and I obeyed

I helped her arrange her properties. At intervals, I would look at her. She was emotional. She didn't want to say goodbye too. I stumbled across our photo frame. I slowly felt it, and I got emotional again. My Dad had the best smile on his face as I stood at the middle and Mum at my right hand side and they both clutched me to themselves.

"Mum" I called and she looked up at me

"Where is Dad? "I asked

She seemed startled and dumbfounded.

"Em...em honey" she called softly" Now isn't the time to talk about your Dad"

"Mum, where is Dad? " I asked again as a tear rolled down my cheek. She sighed in abject frustration.

"Honey, your Dad passed on. That means he's dead, up in the sky, watching over you and me "she said and I burst into tears

"But he promised he'll never leave me " I said

"Honey, death is a thief. It comes when you never expect and goes. He always wanted to stand by you. I guess death didn't want that to stand " she said with no emotion. She watched me for a while before she continued packing her luggage.

I stood at the doorstep as I watched my Mum leave, in search of greener pastures.

"Bye, honey. Don't forget to call me whenever you want with the cellphone I bought you " she smiled and I nodded.

She hugged me tight as tears dropped from her eyes, flowing down her cheeks.

"I love you, honey " she kissed my forehead.

"I love you, Mum" I said in between tears

"Now, be a good girl and don't cry. Always remember to lock the doors so as to prevent scary monsters from coming in. Wish Mummy luck" she wiped her tears and smiled. I nodded and kissed her on the cheek. We kept on waving, even after she had gotten in the cab. As the cab slowly drove away, I sighed. My life had just begun.