EAGLE FROM THE RUBBLE: CHAPTER 46

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Obioha faced his studies with a renewed zeal and improved greatly. Though he had lost a year, he made up his mind to make up for lost time. At the end of the semester he returned to the Secretariat for his holiday. He had become close and friendly with the Vicar and other occupants of the house. He looked forward to all his holiday and wished to spend it with them.

A week after his arrival, the Vicar called him to his office and handed him a letter. It was from Fr. Richard informing him of a scholarship from an American university which was billed to commence at the beginning of the next academic session. It covered tuition and accommodation. Fr. Richard told him to be prepared before hand. The news was well received by everyone and he was congratulated by all. It kept him in high spirits during the holiday.

Towards the end of his holiday, he came back from a visit to the library one day and noticed people discussing in hushed tunes. But whenever he drew close, they stopped their discussion and began to talk about unimportant things. He equally noticed people throwing furtive glances at him. Most of the people he usually spent his time with courteously avoided him that day. His sixth sense told him that something was amiss but he could not put his finger on what it was.

He retired to his room, lay down on his bed and tried to sleep. But he was restless. He looked at the clock hanging on the wall; it was some minutes past five in the evening. He rose and decided to spend some time in the chapel.

He got to the chapel and sat down at his usual place. He tried to pray but he discovered his mind drifting away from his prayers. He brought out his bible and tried to read a portion of the psalms. As he did that, he noticed the Vicar come into the chapel. He motioned to Obioha to follow him and he mechanically followed.

They got to his sitting room and Obioha was offered a seat. He sat down and his heart pounded thunderously. The Vicar looked at him and felt lost for words. Instead he offered him a drink which he politely refused. They stared at each other.

"He is dead, isn't he?" Obioha managed to ask.

The Vicar nodded without speaking.

"When did it happen?"

"Yesterday's morning."

"Will his body be brought back?"

"Yes, he will be buried here."

"Thanks for letting me know. Can I leave now?"

"You know, every mortal is meant to die," the Vicar said, getting up from his seat. He said this for he was worried at Obioha's behaviour and did not know what to say or do. Obioha nodded without speaking,

He left the Vicar and walked back to his room. He noticed everyone staring at him. When he had walked past, he heard them whispering together. He entered his room and shut the door behind him. He brought out his photo album. He picked out Fr. Richard's picture and stared at it, while Fr. Richard smiled back at him. He ran his fingers across the glossy texture of the picture. He then rested it on his bosom. He lay on his bed with Fr. Richard's photograph on his bosom till morning.