Chapter 31: Farewell and New Beginnings
Joy danced in the sunlight, laughter filled the air,
But shadows linger quietly, waiting to ensnare.
The victory celebrations had been unforgettable. Laughter echoed through the halls, music and cheers filling every corner. Clara and the six had danced, shared jokes, and recounted their harrowing journey, their faces glowing with relief and triumph. Even the minor setbacks of the past month felt distant as they basked in the joy of survival and the bonds they had forged.
But happiness can be fragile.
A single phone call from his father's office shattered Johnson's bubble of joy. The moment he hung up, his chest felt tight, a sharp ache slicing through him. The laughter of yesterday felt like a distant memory. He sank into silence, tears spilling down his face, and for the first time in weeks, he didn't speak a word to anyone.
Nelson noticed immediately.
Nelson: "Boi… why are you so quiet? What happened?"
Johnson couldn't respond—only let the tears flow.
Peter arrived, alarmed at the sight.
Peter: "Nelson… why is Johnson crying?"
Johnson, choking back grief: "I… I lost my dad."
They rushed to him, holding him tightly, a lifeline in the storm of his sorrow.
Peter: "Boi… I'm so sorry. We know it's hard… but stay strong."
Nelson: "We're here for you, Johnson. Always."
Johnson, voice breaking: "He was all I had left."
Nelson: "Don't say that. We're all here with you."
Johnson: "I suspect my dad's co-workers… they let him fall but then pushed him back up. Anytime I got close to him, I could see the pain in his eyes, but he never told us anything."
Nelson: "Really?"
Johnson: "Yeah. I'm certain of it. I'll be leaving soon—they've told me I've been selected to manage my dad's company since I understand it best."
Both Nelson and Peter froze.
Peter: "What?!"
Nelson: "Boi… are you serious? This can't be happening."
Johnson: "I wish it weren't true."
Nelson: "What will we do without you, Boi? Please don't leave."
Johnson: "Boi… be a man."
Peter: "And what about Clara?"
Johnson's eyes widened with worry and realization.
They all embraced, tears flowing freely, mourning the impending loss of a friend who had become like a brother.
Nelson: "Boi… you were the brother I prayed for, but my parents couldn't give me one. Then I found you at school… and now, why? Why, Lord?"
Peter: "Bro… please don't go. Please."
Johnson: "Guys… it's okay… you'll make me cry."
They whispered together, trying to reassure one another: "Everything will be alright."
Johnson: "I need to speak to the girls."
End of chapter 31