Broken vows(completed)

The burial

That evening, Mr Mensah and Fred went to the Wilson's residence. They were led into the house by the maid, who offered them something to drink. Mr Mensah chose to drink water but Fred did not want anything. Mr and Mrs Wilson, both joined them in the living room.

" I am so glad you finally came. I was even expecting to see you this morning", Mr Wilson said, when they were all seated.

" Yes, I came in the morning. I am sorry I did not tell you of my arrival. I felt since I would be coming here this evening I should just surprise you a bit", Mr Mensah said.

" Don't worry about it, my in-law. I am glad to have you in my house. So, what brings you to my humble home?" Mr Wilson, asked.

" Okay. I wanted to come greet you my in-laws and let you know of my arrival. And also, to talk about our grandson's burial. It's been two days already since the boy died but I don't think there is any point keeping him in the mortuary for so long. He is very young, so I and Fred came to the conclusion that, it will best if we buried him earlier", Mr Mensah suggested.

" I agree with you. I don't think we should keep him there for so long. It brings more pain and anxiety knowing very well that he is in the mortuary. At least, if we bury him, we will all be able to move on from all the pain", Mr Wilson agreed.

" So when do you think we can bury him?" Mrs Wilson asked.

" We were thinking of burying him this weekend", Mr Mensah said.

" Ma, please, have you been able to get through to Martina?" Fred asked.

" I tried calling her so many times but it never went through. It seems she must have changed her number. I don't even get why she has not even called to even ask of her son", Mrs Wilson replied.

" I guess the burial will happen without her, then", Mr Wilson said.

" It would have been better if she were here, though. Well, there is nothing we can do about her absence now. So, what do you think of the burial date?" Mr Mensah said.

" No, I don't think there is any problem with the date at all. I and my wife will do anything we can to help with the process".

" Thank you. Thank you so much. So, tell me, how are things with you?" Mr Mensah asked, changing the subject.

" Well, things have been going well by God's grace. There is nothing to complain about. All we can do is to continue to give thanks to God in everything", Mr Wilson said.

Mr Mensah agreed. They continued to chat for a while. Fred remained quiet throughout the conversation. He looked like he was deep in thought. After a while, Mr Mensah and Fred asked for permission to leave. They got to the house a little before midnight. Fred asked to leave to go to bed, but his father asked him to stay a bit since he needed to talk with him.

" Son, I need to talk to you. I know it's late, but I just want a few minutes of your time", Mr Mensah gently touched Fred's shoulder and led him to the living room.

They sat down.

" Okay father, what did you want to talk to me about?" Fred asked, tiredly.

" When we were at the Wilson's house, I realised you were quiet most of the time. I know this is a terrible time for you, but I still want to know why you were so quiet?" Mr Mensah asked, worriedly.

" It is nothing, father. I just feel overwhelm whenever I am at their house, that's all", Fred said, softly.

" Since when have you been feeling that way?"

" Ever since Martina left. It's been like that for me. And Junior kind of made it worse", Fred confessed.

Mr Mensah touched his son's hand, lightly. " I understand son. I have told you this already but I will say it again. Please, don't ever hesitate to tell me your problems, okay. I will always be here for you my son".

Fred nodded. " Thank you, father".

Day of funeral

A group of people were gathered around a grave. A coffin laid in the grave, ready to be covered with the sand, that was gathered at one part of the grave. All the people around, were in black, it was either African clothing or just plain shirts and jeans. Most of the women were crying, while some of the men just stood in sadness, shaking their heads.

Some were rolling on the ground, wailing, while they were being supported by others who were trying to get them from dirtying themselves more. Among the people gathered, was Fred. He was also in black. He was crying. His shoulders were shaking and the tears in his eyes never stopped coming. Beside him was his father, who was standing at his right side, hugging him.

Linda stood at his left. She was dressed in a black African cloth,a top and a skirt, with another cloth wrapped around her. She had a scarf on. She was wearing dark sunglasses as well. Tears could be seen in her eyes as well. Mr and Mrs Wilson stood next to Linda. 

They were also in black African clothing as well. Mr Mensah wore a shirt and trousers while Mrs Mensah was dressed just like Linda.

After the priest had finished praying, the men holding the shovel began to cover the grave, which made most of the people around, especially the women, to start wailing. Fred fell to his knees, and began to cry hard. His father knelt beside him, and held him. He cried with his son, as he tried to comfort him. Mrs Mensah was being held by both Linda and Mr Wilson. She was also crying uncontrollably.

When the grave was fully covered, the people began to leave one after the other. Soon, it was left with just Fred, Mr Mensah, Linda, Mr and Mrs Wilson at the grave. Fred was still crying and his father was still beside him, holding him. Linda wanted so much to console Fred, but she wanted him to be with his father.

She wanted to help Fred get over his pain. Seeing him suffer, made her suffer. She decided she will do whatever she can to make Fred happy again.

" Let's go now, I don't think there is anything for us here, anymore", Mr Mensah said.

" Let me inform Fred about it", Linda said, and walked over to Fred.

She hugged him, when Fred finally got off the ground with his father. " Thank you so much for coming, Linda. I appreciate all your help".

" Don't worry about it, Fred. I really wish I could take away your pain. I don't like seeing you like this", she said and hugged him again.

" Come, Mr and Mrs Wilson wants to leave. Let's say good bye to them", Linda said and led the way, gently pulling Fred by the hand, to go and talk to his in-laws.