SO SAD

Sadness clouded my features as our conversation became deeper in sober reflection, he talked about how the ailment started but she wasn't ready to go for a thorough check-up about it, I felt sad about it, all my worries just melted down at his words.

My father-in-law was somewhat humble, being a pastor of his own church and a Bio-Chemistry working in a laboratory as his profession, he was this reserved kind of person, not impulsive at any point, I could remember when we were planning for my wedding, he kept on asking me if I was ready to settle down, knowing how long Richard and I dated before marriage, he was bent on making sure I wasn't pressurize at some point in the plans, we talked like father and daughter, other times we talked as friends, I was literally seeing him as my dad, but I wondered why he never made sure his wife felt better.

The news of her ailment hit me hard, and I felt the need to come to visit them.

"Okay Daddy, I will book for my travel by tomorrow then possibly the weekend I will be there in person." I was never bothered about how I would raise the money but my mood at that point was just to see how this woman was faring regardless of my state on campus.

"My daughter, don't worry yourself, your hubby is here and her children as well, I believe the first term would soon go for a break, you can come to see her after which". He was confident at his words, believing that I would succumb to his bidding.

He was right after all, the first term was about ending and it would be fewer expenses on me, I accepted his pleadings, and I was worried but his point was better.

After many pleasantries, we both ended the call in agreement. I stood for a while wondering about the kind of sickness she is going through that had deteriorated as he said. I thought for some minutes, I felt a flush creeping up my face, thinking about some scenarios of my husband discussing his father about her health and I pictured her the day I met her, she was looking all isolated as if she was fasting or waiting on the Lord, she was never the talking type, always covering her hair and looking pale at every point. I thought maybe she is this God-fearing type, she was still going to work without any help so, at that point I never assumed anything.

"Madam, how far, have you made the call?" Nnena interrupted my thoughts as she tapped me on my shoulder, I felt her cold hands and snapped out of my thought with shock.

"Oh!! Are you", I was all lost in thought that my mind thought I was at home

"Who were you thinking is the one, Sylvia, are you okay?" she stared at me in a conscious manner, feeling all forgetful about our last discussion.

"My dear, no one exactly oo, just saying"

"If you say so" She sighed and came closer to me, wanting to hear more.

"How was your discussion," she said looking at me.

"It went well, I spoke with Richard, he-e is fine" I stuttered, scratching my head in disbelief, Nnena knew I wasn't saying the truth but she gave out an unwarranted smile and insisted I should go back to my room to relax, I concurred and went inside the library to pack up my books for a room.

She stood outside tramping from left to right waiting for me to come out, I saw her from afar and never wanted to emphasize what I discussed, it is family and I intend to keep it a secret from her.

She has been a listening ear to me but I have my limits and am sure she does too, you never can tell who is trying to rub your family in the mud, besides we just started our program.

I came out in a hurry, scamping towards my hostel, she never saw me for a while but she took up a split to catch up with me.

"Sylvia, what's the problem, you look worried", she shouted to get my attention to stop and wait for her, but I kept on zippy saying that I need to go to the loop urgently, my intestine is bloating to be relieved.

She purses at my words and bidder me goodbye.

I got to my corner in the common room and kept my books on my broken table while I took a sip of water to relax my nerves. I lay down on my bed, staring at the ceilings, counting them over and over again.

I thought about how I will fend for myself for this period and how to go home too, even if I call out on my parents, how do I share the burden, which will I go, my transport fare or my upkeep.

I know I can't ask Richard for money this period, I already felt bad asking my in-laws for support which caused the quarrel.

"Madam!! How far, are you coming for group discussions?" I heard a faint voice saying those words to me, I never paid attention to it, but the voice kept on ringing out loud to my hearing, fading out thoughts.

"Ohhhhmmm, tsk, please Chinenye is busy, I need to sleep" I reacted to her words.

She was baffled, knowing how I don't joke with the group discussions each day, she knew my reasons that I can't afford textbooks now, so any extra classes I don't joke with it.

"Now, Sylvia, what's going on, you strike me like someone who is running a treadmill, are you okay"?

Chinenye gazed at me in awe at my decisions, making a firm and precise movement to hear what am about to say.

Seeing that Chineye wouldn't let me be, I got up sluggishly from my bed, looking at her suspiciously.

"Tsk, I guess I would come, let me freshen up," I said.

"Okay, I will wait for you"

She quickly sat down on my bed, he ought to out criminal textbook to read, while I watched her.

Chineye wasn't my close friend in School but she was my bunkmate, we had our issues but we never fought, she loves to poke nosing on people's affairs in a good way, I never liked it but her consistency made me realize that she got my back in academics any day, we both found ourselves here on this campus while my best friends where moved to other campuses in the country, I was stuck with Chineye.

She is the type of friend you would need when preparing for exams and am glad we are both here.