You love me (BETRAYAL)

Menella sat next to her father, who was in a persistent vegetative state (PVS). She stared at him, her heart aching as she realized he was dying and there was nothing she could do. The hospital bills kept piling up, and she didn't have the money to pay them. She leaned closer and spoke softly, "Dad, how have you been? I haven't been around to see you. I've just been busy with work, and a lot has happened that I haven't told you. Chris left me for my friend Jessica, and they got married. I was really sad, like you said I would be." She wiped the tears from her face. "But now I don't care. Maybe love was for your time. I thought I could have what you and Mom had, but Chris was just using me. All he wanted was my body. That's why that day he..." She stopped and walked to the window. "Well, he is a thing of the past. He came the other day saying he wanted to talk to me, saying he wants me back. I do want to see him, Dad. I just want to know what he saw in Jessica and what he has to say." After looking out the window, she walked back and sat beside him again. "So there's no boy in my life anymore, and I have no time for anyone. All I am after now," her expression suddenly darkened, "is to find out who did this to you. Once I get a better job, I will have connections with big-time reporters and journalists. Whoever that person is will surely face the full weight of the law."

***

Hosea got ready to go to work, dressed in an all-black suit to signify he was in mourning for his uncle. As he dressed, his mind drifted back to when he lost his mother twelve years ago. She had suddenly slumped on a private jet, and there was no doctor available before the aircraft landed. Once they reached the hospital, it was too late. She demanded to speak to Hosea, and he vividly remembered her words. After that, the atmosphere changed. Mechanics started crying out, and doctors rushed in to revive her. His father took him out of the room, and a doctor later came out to say she was dead.

Hosea walked to the sitting room, where he found his father and Beatrice having breakfast. The little boy, Moses, was the first to see him and rushed over. "Brother Hosea!" he exclaimed, hugging him tightly. Hosea lifted him up and carried him, causing Mr. Elizur and Beatrice to smile at the scene. "How are you, Moses?" he asked with a grin. He was surprised at the way Moses hugged him back. "I'm fine, Uncle. How are you?" 

"Fine, of course," Hosea replied, putting him down. "Are you sure? Mom told me you would be sad about Uncle Hakeem's passing. I hope you haven't been crying." Hosea looked at his father, who just nodded and gave him a reassuring smile. He then bent down to be at eye level with Moses. "What do you know about passing away?"

"Well, I do know that if you lose someone you love, you will be sad about it," Moses said. Hosea couldn't help but smile. "Sure, but I'm not sad anymore. I'm fine. And you know what?" He messed with Moses's hair. "Men don't cry. Dad taught me that." He stood up and took him by the hand. "Let's go have breakfast." They both sat next to each other at the table. 

As they were eating, Moses's expression suddenly changed. "Hoseas," he said, getting Hosea's attention. "Well, you see, I have two names, okay? Listen to me attentively." He demonstrated with his hands. "Dad gave me the name Collins, while Mom named me Moses, but I like Moses more. That's why I introduce myself with that name to strangers. But you're not a stranger anymore; you're family, so you can call me either name." After saying this, he resumed eating, and Hosea smiled.

"He should start school soon; I'm sure he'll be a brainiac. You know he's just like you, Hosea—just a bit too early," his father commented. Hosea smiled back at his father as they continued eating. Mr. Elizur finished his meal, stood up, and turned to Hosea and Beatrice. "Well, you two will now share the same office and be partners. Work well together and bring glory to the stock firm." 

Immediately, Hosea responded, "What do you mean, Dad?" 

"Well, what I'm saying is that you two will leave this house together today because I'm heading to work now, and at the stock firm, you'll share the same office."