Episode 4

"*Dearest Rosie, I know by the time you receive this letter,i would be no more. I am sorry for hiding the truth about my illness. I never wanted you to worry. You've grown smart and brilliant. I knew you could achieve more.

All I want to say is that the time we spent together was the most treasured moment I had. You made this 37 year- old woman feel alive. You are my best friend and student and the most loving person I have met.

I love you,Rosie for honouring me a bond which I had no right on; mother-daughter. I wish I would be with you as you become a doctor. However, I will always be with you. Never falter in your path of success.

Your dearest,

Dorris Duncan*.

By the time I finish reading the letter,I was in tears. My heart felt hollow. Such an extraordinary lady. I stayed on that spot for a long time. I really missed her. However, my thoughts were interrupted by a rustle. I quickly wiped my tears and waited for whatever or whoever was gonna emerge from the bushes.

Suddenly, a man walked out to face me. He looked handsome. It seems he was in his early twenties. He wore a neat three-piece suit.He looked exquisite. He had a perfect body,chiseled jaw and alluring hazel eyes. My eyes raked his body from head to toe without shame.

"It's rude to stare,"he said in a thick masculine voice.

I diverted my eyes and felt a pang of guilt hot me. I just checked out a guy after moaning over my deceased teacher. I am horrible.

"Such a view,"he said as he looked at the pond.

"Hey,this is my secret spot. You need to leave,"I said sternly.

"Said who?"He challenged.

"Said I, "I snapped.

"Oh come on now. This place belongs to neither you not your parents, so you don't call the shots here girlie," he added.

"Why you!Please leave me alone. I just lost someone important and I want to be alone!" I blurted out in pain.

He looked at me in shock and his face suddenly became sad. He sighed at sat next to me.

"We are in the same page,you know. I lost someone important too."He said sadly.

I quickly mumbled an apology. He looked shattered and broke. He started pulling a strand of grass and asked,"Whom did you lose?"

"My teacher,"I replied,"and you?" I asked curiously.

"My mom,"he replied.

"Am really sorry,"I apologized.

We sat in silence as we watched the pond.

"You know, she was the most beautiful person I have ever known. She gave birth to me when she was only 17 but she kept me,despite her parents denial." He said.

I hummed in response.

"She later handed me over to my dad with great difficulty. But she never forgot about me and called every night. I started hating her for abandoning me but she still never deterred to express her love for me. I was a terrible son,"he whispered.

I couldn't do much to comfort him but to pat his back. He calmed down and grinned at me. It was odd;how we understood each other by a mere expression. We kept exchanging glances and in the end,we smiled at each other. It was indescribable,how we can communicate without words. I knew that both of us felt serene after smiling at each other. It comforted us that we had each other in a way. That we suffer a similar lose and hoping to cope up.

We sat side to side,for hours. I felt sorry for him. He lost his mother. I came to think that i had lost mine a long time ago. She was present but her presence in my life wasn't felt. When the sun was beginning to set he offered to escort me home. I kindly declined and walked away after saying my goodbyes.

When I reached home, I realised that I knew nothing of that man. We didn't even introduce ourselves. I had a notion that he was among those people who one meet in his life,but go separate ways, never to cross each other's paths. My parents looked at me in anger as I closed that door shut.

"Where were you the whole day?"Mom asked.

"In the park,"I replied.

"Why weren't you in school?"She continued with her interrogation.

"I don't wanna talk about it,"I said.

"Sophia saw you with a random guy. Is he your boyfriend?"She questioned.

"So that was the point of your conversation right;to know more about the man. You don't care less if i was hurt or had eaten. You know what, am tired of all this drama. In a week's time,my exam will start and my birthday will approach. I am gonna turn 18 soon and am gonna leave this damn house for good! Out of your damn lives,okay. So bear with me for a week," I said.

I stumbled to my room hoping for some peace. I prayed fervently that the week pass on a swift. I learnt that I woulent be able to attend Madam Dorris' burial due to the exams. I pitied myself.

I had stayed hungry for the whole day and was exhausted and so, sleep overtook me in a whim.

The exams had began and tension was high. I was relaxed;had prepared for it. Each paper was a piece of cake for me. My birthday was on the third day of the exams. I just bought a cupcake from the cafeteria;didn't want to forget about my imminent freedom. After a whole month, the exams ended and I felt free. I started looking for a job immediately. I was accepted as a waitress in a diner. The payment was satisfactory,nothing to complain. But the most important thing was that accommodation was free. I liked that a lot.

And so, on June 23rd,Rosie Monsoon left her home to pursue her dreams of becoming a successful oncologist.

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