NOVEL WEB Chapter 13: Life is short.
Life is short; it's like grass that blooms in the morning but withers away by evening. It resembles dew that glistens in the morning but soon vanishes. Only the people who are close to you and love you will hold you in their hearts forever, so do good and love one another.
Menalla was only nine when her parents had an accident. Her mother was a reporter and her father a detective; both worked together, driven by their vision to uncover secrets and reveal the truth. Their partnership became well-known and inspired their young daughter to aspire to become a reporter herself. Despite their demanding jobs, her parents always made time for her. Every morning, they would wake her up for school and prepare breakfast together. The dining table was a celebration of laughter and smiles, creating a happy family atmosphere. Sadly, their lives came to an abrupt end in an unusual and painful tragedy. Everyone mourned their loss, but no one had answers about who was responsible or why it happened. Even the local authorities weren't investigating, and the media remained silent. It felt as if someone wanted the incident to be forgotten, and within two months, it was as if everyone had experienced a memory wipe.
Menalla's mother died, but her father survived the accident. He suffered severe injuries and has been in a persistent vegetative state (PVS) ever since. Menalla finally opened up to her friend Saira, saying, "The doctor said he has pneumonia, and continuing treatment is pointless. His condition keeps deteriorating." As she spoke, tears rolled down her cheeks. Saira comforted her with a hug. "What should I do now, Saira? My dad has been in PVS for nine years, and the doctors have lost hope. Even my grandma told me to give up. What should I do?"
Saira held her tightly. She and Menalla had been friends since grade school and even attended university together, studying the same course. After Saira left for Canada with her parents, she returned two years later, and their bond grew stronger over the years. "I may not have the right answers or the right words to say, but I will always be here for you. I will always be your best friend."
Menalla continued to cry on her friend's shoulder, silent but unable to stop the tears. Finally, as the taxi turned in another direction, she quietly said, "I will stop at the hospital." Saira responded softly, "I will go with you."
They arrived at the hospital, and Menalla wanted to see her father. Even though he was in a PVS, she found comfort being close to him and often poured out her thoughts when she was alone with him, as if he could hear her.Meanwhile, at Iron Gate, Hosea was devastated; he had lost his uncle, his only relative. They were supposed to gather with family and friends to discuss his uncle Hakeem's funeral arrangements. Hosea locked himself in his room, lying on his bed, still trying to comprehend the incident. He couldn't understand why anyone would want his uncle dead. To him, Hakeem was a boisterous, outspoken man but not a troublemaker. How could someone kill him?
As these thoughts swirled in his mind, there was a knock at the door. "Who's that?" he called out. A response came, "Sir, the boss wants you downstairs now; the guests are already here." Hosea recognized the voice as one of the maids. "I will be there shortly," he replied.
In the living room, a group of family friends had gathered as Hosea's father prepared to discuss the funeral arrangements. Hosea's mother, Beatrice, was there with her son on her lap. Benedict was also among them, along Becky and Philip, who was the family doctor, accompanied by his wife, Elora. These were the closest people to the family.
When Hosea walked in, his facial expression clearly showed his sadness. He walked straight to a seat without making any eye contact. Mr. Elizur looked downcast, with reddened eyes that indicated he must have cried. It was time for him to address everyone.
"Hakeem was not just my friend; he was my family, the only blood relative I have. We were like inseparable twins, and now he is gone." Tears rolled down his cheeks, capturing the attention of everyone. "I have sworn on bended knees that I will find the person who did this to my friend, and when I do, I—" he couldn't finish his sentence as he broke into tears, retreating back to his seat as if struck by someone.
On the other hand, Hosea could no longer hold himself back. He shouted out, "Uncle Hakeem wouldn't hurt anyone, so why would someone kill him? I will crush whoever did this to my friend!" Benedict, being an attorney, cut Mr. Elizur off before he could continue. "The law will serve justice. There's no need for vengeance. The authorities are already investigating, and the criminals will be brought to justice.".