Feola set down her black Nike backpack she recently bought on her worn-out desk as she let out a sigh. Tying up her wild hair, she decided to get a cup of coffee before beginning the day.
Being mixed-race in the small town of Ebbervile, UK wasn't exactly the easiest thing with prejudice floating in the air. Despite being in the 21st century, the backward minds of the locals here weren't accustomed to having a back person around them, even less a biracial one.
And she'd have to admit, Ebbervile was never her first choice. She had always pictured herself living in a cute apartment in New York City, having a comfy coffee shop as her second home. But life isn't always what you wish for it to be. Feola learnt that the hard way.
She had her degree in journalism and had always wanted to write for the biggest journalism company in New York, 'Type it out'. Their motto 'Write what you feel' was what kept her going after a big writer's block.
But, it seemed as if fate didn't want her to work there. The day she got the email of getting hired in her dream company, her elder brother fell severely ill. And she knew then and there that despite what she wants to do what her heart desires the most, she had to stay back and help her brother.
After all, he was the one who sacrificed his teenage life and dreams to look after her after they lost their parents in a shootout. She felt obliged to return the favour when he needed it the most. Turns out, he was diagnosed with lung cancer stage 4. When they consulted a specialist, they learned that since he didn't smoke, it was caused because of exposure to second-hand smoke. The doctor also told them that he didn't have more than 5 months to live.
It had been 4 months since that meeting and Feola was trying to spend as much time as possible with her brother. He was very clearly weakening and both of them knew it, but she was ready to spend all her time as well, trying to make him happy.
Back to the present, Feola's laptop made a ping sound as she walked back towards her laptop. A new mail was what caught her eye. She hadn't gotten a new mail for 5 months. At least other than the spam ones.
Curiosity flowed through her as she clicked on it. Little did she know that that click would change her life for once and for all, for better or for worse.
'Dear Miss. Feola Rodriguez,
I am Mark from 'Type it out', the assistant and secretary of the CEO of 'Type it out'. It was brought to my notice that you were accepted in our company but had rejected the offer due to personal reasons. We completely understand that but since you are a really talented and potential writer, we would like to offer you another chance. We have started a fellowship program for beginning journalists and we would like to graciously invite you. Kindly think over this offer and reach back to us within a week's time.
Regards,
Mark.'
Her breath hitched as she skimmed over the entire email, only to reread it a few more times. 'Oh my gosh, am I dreaming right now?' she mumbled to herself as a pinch landed from her right hand to the other. 'Ow! Clearly not,' Feola whispered as her brain took a few minutes to process everything she just read.
After about 5 minutes, she let out a small sigh. Since she had rejected the job offer, she had been filled with guilt. Despite knowing that she has to take care of her dear brother, the prospect of losing the opportunity to lose her dream job hit her hard.
She was snapped out of her thoughts as her phone ringed. her neighbour's name flashed on her screen as panic filled her. Her neighbour had offered to look after her brother when she worked and only called her when something was wrong.
In a flash of a second, she packed up her things and ran out to her car, rushing to start it. Driving faster than she had ever, she reached her apartment where she was greeted by her neighbours panic-ridden face. 'Your brother- h-he,' he tried to gasp out as Feola patted his back to calm down his breathing.
With a gesture of his hand for Feola to go inside, she did and saw her brother fainted on the floor. Her brain stopped working for a split second as she tried to process what was happening. The sirens of an ambulance brought her back as she lifted him up, carrying him outside to the ambulance.
----------------------------------------------------------------
6 Hours. It had been 6 hours since her brother was brought to the local hospital where he was rushed into surgery. The door opened as a doctor who she knew very well walked out with a solemn look on her face.
'I'm sorry but he just has a week tops to live. We tried our best,' the doctor solemnly said, patting Feola's back and walking into her cabin.
Feola felt tears pricking her eyes as the thought of losing her brother sooner than ever hit her. However, she wiped the tears and took a deep breath as she walked inside the room where her brother was kept.
Walking in, she almost broke down again as she saw his state. Tied up with countless tubes, his skinny body looked as if giving up. Taking in a shaky breath, she sat down near him as she held his frail hand in his.
And she spilled everything. She told him about all that was going on in her life, along with the recent mail she had received. And it felt good. It felt good to finally share her life with someone. As she finished as wiped away the tears that managed to escape, she felt her brother's hand move slightly.
Shock and surprise consumed her as she looked at her now awake brother. 'Take up the-' he let out a cough as he continued, 'Take up the offer Lo. You know I don't have much time left. Do something that you've always wanted to do, please.'
'Don't say that Damien. I'm not leaving you and we're going to get through this alright?' Feola tried to convince her brother as she felt tears slipping down her cheeks.
Shaking his weak head, her brother uttered the few words he could manage, 'Know that I love you and am and will always be proud of you.'
His heart monitor went flat as Feola broke down and heavy sobs racked her body. But she knew what she had to do, what her brother wished she did. And she took up the offer of the surprising mail.
You must sign up or log in to submit a comment.
0 comments