Episode 3: The Trial

             

“What’s the matter?” Segun asked worried about his friend’s change of countenance.

“It’s my father again” he sighed and walked away.

Tayo woke up very early the next morning, dressed up and boarded a bus to his hometown at Ibadan.

He arrived on time to his home.

 “Mami, Ekaro!” He greeted as he saw his mum in the living room on her way out.

“Ahh.. omo mi, you are here early! Welcome! How was your trip? I was on my way to the hospital to check on your father. Drop your bags let’s leave immediately” mama said while wearing her slippers.

Tayo and Mama left the house to the hospital.

“How’s his condition now mama? What’s the diagnosis this time” Tayo asked soberly.

“It’s still prostate cancer, the doctors claim they would try their best. He would be fine.” She sighed.

They got to the hospital and were assured that he was going to be fine and he should come back to the hospital the following week for checkups.

Tayo left for school the next day and met Segun with Prisca in the room, he had to sleep at a neighbour’s room in the same lodge.

The next day was another lecture day, no one told Tayo he needed to leave early, and he prepared early enough to avoid the queue at the bathroom. 

At lectures he couldn’t focus, thoughts of growing up and memories of his father flashed through his mind. His phone rang and it was an unknown number.

“Hello, Hello, Who is this?” he asked impatiently

“It’s your mother my son” mama Tayo said amidst tears.

“Why is your voice like this, is everything alright?” He asked.

“Nothing is alright. Your father is dead!” and the  tears from her came in torrents, he could barely hear anything his mother was saying any longer.

The lecturer in class sounded like he was speaking in Chinese, Tayo was dazed and it took time before he regained composure. He left the class to board a bus to his hometown.

….