His Arrival

"I'm coming please. I'm sorry for the delay," she responded on the phone to the reverend father who called.

"Mum, can I go now? Lucy asked, her voice laced with impatience and uncertainty.

Madam Theresa didn't utter a word. She rolled her eyes sinisterly against Lucy and walked away, her steps heavy with unspoken anger and resentment. 

As much as she hated Lucy, she knew that she couldn't stop her from burying her father.

Lucy dragged her bag and rushed out of the house immediately trying to hold back the tears that threatened to spill down her cheeks. The weight of everything happening around her was crushing. The treatment from her stepmother and stepsister only added to her overwhelming sorrow.

After a few hours, she got to the burial ground and the Reverend father and two reverend sisters were already at the place, their solemn expression conveying the gravity of the occasion.

Since she was the only person who cared about her dad, Lucy planned the burial all alone. She knew that madam Theresa and Martha's indifference would only add to her burden, she was determined to give her father a proper farewell.

The pain was too much for Lucy to bear. She watched her dad being lowered to the ground and there was nothing she could do. For a second thought, she was hoping to see him come out of that coffin but it didn't happen.

"I wish I had more time with you Dad." Lucy whispered, her voice cracking with emotions.

"You were all I had."

"Dad you left with Mum and none of you said goodbye." She continued, her words filled with grief.

"How am I supposed to live in this wicked world alone without you two? Lucy queried but got no answer, instead the reverend sisters were touching her shoulders in consolation.

"And may his soul rest in perfect peace." the priest interrupted her lamentations.

"Amen!! Everyone echoed in a sad tone. Their voices tinged with sadness. The priest finished his sermon, his words a gentle reminder of the eternal peace that awaited the departed. 

He turned to Lucy with pity. "My child, I know this is a difficult time, but take solace in the knowledge that your father is now at peace and that he is watching over you from above," he said, placing a hand on her shoulders. 

Lucy nodded numbly, the weight of her grief making it difficult to find the words to respond. 

The reverend sisters moved closer, enveloping her in a comforting embrace, their gentle touch and murmured prayers provided a ray of hope in her midst of hopelessness.

As the burial service drew to a close, the priest and the reverend sisters prepared to leave. Lucy stood alone, her gaze fixed on the freshly turned earth, the finality of the moment engraving itself into her heart.

Suddenly, a gentle breeze caressed her face, and Lucy felt a sense of her father's presence, as if he was there to say a final goodbye. A mixture of emotions played on her face as she smiled sadly and gently ran down her fingers over the letters of her father's name etched on the tombstone.

"I'll make you proud, Dad," she whispered, her voice barely above audible. "I'll find a way to carry on, even if it feels impossible right now."

As Lucy limped away from her Father's tombstone, where she had just placed a bouquet of freshly picked flowers, the weight of being an orphan at the point of life she needed her parents most, settled heavily upon my shoulders. 

The ache in her chest felt unbearable, each step feeling like a struggle against the gravity of grief. 

She wandered aimlessly until she found herself standing outside a cozy-looking bar, its warm lights beckoning me to seek solace within its walls.

At that moment all she could think of and crave for was alcohol.

Pushing open the heavy wooden door, Lucy was greeted by the comforting buzz of chatter and clinking glasses, with the strong smell of alcohol. 

She made her way to the bar and took a seat on a plush stool, feeling a mix of numbness and raw emotion swirling inside her. The bartender, a kind-faced woman with a gentle smile, approached her.

"Welcome," she said in a soft tone, her eyes reflecting understanding. "What can I get for you tonight?"

Lucy kept mute for a moment, her thoughts in chaos. "I'll have a whiskey, please," She replied, her voice barely above a whisper.

The bartender nodded, giving a pathetic expression. As she poured the alcohol liquid into a glass, she observed Lucy's facial expressions.

"Miss, have you been crying?, your eyes are puffy". Are you okay? The bartender asked.

"I have come here to drink, and not to explain to anyone about my mood". Lucy responded without letting her finish.

Taking a sip of the strong liquid, Lucy felt its warmth spread through her, a brief respite from the overwhelming sorrow that threatened to consume her. 

The bartender went back to the counter, obviously Lucy spoke to her rudely, but at this point, Lucy seemed not to care because she's not in the mood to be nice to anyone. Life has been so unfair towards her, She just felt like venting her anger towards something or someone. 

Lucy continued to sip the glass of liquor until she emptied it. 

In a corner inside the bar, a tall young man in a suit, well-dressed with an athletic build, neatly styled dark hair, and piercing blue eyes. He carries himself with confidence and has an air of sophistication about him.

Sitting in front of him was a middle aged man, having a conversation with expensive wines in the middle of the table.

There were three other hefty men on black two piece suits standing boldly behind them while they were discussing.

His arrival has been announced on television several times but wasn't given a particular date. Everyone has been waiting to see the famous businessman who they only saw on television shows.