CHAPTER ONE

COLOURS

It was a very warm and beautiful Sunday morning; the sun was bright and I just knew today was going to be a blessed day. I woke up very early to prepare for the Sunday service. Dressed up all glamorous and looking sharp. My roommate Kante, couldn't stop with the jest accompanied with showers of compliments about how I am dripping, I kept laughing because the sanguine nature in me won't allow me. I wore my coffee brown walabees shoe, a nice check-shirt and a black trouser.

I got to church and while paying compliments and greetings to my friends, a melodious voice from behind screamed my name, Lucky! I smiled and turned back because I knew the voice that was calling me, and yeah, it was my beautiful friend, June. She approached me with a smile and we walked into the Church together, excited in an awkward way I don't even know why.

June is like a sister to me, she's more than a friend, we met at the same University, where she studied a double major in Art and Music and I Computer science. Kante on the other hand is studying Environmental Science and loves football (Soccer) more than anything, if soccer was a fruit, it will be his favorite.

The service ended at about ten thirty-five in the morning, before the benediction, I quickly looked somewhat towards the choir, where June was seated to signal her the old fashion way to meet up outside so we can head home together. To my surprise, my eyes caught the dazzling beauty of a young lady I've never seen before in my life, of course, the young Lucky will smile because he's in awe. I gracefully withdrew my gaze and closed my eyes as the final prayers was offered.

I kept smiling till I got home and June was so curious to know why I am such in a great mood, knowing fully well she wasn't the one who propagated it.

To get her off my back, I told her that I saw an angel today in Church.

CHAPTER TWO

GRADIENT

"Never mind, I'll find someone like you, I wish nothing but the best for you, too?" Kante's baritone voice woke me up from sleep, trying to sing Adele's song. My head aches because I kept thinking about how tasking my week is going to be and also the lady I saw in church, and how my heart leaped. But the more I think the less courage I have. Kept wondering how to start up a conversation with a total stranger.

So, I decided to share this with Kante, seeking for his opinion and ways we can draft out just to have this angels' acquaintance and moving forward. He offered a counsel, that since June is a lady, she can secure her details that way it won't be awkward, so we can reach out to her via the social media, I didn't buy the idea because it was too clich�, I was seeking for something more define and mature. So, we dropped the conversation to reconvene on better ways to approach the lady, before the next coming Sunday.

As the week kept running as if it has legs, my mind kept wrestling on strategies and how to make a first good impression when I approach her. In fact, I had to pick out the dress for the coming Sunday just to ensure it was neat and properly arranged. I just wanted everything to be magnificent.

Still not at ease, the only person I could run to was June, I told June to help me because I feel helpless already, trust her, she laughed so hard I felt so nervous and condemned the whole plan.

I decided I wouldn't go to Church this coming Sunday, so that the urge will die off and whatever infatuation I might have cultivated in me about this mysterious lady I saw.

After the mockery, June finally decided to help out with a clue, she called it a "ladies thing". I didn't bother to ask her what and how it's going to be because, June is a very smart and proactive lady, she won't sell me out. I trust her enough to that extend.

A test was scheduled for Friday morning as I was preparing for it ahead. My parents, especially my dad often says: "Proper preparation, prevents poor performance", so there was no room for failure or excuses to not do well. My phone rang and it was June, "guess what Lucky she said, your parents did a nice thing to name you so. I found out about the lady you've been sleepless about. Her name is Pearl and she just joined the band too. I wish you luck, Lucky!"

In awe, I smiled because I felt like a conqueror already just by knowing her name. I kept wondering how the next Sunday will be like.

Since Kante was like a brother to me, I couldn't just wait to share the good news with him. He was so overwhelmed when I told him. He kept bringing up old tales about how his older sister, Ashira met her amazing husband and how we can harness that storyline and use it in order to approach her. Kante is seldom to going to such gathering as Church, I wasn't surprise when he even offered to follow me to church so he can see her for himself too and judge me by my words if she's indeed an angel or not.

After my test on Friday morning. I came back and we went to the soccer field together with Kante and Malik. I have a culture of playing soccer too because it's a sport we both love so much. "Exercise is one part of human existence that shouldn't be taken for granted," Malik will always brag about.

We got to the field and I was about to turn off my phone, a text message popped up, "Little bro, you need to catch the first bus home tomorrow, Dad has passed away".

CHAPTER THREE

SILHOUETTE

I really wanted to know this: "who said it's easy for a young promising adult to lose a parent?"

Tears rolled over my eyes and I couldn't move after reading the message, Kante had already started jogging, Malik was tying his shoelaces to join him and other players on field. The shock of the news got into me so well I braced my hands on my face and took a deep breathe, that was when Malik knew something was wrong, and said, Lucky, what's up? I handed over the phone to him and he read the message and screamed Subhanallah!, I am so sorry for your lost my friend, may he find rest in Allah's bosom.

The training has commenced and Kante noticed we were seated by the sideline and not with him on the field. He ran over and said what's wrong with you fools, come on, I hope this cold feet has nothing to do with Pearl your angel? I just smiled and said no it's not. Malik was quiet with my phone in his hands and arms folded. Kante took a knee and asked again, what's up bro? because he saw our countenance wasn't encouraging.

I nodded my head to Malik as a sign to hand over the phone to Kante and he did so.

After reading the message, he also screamed Jesus! Bro, I am deeply sorry for your lost man, this is unbelievable, he sighted and took a seat too.

After a short while we decided to go home, so we couldn't train nor enjoy our exercise that evening.

I and Kante had already made plans to meet up with June after training, she often prepare dinner that we either seat together and eat or take some home whenever its late after training. We didn't go and I didn't call her neither, because it all skipped our minds and the loss of appetite contributed.

I picked my phone and dialed my dad's number out of curiosity and it dropped, that was when the pain began to sum up. Kante saw it in my eyes that the reality just hit me one more time, he sighted and tears rolled over his eyes.

Someone was knocking at the door, we were all overwhelmed but I answered and it was June, with a food basket covered with her beautiful crochet. She saw the look on my face wasn't bright enough for her. Being a jovial and a lady full of energy, she asked why didn't we come after practice but kept her waiting for us, I said I am sorry, and she asked what's wrong, why is my face so dull and also Kante's? Is it the training that got us so tired or something else?

I summoned courage and said June, I got a text from home that my Dad Just passed away, though he was briefly ill and was recuperating before I resumed and I'll be leaving for home tomorrow morning. She didn't say a word but embraced me so tight and wept.

My dad was like a father to her too, he calls her 'Smally'.

CHAPTER FOUR

REFLECTION

It was eleven o'clock in the evening after June had left, and Kante far asleep, I reached for my laptop, connected the wi-fi and booked a bus on my favorite car hailing app for the journey. It was successful and I will be departing for Seven o'clock in the morning.

Spontaneously packed up the few essential things I needed into my bag and afterward texted June appreciating her for being a great friend, visiting and consoling with me, as well as about my departure in the morning, which she offered to tag along but I declined, emphasizing I'd love to leave alone, she can visit subsequently to pay her respect.

Good morning, Sir, can I have your QR code? the receptionist requested at the Bus station. I pulled out my phone which I had already synchronized the Quick-Response Code prior and gave her to validate my order which was successful. My bus ticket was issued and I was going to seat at the front or passenger seat with the driver.

Before I could say 'Jack Robertson,' the bus was already filled up and ready to move.

I was seated and the Driver's door opened, it was an elderly man in his early 60's I presume, he hooped in and waved at me and I nodded saying, thanks Sir. After the formalities, he started the engine and we took off somewhat around Seven forty.

We hit the road and I was enjoying the silence and chilled breeze coming from the AC, before the old man decided to tuned on the music which I think was his last playlist, in his morals, trying to entertain the passengers. The music ended and the next song started, it was a soft rock by Phil Collins, titled "Another Day in Paradise", I smiled because the song playing was one of my dad's favorite songs. A great percentage of the passengers started mimicking the lyrics as I looked back and sang sideways as we transited, I was so happy and comforted, but no one knew I was grieving deep inside.

Everything became more vivid when the silence came back hours later, we were half way our journey. Apparently, I didn't expect it'd be this difficult and dreary as it was.

I got lost in my thoughts and oblivion. My expectations were crushed like grains passing through the middle of a grinding stone. Emotions became high, questions sprouting out from my brain, a lot of what ifs on my feeble mind and how my reaction will be like when I arrive home.

My journey back home was a battle deep within me.

"A good man always does the right thing, even if it's not the easiest of all things", my dad often says. He was my icon and role model, going back home to accept this sad reality felt like I should change my route at the course of this journey but I cannot run away from the sad truth.

I could remember our last conversation before my return to school, He is a great man filled with wisdom. My dad loves him some alcohol and you're damn right, he was really on the undeniable mood, highly motivated and charming. It was a Sunday evening, by the entrance to my room, he began:

"Lucky, you know I am a man of my word and I want you to know how much I respect you. You've been a good son; I am proud of you and I really cherish our bond together. I see you son! Looking back to see how far you have come, you fight to overcome, the struggles you pass through. Every reflection is a lesion you seek, it's the whispers that the universe will speak, so rise to you, rise to your truth, rise and be true. Never give up no matter how hard it gets."

Please bear with me, the driver said, I quickly came back to life, and he continued, for I need to get some gas at the next station, we are running out, so that we can arrive on time. Everyone took a sigh of relief. As at that time we were already more than halfway through the journey and our destination was right ahead.

Young man, are you sure you're alright, you've been seldomly quiet I observed and you didn't eat anything too, someone from the back whispered softly, I turned and smile, yes, everything is alright ma'am. Please have some cookies, I am just being a concern fellow and also a mother. I said thanks and picked some.

What is your name? You can call me madam Kate, I replied calmly, my name is Lucky, Lucky Amandis. Nice to have your acquaintance ma'am, I am grateful for all your concerns. Thanks ma. The old lady smiled and withdrawal back.

The driver was done filling the gas and we went back on route.

Approaching the city was this hug rocky hill which is a marvel to anyone coming into the city for the first time, the construction ideology and techniques is just so amazing. Meanwhile, the hill is divided into two, creating a level passage for vehicles and sorts. Once you get there, that means your journey has but come to an end, you just have few kilometers to reach the central area.

My heart rate increased, palpitating faster than normal and I could feel the nervousness in me, I took a deep breathe, my hands on my knees shacking continuously and I said, Lucky, you can do this, your family is waiting for you.

CHAPTER FIVE

GLINT

I cannot remember the last time I was hugged so tightly, the feeling was out of this world, the warmth and assurance was a thing of joy despite the circumstances I was in. Growing to become an adult becomes more difficult for parents to hug their children these days, but once upon a time, we were their little babies, held so gracefully and adorable.

My mother is a virtuous woman known for her kindness and heart of charity. She was so excited despite the tears in her eyes as I got home. She made me felt like this situation was a magic and not a grievance.

As I sat beside her in comfort, she began:

"Oh Lucky, hum! I know this is an incredibly difficult time for you. Losing your father is a pain that words can't fully capture. Please remember that it's okay to feel however you feel right now. You were his pride and joy, and I know he would want you to keep moving forward, even when it's hard. We're going to get through this together. I am here for you Lucky, always. We will honor his memory and find strength in each other. I love you"

My heads to the ground, I said, thanks mama, you've said it all.

A lot of people came to extend their condolences as well as preparations are made for the final interment. My siblings were really happy I could make it home, it was no surprise because they knew how close we were.

The fourth day after my arrival, an iconic burial was given to the great Mr. Amandis Izzk, it was glorious, people from far and near, different spheres of life came to pay their respect.

My phone beeped, on removing it from my pocket to check the text message, it was just a number without a name. Which means I don't have the contact of the person saved, Its reads: Hi, Lucky, I am so sorry for your lost, please accept my condolences. May God comfort you and the Family, Pearl.

CHAPTER SIX

PENUMBRA

'It is with great sadness that we announce the demise of Mr. Amandis, the father of one of our very own brothers, Mr. Lucky,' The president of the fellowship announced, encouraging the members to do well to reach out and extend their condolences whenever they can. My number was called publicly for those interested, as it's custom.

That was how Pearl got to text me, alongside many others. The unstoppable calls and piles of text messages to reply was really alarming. Expecting that, Lucky being a people person, many will say. He's really charismatic and well outspoken too.

I couldn't really text or call her back, because I was grieving, all in my feelings, reminiscing about the sounds of drums and gunshots that the arm forces presented during the burial, was still echoing inside of me.

I remembered being called upon to receive the national flag, as a symbol of gratitude and honor to the family because of my dad's hard work and dedication to the service.

The fortnight after the burial, at twilight just before dinner with my mom and big aunty Gloria, whom has been there throughout for the family, with her amazing personality, I bet you, if you are not told, you'd mistake they two sisters for twins, when you see them together. She's my mom's immediate younger sister, there resemblance is really captivating.

So, I summoned the courage and decided to call Pearl,

"Hi, it's Lucky, I really wanna say thanks, I got your text message, this means alot, I apologize for calling this late, she took a sigh and said it's alright, oh well I thought I should extend my condolences, because I know how difficult it feels to loss someone special. I responded with thanks, she said, I hope you're doing ok anyways, hope you don't mind me asking? And I said Yeah, I am fine Pearl. It's amazing how you're so calm I said, she giggled and responded you don't even know me, I secured your number the day it was announced, and I am sure I have never seen you neither, because I just joined the fellowship. I was carried away by her mature responses. Oh, Pearl I said, if it's not too forward, I'd like us to meet on my return back to school, it's really nice to have your acquaintance. She said oh, Lucky just maybe, anyways, looking forward. Take care. Bye. Bye Pearl."

I never knew my big brother, Vincent was eavesdropping at our conversation, I think wanted to ask or get something from me but I was on a call, so he decided to wait.

"Hehehe! My guy, My guy" he exclaimed, throwing in a handshake like we always do. Who is Pearl? He is asked. I answered with a smile on my face, a friend from school.

A friend huh, he giggled awkwardly and began the brotherly talk;

'Lucky bro, hey, I know you've been going through a lot since Dad passed away. It's been tough on all of us. Yeah, it's been hard. I miss him every day, I said. He continued; I get that. I'm here for you, always. I wanted to talk to you about something else though, but it can wait, this is more important he smiled and said, I'm really glad to know you're finding yourself and happiness despite everything. You deserve to have good people around you. But I just want to remind you to take things slow. You've been through a lot emotionally with Dad's passing. Sometimes, when we're vulnerable, it's easy to rush into things without thinking them through.

I replied, I know you're just looking out for me, and I appreciate bro.

He went on, I'm not doubting that. She might be exactly what you need right now. But you need to make sure you're really ready for something serious. Grieving can cloud our judgment sometimes. I don't want to see you get hurt if things don't work out, especially when you're still healing. And I replied, I understand what you're saying. I'll be careful. I guess I just didn't expect to find someone like her, especially now.

Little bro, life has a funny way of surprising us, that's for sure. Just promise me you'll take it one step at a time. Make sure you're making decisions because they're right for you, not just because they feel good in the moment. And if you ever need to talk, about her or anything else, you know where to find me.

Vincent requested, 'I need your laptop, mine is down. I want to book my flight Back to work, my leave is over, little bro, and I am sure you need to return back to school too, its two weeks already.'

CHAPTER SEVEN

CONTRAST

"You know, we take pride in you so much, Lucky?," my mother continued with her wishes, prayers and blessings as I leave home for school. I took off too, immediately my elder brother left, so that I can also focus and study ahead. We had these great plans with my father and a whole working board designed against the future ahead and a road map to follow in order to achieve them.

Booked the bus as usual, and I packed my bag and few comestibles from home. My immaculate and amazing elder sister, Shanty, couldn't stop being goofy and sentimental around me. Actually, she just put to birth at that period too, a nephew I so grew to make fond of, Jay-boy.

Our bus took off around eight o'clock in the morning from the park and I was seated at the middle row, behind and opposite the driver. A young lady to my left and a gentle man to my right. I wore my favorite baseball cap and listening to the music from my phone. Just immediately we crossed the state boundaries into another, my mother called, to check up on me and I affirmed I was fine and the journey is going smoothly, my head was down as I was speaking with her, before I realized the bus rumbled along the winding road, its engine a steady hum against the quiet murmur of passengers. I stared out the window, watching the trees and vast land blur past, lost in thoughts of my father's recent burial. The grief was still fresh, a heavy weight that pressed down on my chest. I don't know what we hit but I suspect that it was a pig, which came out of nowhere.

Suddenly, there was a loud bang, followed by the screech of tires. My heart leapt into my throat as the bus swerved violently. Panic spread through the bus like wildfire. The driver was frantically trying to regain control, but the bus was careening off the road.

The next moments were a chaotic blur. The bus hit the animal and changed course via rotation, and I was thrown against the other passenger, pain exploding in my side. The sound of metal tearing and glass shattering filled the air. Passengers were screaming 'Jesus'! Their voices mingling with the terrifying roar of the bus crashing. Sometimes I still remember the gentleman voice who sat beside me.

When it finally came to a halt by a coconut tree, which stopped the tossing, the silence was deafening. I was disoriented, every part of my body aching. The smell of petrol and burning rubber filled my nostrils, making it hard to breathe. I tried to move, but a sharp pain shot through the side of my chest and my face. Looking down, I saw blood and felt a wave of nausea. My phone got detached from me as a result of the accident, I was still on call with my mom, when the whole thing happened.

People were moaning, crying for help. I forced myself to stay conscious, focusing on the small movements I could make. Gradually, I managed to unbuckle my seatbelt and crawl out of the wreckage, ignoring the pain that flared with every movement. Outside, the scene was one of devastation. The bus lay on its side with the driver dead, he couldn't move no blink his eyes, smoke billowing from the engine.

We waited for about an hour and managed to bring the driver out of the bus before the emergency responders arrived, their calm efficiency a stark contrast to the chaos. They lifted the driver onto a stretcher, their voices a soothing murmur as they checked our injuries. I watched numbly as they worked on me and others, my mind struggling to process what had just happened.

As I lay in the hospital bed later that afternoon, my body covered in bandages, I reflected on the fragility of life. Losing my father had already left me reeling, and now this accident seemed like a cruel twist of fate. But in that moment, I also realized the strength within me. One of the officers came with our phones and I was able to secure mine. I quickly called my sister and informed her about what happened, the resilience to survive and the will to move forward, despite the pain and loss. She said, our mother heard everything that happened while on call and wouldn't stop crying but I shouldn't worry, her husband and aunty Gloria are already on their way coming to bring me back home.

The accident was a brutal reminder that life is unpredictable and often harsh. It forced me to confront my grief and find a way to keep going, not just for myself, but to honor my father's memory. The physical wounds would heal, but the experience had left an indelible mark on my soul, shaping me in ways I was only beginning to understand.

CHAPTER EIGHT

BLANCHED

Another delay, another setback, another disappointment was all that I could imagine as I was recuperating from the trauma and pains of the accident. As if my father's demise was not enough. Only one thing was running through my mine, to ask God why, which I did.

Each moment and small opportunity my mom get, she constantly reminds me with her quotes: "A living dog is better than a dead lion" she gave God the glory for my life and the survival and kept encouraging me to be strong. The tons of friends and family members that visited and revisited was really a warm thing, I felt so much love and care from all of them and that speeded my recovery process.

Returning back to school the second time was the biggest fear of my life, despite the scars and marks, I knew I had to face this reality. I entered the bus with faith and confidence that I will arrive safely and nothing will happen, and it came to past. The scars weren't just the physical ones on my body but also in my heart, mostly throughout the journey I was praying and praying. The incident that had happened drew me closer to God, even I couldn't but gave thanks to his faithfulness. Everything happened for a reason and it was to lead me closer to Him.

June, Kante and Malik were my small village and cannot just wait to see me, they made special arrangements to pick me at the pack when I arrive.

Throughout the process I saw the need and importance of having genuine and supportive friends, they're the once that will be there when no one is and also help you in the construction of your road to success. I cannot over emphasize on the importance of good friendship.

But something kept reoccurring in my mind and the thought of meeting Pearl crossed over consistently, why, because during my recovery process while at home, she kept calling and checking up on me regularly and our conversation grew and became colorful, a stranger turned friend huh? I knew it wasn't from a place of pity but from the sincerity of her heart. She's indeed a gentle soul and a reminder that there are a lot of godly and beautiful ladies out in this perilous world, you just have to look closely. Our face-time, chats and calls where meaningful and really encouraging. Sometimes, it feels like we had known each other before now, a lot about our personalities aligns. Something unquestionable grew in between and I knew what I felt too wasn't ordinary.

CHAPTER NINE

TINGE

Returning to school, I encountered a wave of emotions, still yet determined. As I stepped off the bus, the 22nd of February, my heart pounded, not just from the physical pain that still lingered but from the anxiety of facing my peers again. However, the sight of June, Kante, and Malik waiting for me with bright smiles and open arms washed away my fears. They enveloped me in a group hug, their warmth and genuine joy soothing my nerves.



"My guy, I can't believe you're finally back!" June exclaimed, her eyes misting with happy tears.



"Bro, we've missed you so much," Kante added, his voice full of sincerity.



Malik, ever the quiet one, simply squeezed my shoulder, but his eyes spoke volumes. Their unwavering support had been a pillar of strength throughout my recovery, and seeing them again made me realize how crucial genuine friendship is.



Later that evening, we sat together in my room, reminiscing and catching up. They shared stories of their lives while I was away, and I felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude for their presence. They had truly been my lifeline, showing me that even in the darkest times, light could be found through the love of friends.



In the days that followed, I took time to reflect on my journey. One afternoon, I found myself lost in my thoughts of everything. The memories flooded back, but instead of fear, I felt a strange sense of peace and confidence. I whispered a prayer, thanking God for the strength to endure and the lessons learned. The accident had brought me closer to Him, deepening my faith in ways I had never imagined.



A few days later, I finally met Pearl in person. We had arranged to meet at a cozy little caf� near campus. As soon as I saw her, I felt a surge of warmth. Her smile was as kind and genuine as her voice had been over the phone. We talked for hours, sharing our dreams, our fears, and our hopes for the future. It felt like we had known each other forever. And she kept staring at scars on my face.



"You know," Pearl said, her eyes twinkling, "sometimes, the hardest times in our lives bring us the closest to where we need to be."



I nodded by saying Mm-humm, feeling a deep connection with her words. Our friendship had blossomed into something beautiful, something that gave me hope and made me look forward to the future.



CHAPTER TEN

COLOURS

With each passing day, I felt more and more ready to embrace the future. I started working on a new project, a tribute to my journey and the lessons learned. I also took on a leadership role in my school club, determined to make a difference and inspire others facing their own struggles.



As the semester drew to a close, I was asked to give a speech at one of the church events. Standing in front of my peers, I felt a mixture of nerves and excitement. Taking a deep breath, I began.

"Life has a way of throwing unexpected challenges our way," I started. "But it's in those moments of darkness that we find our true strength. I've learned that faith, friendship, and love are the pillars that hold us up, even when we feel like giving up."



I looked around the auditorium, meeting the eyes of my friends, and finally, Pearl. "I'm grateful for every single person who stood by me. You've shown me that no matter how tough life gets, we can overcome it with the right people by our side."



The applause that followed was overwhelming. As I stepped off the stage, my best friend Kante rushed to embrace me. In that moment, I realized that my journey was far from over, but I was no longer afraid. I had the strength, the faith, and the love to face whatever came next.

The semester ended, and I returned home. One afternoon, I visited my father's grave. The pain of his loss was still fresh, but standing there, I felt a sense of closure. I spoke to him, telling him about my recovery, my friends, and Pearl. I felt his presence, a comforting reassurance that he was proud of the strength I had found within myself.



The end was just the beginning of a new chapter in my life, filled with hope, resilience, and the unwavering belief that everything happens for a reason.

?the END.