1 Prologue

Mahina paced outside the door of her parents' room. This was a day like so many others…her mother had fallen ill and unable to get out of bed. The doctor was there to check on her and had asked Mahina to step out the room.

I hope she pulls through…I can't be left with him…dad…

The voices were hushed in the room, and a knock came to the door. Mahina rushed over to answer, Pastor Roberts walked in, face flushed. He knocked lightly on the bedroom door and turned the knob.

"Relax…Mahina, I will call you soon...," He whispered to her, before disappearing into the room.

Call me… Why would he need to call for me… Oh! Is this the end?

Mahina shuffled into the living room and plopped onto the couch. She shifted… unable to get comfortable…nervousness had taken over. Mahina bit her lip, wrenching her hands, and tapped her foot. What was happening?

Mahina jerked…startled at the sight of her father…He motioned for her to follow him. She reluctantly arose and started after him. Mahina felt a knot in the pit of her stomach, as she crossed into the room.

The Pastor stood on one side of the bed, and the doctor was packing his bags. Her mother laid in the bed with her eyes partially closed. Mahina drew near to her…cautiously…uncertain what she walked into. The Pastor spoke, "Mahina, dear…your mothe-," he paused mid-sentence.

Mahina broke into tears, grasping her mother's hand. The cold and limp hand squeezed back. This is it… she's dying…Why God? Mahina knelt next to her mother and bent over, kissed her forehead.

"I love you, mom…"

"Mahina, I'm sorry…," Her father said, as his hand rested on her shoulder. The smell of stale beer on his breath.

It's his fault…

Mahina shrugged off his hand as tears streamed down her face. Her mother struggled to speak. Mahina leaned in close to her lips.

"Make me a promise, Mahina…."