Episode Title: The Event & A Mother's Grief

Episode Title: The Event & A Mother's Grief

Setting: Fancy Academy – The Grand Cultural Event

The excitement in Fancy Academy was at an all-time high. It was the annual cultural event, a day where students showcased talents, traditional wear, dances, and food from different cultures.

The school grounds were transformed into a vibrant scene—colorful decorations, food stalls, and a massive stage set up for performances. The students buzzed with excitement, dressed in stunning attires representing their heritage.

Lila and her sisters wore elegant Nigerian ankara dresses, while Joon and his siblings showcased Korean hanbok outfits. The Nigerian boys, including Emeka and Chima, wore traditional agbada and senator wears, looking regal.

Lila’s father, Mr. Rivers, stood proudly among the parents, alongside his girlfriend, Amara, a beautiful Nigerian woman in her late 30s. She had introduced her 10-year-old son, Junior, to the family weeks ago.

Junior was energetic, full of life, and had been looking forward to this event. He was supposed to perform a traditional Igbo dance with other students.

Disaster Strikes

The performances went on smoothly—singing, acting, and even a surprise rap battle between Joon and Emeka that had the crowd going wild.

Then, it was Junior’s turn.

He walked onto the stage with his group, smiling as the drums started. He danced with joy, moving effortlessly—until suddenly…

He collapsed.

At first, the audience thought it was part of the dance. But he didn’t get up.

A murmur spread through the crowd. Then, panic.

“Someone help him!” a teacher shouted.

Amara screamed and rushed to the stage, pushing past the students. Mr. Rivers followed right behind her.

Junior’s body lay motionless, his small chest barely moving. His breathing was shallow. His eyes fluttered as he tried to speak, but nothing came out.

The medical team rushed in, lifting him onto a stretcher. Amara held his hand, crying uncontrollably.

“Baby, stay with me! Please!” she sobbed as they carried him to the ambulance.

The sirens blared, and the car sped off.

The event was canceled.

The Hospital – A Heartbreaking Loss

The entire family rushed to the hospital. Joon, Vanessa, Lila, and her sisters sat in the waiting room, shaken.

Hours passed.

Finally, a doctor emerged, his face somber.

Amara stood up immediately. “Doctor, how is my son?”

The doctor took a deep breath. “I’m sorry… we did everything we could.”

Amara froze. “No… NO! Don’t tell me that! My son… my baby…”

Tears rolled down the doctor’s face. “He had a pre-existing heart condition that went undiagnosed. The intense dancing triggered a cardiac arrest. He didn’t make it.”

Amara let out a bloodcurdling scream.

She fell to the floor, clutching her chest. “No… no… NO!”

Mr. Rivers caught her before she collapsed completely, holding her as she sobbed violently.

“It’s okay… I’m here,” he whispered, tears forming in his own eyes.

Amara clung to him, screaming into his chest. The pain was unbearable.

The students and family watched in silence, the weight of the loss hitting them all.

That Night – A Father's Comfort

Back at their mansion, Amara sat on the couch, staring blankly at the floor. She hadn’t stopped crying.

Lila and Vanessa brought her food, but she didn’t touch it.

Mr. Rivers sat beside her, taking her cold hands in his.

“I know nothing I say will take away this pain,” he said softly. “But you’re not alone. You have me, Lila, Vanessa, and everyone here. We’ll get through this together.”

Amara looked at him, her eyes swollen. “I just… I don’t know how to live without him.”

Mr. Rivers wiped her tears. “You don’t have to figure it out alone. I’ll be here every step of the way.”

She leaned into his chest, crying softly.

Lila and her sisters stood by the doorway, watching silently.

This tragedy had changed everything.

And life would never be the same.

To Be Continued…

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