Alfred hadn't stepped out in months. The apartment felt smaller than ever, the silence pressing down on him like a weight. He barely ate, barely slept the heartbreak from Splendour's choice was a wound that refused to heal.
Timi knocked on his door one Sunday morning. "Alf… come with me to church. Just for today. Please."
Alfred hesitated, staring at the floor. The idea of being anywhere that reminded him of her… it felt impossible. But Timi's persistence, the gentle look in his eyes, broke something in him. Slowly, he nodded. "Fine. Just… just today."
The church was packed, the air filled with hymns and the sweet smell of incense. Alfred felt out of place, a ghost drifting among the crowd. He stayed in the back, shoulders hunched, heart tight.
Then the pastor's voice rang out, announcing upcoming weddings. Alfred stiffened when he heard it:
> "We congratulate our beloved Splendour Adelara Grace and Kingsley… their wedding is scheduled for next Sunday!"
The crowd erupted in cheers, clapping and whistling. Alfred's chest felt as though it had been punched. He gripped Timi's shoulder tightly, unable to move, unable to breathe.
"Alf… I know… I know," Timi murmured, tapping his shoulder gently. "I'm here, bro. Just breathe. It's okay to feel."
Alfred's eyes burned as he watched Splendour on the altar, singing her voice clear, bright, full of life. She smiled radiantly, holding Kingsley's hand. Every note she sang felt like a dagger in his chest.
"She's… happy," Alfred whispered, his voice broken. "She's really happy with him…"
Timi stayed beside him, steady and unwavering. "I know it hurts. But it's not the end of you, Alf. She made her choice. You'll heal… one day."
Alfred stared at Splendour, her laughter carrying across the hall, and felt a wave of longing and despair. He remained silent, shoulders shaking slightly, letting the tears fall freely a man broken, but slowly learning that even the deepest heartbreak could be faced with a friend by his side.
The service went on, but Alfred was lost in his own world memories of Splendour, of their blood covenant, of all the moments that once belonged to him. And while the church sang around him, he quietly promised himself: he would survive this, even if it took every ounce of strength he had.