chapter 2

Leah's concern for Sophia's absence from school had grown with each passing day. For Sophia to miss school for weeks now was unlike her, and Leah's instincts told her that something was wrong.

After asking permission from her teacher, Miss Karen, Leah approached her desk. "Good morning, Miss Karen. May I ask you something?" Leah said, her voice laced with worry.

Miss Karen looked up from her notes, a hint of curiosity on her face. "Good morning, Leah. Of course, you may ask me anything."

Leah hesitated for a moment before speaking. "Miss Karen, I was wondering if you know where Sophia lives. She hasn't been in school for weeks now and I'm getting really worried about her."

Miss Karen's expression turned sympathetic. "Leah, Sophia's father passed away recently. His burial was just two days ago, and that's why she hasn't been in school for weeks now."

Leah's eyes widened in shock. "Oh no, I had no idea. Why didn't she tell me?"

Miss Karen handed Leah a piece of paper with Sophia's address on it. "I think Sophia needed some time to process her grief. But I'm sure she'd appreciate your visit."

Leah's face lit up with determination. "Thank you, Miss Karen. I'll go see her after school."

As the day dragged on, Leah found it difficult to focus on her lessons. She couldn't wait to see Sophia and offer her condolences.

When the final bell rang, Leah rushed out of the classroom, eager to meet her driver, George. "Mr. George, please take me to Sophia's house," she said, handing him the piece of paper with the address.

George raised an eyebrow. "Who gave you this address, young lady?"

Leah smiled. "Miss Karen, my teacher. Sophia's my best friend, and I need to see her."

George's expression softened. "Alright, Leah. I'll take you to Sophia's house, but we won't stay long."

Leah's face lit up with gratitude. "Thank you, Mr. George."

As they drove to Sophia's house, Leah's mind wandered to her friend. She wondered how Sophia was coping with her loss and what she could do to support her.

As the car pulled up to Sophia's neighborhood , Leah's eyes scanned the familiar surroundings. The warm sun cast a golden glow over the small, weathered bungalow, and the scent of fresh fruit wafted through the air, enticing passersby to stop and sample Sophia's wares. Leah's heart swelled with excitement as she spotted her best friend, Sophia, standing by the roadside, her bright smile a beacon amidst the humble surroundings.

Leah tapped Mr. George's shoulder, her driver, and pointed to Sophia. "That's my friend," she exclaimed pointing to at Sophia, her voice barely containing her enthusiasm.

Mr. George's eyes followed the direction she was pointing at " the one selling fruits? " he asked and Leah nodded before Mr George brought the car to a gentle stop beside Sophia.

Leah flung open the door and leapt out, her feet pounding the dusty earth as she rushed to envelop Sophia in a warm hug. Sophia's eyes sparkled with delight, and she wrapped her arms tightly around Leah, holding her close.

"I've missed you so much," Leah whispered, her voice muffled against Sophia's shoulder. Sophia's hair, freshly washed and smelling of coconut shampoo, tickled Leah's nose.

Sophia pulled back, her eyes shining with unshed tears. "Leah, is that you?" she asked, her voice trembling.

Leah nodded, her eyes scanning Sophia's face, taking in the faint smudges under her eyes and the weary lines etched on her forehead. "What's going on, Sophia?", why are you selling fruits in your neighborhood instead of coming to school today " Leah asked, her voice soft with concern. "Why didn't you tell me about your dad?"

Sophia's gaze dropped, and she fidgeted with the hem of her worn t-shirt. "I didn't want to worry you, Leah," she muttered, she breathed out before continuing " I just to help my mom rest and make some money to support her"

"Alright I understand, I'm so sorry you have to pass through this" Leah said feeling pity for Sophia, Leah's eyes narrowed for some time before she remembered the first sentence Sophia made, her mind racing with the implications. "Worry me? Sophia, we're best friends. We share everything. You can't hide things from me, especially not something as big as this." Leah's voice rose, her emotions simmering just below the surface.

Sophia looked up, her eyes flashing with a mixture of guilt and defiance. "I know, Leah. I'm sorry. It's just...I didn't want to be a burden." Her voice cracked, and she bit her lip, struggling to contain her emotions.

Leah's expression softened, and she reached out to envelop Sophia in another hug. "You're never a burden, Sophia. Never. We're in this together, always." As they hugged, the sounds of the surrounding environment filtered in – the chirping of birds, the rustling of leaves, and the distant rumble of cars driving by.

As they pulled back, Leah noticed Mr. George honking the car horn, signaling it was time to leave. "Oh no, I'm so sorry, Sophia. I have to go. My parents will worry." Leah glanced at her phone, realizing they'd spent over twenty minutes chatting.

Sophia nodded, a faint smile on her lips. "It's okay, Leah. I'll see you tomorrow in school.

"And uhmm we do have math test tomorrow ." Leah said Her eyes sparkled with a hint of mischief.

Sophia groaned ,feeling a sense of normalcy wash over her. "Tomorrow " she said feeling shocked . "I have to study hard tonight then.

And Sophia?" Leah's voice dropped to a whisper.

"Yes?" Sophia replied, her eyes locked on Leah's.

"Promise me you'll tell Mr. Benjamin about your dad. He might be able to help." Leah's eyes pleaded with Sophia to consider her words.

Sophia nodded, a small smile on her lips. "I promise, Leah. I'll tell him tomorrow."

As Leah climbed back into the car, she waved at Sophia, watching as her friend disappeared from view. The car door closed with a soft thud, and Mr. George pulled away from the curb, leaving Sophia and her struggles behind, but not for long.