Binary Hearts

4| Unbearable Loss 💔

The next morning, Tunde and Ada arrived back at the hospital. Ada's face was a mask of worry and fatigue, the stress evident in her tear-streaked cheeks. As they wheeled her mother towards the theater room, Ada clung to her hand, her eyes brimming with tears.

"Promise me you won't give up, no matter what," her mother whispered, her voice weak but filled with determination. "Find a good job and get married, maybe to Tunde or someone equally good."

Ada nodded, tears streaming down her face. "I promise, Mama," she said, her voice breaking.

They finally took her mother into the theater room, and Ada had to stay outside with Tunde. As the doors closed, Ada leaned into Tunde's shoulder, her body trembling with fear.

"Your mom will be fine," Tunde said softly, wrapping his arms around her in a comforting hug. "She's strong, and so are you."

Hours passed in agonizing silence before the doctor finally emerged, his face grave. "I'm sorry," he began, his voice heavy with regret. "We lost her."

"Oh my God!" Ada burst into tears, biting her lip to stifle her sobs. Tunde managed to grab her, holding her tightly as she cried. "Where's my mom? What happened to my mom?" Ada wailed. "She's the only one I have!"

Tunde didn't let go, trying to calm her. "I'm so sorry, Ada. I know how much she meant to you."

They left the hospital in a daze. For hours, Ada couldn't say a word or eat. Tunde tried to comfort her, sharing his own painful memories. "My mother died when I was ten. My father lost focus and gave up his business. We became poor, and he remarried a rich woman who became my stepmother," he said, his voice trembling.

"She was wicked," he continued, tears filling his eyes. "Since then, I never received any father-to-son treatment. My father managed to get back to business, becoming richer than my stepmom. It was during this time I managed to get a few connections and reconnect with my high school best friend, Chidi Okoye."

"Chidi Okoye!" Ada exclaimed. "So you guys were best friends?"

"Yes, but my father died. I don't know what my stepmom did, but she was behind my father's death," Tunde said, almost bursting into tears. Ada came closer and grabbed his hands.

"Ọ dị mma," she said softly in Igbo, meaning "Everything will be fine."

"What? I don't understand Igbo," Tunde said, trying to make sense of her words.

"Don't you understand Yoruba? Your mom spoke Yoruba to me at the hospital," he added.

Ada's face changed, and she became sad, remembering her mother was no more. She couldn't hold back anymore and burst into tears, hugging Tunde tightly. He patted her back, offering whatever comfort he could.

"Na life be this o, Ada," Tunde said softly. "We go dey okay."

Ada looked up at him, her eyes red and swollen. "Thank you, Tunde. I no know wetin I for do without you," she said, mixing Pidgin English with her words.

"We go dey alright," Tunde repeated, giving her a reassuring smile. "Just hold on tight. We get each other."

They stayed like that for a while, finding solace in each other's presence amidst the pain and loss.

The following week

It was the following week, and Tunde decided it was time to head back to the Island, leaving Ada behind. As Ada escorted him to his car in the early morning light, she felt a wave of sadness wash over her. The thought of being alone in the house without her mother was too much to bear, and tears began to well up in her eyes.

"Can you please allow me to live in your company for the meantime?..." she stammered, fearing her request might not be accepted.

"Sure! It's part of the deal," Tunde smirked, his eyes twinkling with mischief.

"So what next?" Tunde added, watching as Ada's face lit up with relief.

With a smile, Ada rushed inside to pack her things and her mother's belongings she cherished. She quickly gathered everything and joined Tunde in the car, ready for the journey back to the Island. As they drove, Ada's phone buzzed. It was Precious calling to console her.

"Hey, Ada. How you dey?" Precious asked, her voice filled with concern.

"I'm on my way back to Lagos with Tunde," Ada replied, trying to keep her voice steady.

"Oh, that's good. I wanted to let you know say I don commot. I no fit afford the rent anymore, so I'm staying with my boyfriend for now," Precious said sluggishly.

Ada sighed, "Okay nah. Thanks for everything, I appreciate."

"Good luck, Ada. You deserve the best," Precious said before hanging up.

Finally, they arrived at the Island. Tunde pulled up to a private car garage, and Ada's eyebrows shot up in surprise. It wasn't what she expected at all. Despite being a garage, the interior was impressively designed. There were desktops, a bed in the corner, another room at the back, a gaming PC, Apple Mac, iPad, and various computer gadgets. Snacks and junk food were scattered across his personal table.

"Welcome to my office," Tunde said with a grin. "I'll assign the extra room to you. It'll be your space."

"Thank you," Ada replied, still taking in the sight. She wasted no time placing her belongings in the room, arranging everything carefully. The room was small but cozy, with enough space for her to make it her own.

Once she finished setting up her room, Ada went to the main office area. She organized the laptops, swept the floor, and tidied up everything. Tunde watched her, amazed by her hard work and dedication.

"You've really transformed this place," Tunde said, genuinely impressed.

"Thank you. I just wanted to make sure everything is in order," Ada replied, a shy smile on her face.

Tunde nodded, appreciating her effort. "You did a great job. Now, let's get to work. We have a lot to do."

As they settled into their new routine, Ada felt a sense of purpose she hadn't felt in a long time. She was determined to honor her mother's memory and fulfill the promise she had made. With Tunde by her side, she knew she could achieve anything.