Past Shadows

The True Journey Had Began.

“ We haven’t gotten there yet… “ Prisca asked, a bit blatantly. She couldn’t tell why but since she boarded the bus, her mood had been hyped to a different level. She had become so outspoken that she spouted words so freely. Alisa had even started getting a bit jealous at her state. Thus, their drama was no where near its end. Though it was now more of a silent eye battle from time to time.

The bus had sprinted through so many streets and highways thus the Prisca and her fellows were already getting tired. Maybe because their mind was still on who this last lost soul would be thus they weren’t into enjoying the sceneries of the places they past by. The only lad in the bus, the last passenger Mr Gabriel had picked up, was the only one who was as silent as ever. He didn’t even let out a cough throughout the journey. One would think there was so much within his head taking away his attention until they paid careful attention. Only then would they find that nothing seems to be going on within. He simply looked thoughtless and indifferent. His gazes were emotionless. His entire being emitted a lifeless aura.

“ No. But don’t fret, we would be there soon. “ Mr Gabriel replied to Prisca.

“ Alright sir. “ She said with a smile. Alas, her lovely smile wasn’t noticed by Mr Gabriel since his gaze was pointed forward. But he still felt the warmness in her voice.

‘ She is really a nice girl. ‘ he thought.

A few more minutes past, precisely a few dozen; but not up to an hour. Soon the bus began to slow down as it approached a particular junction. Right from the window, those within the bus already caught sight of who was most likely the last candidate even before the bus had stopped before him. It was a really fat lad. Most likely fatness due to obesity, or so. The other candidates thought. The fatty was Wisdom.

After the bus stopped before the fat lad with its door facing him directly, Mr Gabriel alighted.

Just like with the others, he exchanged some pleasantries. Then he popped open the bus’s door like he did with the others who got in.

Not known whether it was done purposefully or not, but the door wasn’t opened fully. Thus Wisdom had a hard time getting in.

A glance was thrown at Mr Gabriel.

Just then, “ Hey boy, You forgot your lunch box. “

“ * Laughter * “ Everyone laughed, at least a bit. Except the ever cold lad. But even he had a very faint change in his expression.

Hearing their laughter repeatedly, Widom developed a wry smile. “ Ummmm… please… can you reopen the door so I could get it. “ He spoke to Mr Gabriel.

“ No, that won't be possible. How about you get it from the window. “ Mr Gabriel declined politely, then offered a second option to him.

“ Ohhhh! That's right. “ Wisdom exclaimed in acceptance. Next, he popped up the window.

“ Dad. “ He muttered in a low tone. His plump cheeks were red from embarrassment.

“ Yeah dear. How could you forget your lunch box. Wouldn’t it be bad if you missed my smoooshy coooshy shussshhhy Nigerian jollof rice with fried plantain. Even the fruit I skillfully sliced to add to it taste. You could have missed it too. How careless! What a wasteful lad you are. “ Mr John said in a dramatic manner. The way he spoke made it seem like Wisdom almost missed the best opportunity in his life.

His dramatic way of speaking caused those within the bus to burst into laughter. Of course there were exceptions who didn’t for reasons best known to them. Different thoughts also sprouted in the minds of the lot present. Some of this thought were;

‘ Is this what having a dad is like. If only he hadn’t left. ‘ The thought of a certain person.

‘ Humph! What a fat dad. Mine’s still the best. Love you daddy. Though I wish you could stand like he can. ‘ A certain lass.

‘ * Sigh * ‘ A certain person.

‘ Is this what having parent looks like. ‘ An ever stoic and cold lad.

‘ If only things hadn’t gone that way. ‘ A third person.

Each had their own uniqueness based on their current life situation.

Meanwhile, Wisdom smiled. ‘ You never grow up, do you? ‘ That was the direction of his own lane of thought. Alas, a knowledge he had tried to suppress for a while now resurfaced once again. ‘ He really isn’t bad. Why did she abandon us? Could it really be because we are fat. If so, then it is she who doesn’t deserve us. ‘

Seemingly sensing the change in his son’s mood, Mr John handed him the lunch box. Afterwards, he did something very infuriating to him. He stretched his hand in through the window, then roughly rubbed Wisdom hairs; scattering the hair Wisdom had carefully brushed this morning before leaving the house.

“ You! “ Wisdom screamed in anger.

“ Drive off. “ Mr John quickly tapped Mr Gabriel shoulder. Next he turned back and ran away. Surprisingly, while he ran, his body didn’t dance around like most other fat individuals. It was obvious albeit fat and plump, his skin was still as firm as ever.

The bus drove off with it interior occupied by the noise created by the yelling Wisdom.

The true journey had began.

Volume 1 Over. Please read the author’s note for significant volume note.