Episode Two
Miss Josephine knocked on the door to the Head Mistress's office. She waited until she heard her bid in.
"Please, come in, the door isn't locked." The Headmistress replied.
The Head Mistress, Mrs Ajanaku, an old fair in complexion, tall Yoruba woman. She was strict but not difficult to approach.
"Good afternoon ma, I hope I didn't check in at the wrong time?" She asked.
"Not at all, I hope there is no problem?" She asked, concern in her voice.
"There is, but I don't know how to even go about it, ma!" Mrs Josephine said, her voice shaking .
"Talk to me. What's the problem?" Mrs Ajanaku pestered to know what was going on.
"I received a call about five minutes ago from Mr Alarape, he told me that he lost the wife and won't be able to come to school to pick Josh." Miss Josephine explained.
"Oh Jesus! That woman... Oh!" Mrs Ajanaku exclaimed and placed her head on the table.
"What are we going to do now?" The Headmistress asked to know what should be done, but they were both clueless.
Miss Josephine broke the silence "Let's call the school driver to take boy home after school."
The Head mistress placed a call to the father to inform him that the boy will be handed over to the driver to bring him home while the teachers will meet to know what next.
Josh Alarape was also one of the brilliant boys in Primary 4A and he celebrated his 8 year old birthday a few weeks ago.
Minutes rolled to hours and it was closing time.
Cars were trooping in to pick their kids. Some came around to pick their kids with motorbike, while some students went with the school bus.
Teachers were always waiting for the closing time briefing to summarize the work of the day. Submission of teaching materials and the likes.
All teachers were gathered in the open space close to the Headmistress office and the meeting started briefly.
"Good afternoon everyone." Mrs Ajanaku, greeted.
Everyone chorused the reply back "Good afternoon ma."
"Today is a sad day for me as we got a call from Josh's father some hours ago about the demise of his mother."
Everyone started mumbling. Some started to cry and those who were speechless stood gazing at nothing in particular.
"This death isn't fair." One of the Teachers said.
The Headmistress interrupted the cacophony of muffled tears. "Let's have one minute silence for the deceased." They all stood up and observed the minute.
The Headmistress further suggested that two teachers will be sent to the boys house to represent the school and know what they may be needing.
Everyone left the school compound talking and making comments on how good the woman was and the family.
****
In Mr Alarape's house.
The teachers entered the gate and saw people around the compound wailing, crying and dabbing their faces with different wrapper, face towel, tissues and so on. They approached a young man who was standing close to the door.
"Good evening sir, we are from Josh's school and we are here to..." Before they could finish what they were saying, someone from the room requested them to come in which they did.
"We're so sorry for the loss sir. May God console the family and uphold you sir." Mr Pade, one of the teachers said.
After staying for few minutes, they requested to take their leave and Mr Alarape said he was grateful.
He also told them to excuse Josh from school for the rest of the week because the burial was set to be done the following week.
What happened next?
Watch out for the next episode.
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