CHAPTER TWO

Every morning, Jason woke up very early and went to a tap three blocks away to fetch water for himself and his parents. He would then wake up his younger sister and help her get ready for school.

They often hugged their parents and left the house. The Williams family usually left their house early. Mr. William left very early to the bus park while Mrs. William would leave to hawk her wares. Jason and his sister Sarah left early so they wouldn't be late for school.

One fateful morning, Jason continued with his usual routine. He woke up early, fetched some water and got his sister ready for school. However, as they were about to leave the house, they discovered their parents were still in their rooms. Jason was concerned and went to knock on the door.

His mother opened the door slightly and looked at him, her seemed sad and this made Jason worried.

"Good morning Mummy", he greeted bowing his head.

"Morning my son. Your father will be unable to drop you both at school this morning. He is not feeling too well. I suggest you hurry so you can make it in time for school" she said softly.

Jason felt very sad that his father was sick. He nodded and went in to greet his father. His father's temperature was high and he kept on coughing.

"Will he be okay?" Jason turned to ask his mother who was standing behind him. She smiled and rubbed his head.

"Yes, of course, your father is a strong man. Give him two days and he will be fine. I'll get him some medications today" she said with a smile.

Jason was convinced. He explained things to his younger sister and told her not to worry.

"Daddy will be fine tomorrow!" He exclaimed.

However, that day passed by and the next. Soon it became a week and two but Mr. William was not getting any better. He had to be admitted to the hospital. They were a poor family so Mrs. Williams did not have anyone to meet to raise the money for his treatments.

One day, Jason followed his mother to meet an uncle for some money. He was eating away at a big chunk of chicken.

"I'm sorry my dear. I have no money" he said through a full mouth.

"Please brother, help us. The doctor says his condition is critical and if we do not bring the money, he might die. He is your only brother, please help us" Mrs. Williams said crying. She was on her knees. The uncle got angry and harshly chased them out of his mansion insisting he had no money.

"Mummy, why did he lie? He was eating from a plate filled with chicken. He clearly had the money, why won't he help us?" Jason asked with tears in his eyes.

Mrs. Williams used her clothes to clean her face.

"It does not matter my son. We have God. God will help us" Mrs. William replied.

However, when they returned to the hospital, the doctor didn't have good news. He called Mrs. William to a corner and told her that Mr. William was dead. Jason's mother was uncontrollable. She rolled on the floor and wept.

Jason just slip to the ground and cried. He looked at his younger sister, she seemed confused. What would they do without their father? How would he continue his education? Who would pay his school fees? How would they cope? These questions made him cry even more. He could not believe his father was gone.