Henry considered being wealthy as not important if he has not been able to find a companion at age 30.
He considered attending weddings and anniversaries as waste of resources since he has not been able to attain a level where he could be celebrated. To him, it was like funding other people's wellbeing while his growth in the society is stagnated.
He was so frustrated in life to the extent that he hardly participated in family events, contributed money for the support of the less privileged. All he cared about was his job and few religious activities.
He continued being a loner until Cynthia showed up in his shop. At first, she requested for his presence which Henry gave her part of it. He attended to her as if he was told somewhere that she would be his wife, a companion which he longed for.
After two weeks, Cynthia came again, but for his full attention.
She invited Henry to her small social group so as to make new friends, since he looked like someone who does not know more about the outside world.
Love at first sight can be funny at times.
Lone Henry quickly agreed to meeting Cynthia , but forgot his wallet at home.
On seeing Cynthia, his mood brightened and filled with smiles. Cynthia on the other hand felt the same way that Henry felt when he saw her.
The two lovers hugged each other and smiled. They held each other so firm from the bus stop where Henry dropped till they were served a seat in front of the congregation.
Henry's life which was filled with lots of shadows and dark memories was brightened up because of Cynthia's presence.
After the event, they headed out to a restaurant where Cynthia ordered for her best food. Henry also order for an exotic drink, costly enough to renovate his wardrobe.
Time came for payment and Henry was not with his wallet. Cynthia laughed over it after making the payment.
Their friendship grew from grass to grace, inspired other single people to begin a relationship with someone special in their lives.
Henry thought that it was wise to propose marriage to her lover after dating her for just 9 weeks, but the greatest disappointment, a challenge that no man has been able to conquer was lying before his wish.
The two happy people possessed genotypes of AS for Henry and SS for Cynthia, making it a go-no-go to their intended plan.
This broke Henry into fragments as his hopes to being happy forever just got crashes by his genotype. Cynthia's heart on the other got squashed by the breaking of the latest news.
Henry cried all through 3 nights, lamented in pains saying;
"Oh my darkest nights are here;"
"The nights that I never thought it existed;"
His lamentations were much, made him to understand that we don't always get what we want. This left the thoughtful saying "It's darkest before the dawn".
He went for several counseling with Cynthia and was able to get a tangible scientific calculation which has high risk of giving birth to children of SS.
He took the risk by proposing to marry Cynthia against all odds, but Cynthia rejected his proposal to save her happiness in the future.
Henry begged for Cynthia's hand in marriage every day all day, but she insisted for a breakup on a neutral ground.
Henry summoned courage with the wrong perception saying;
"Oh my world!"
"It's like am not meant to marry"
He got out of the relationship bruised, but learned his lessons.
After 3 more years, Ada came like an angel whose main purpose was to lift Henry from his dark room to a brighter one.
Her love for Henry was so undeniable and convinced Henry to start a relationship afresh.
He took his short and aimed right at winning Ada's heart.
Few years of happy relationship, Henry did the needful in checking if he was compatible with Ada and it was a green light for him and today, he's happily married to Ada with 4 kids.
Morals
Be sure of the health status of your lover before getting married and/or making babies.
We can stop SS genotype.
It begins with you and I.
This short story is an entry to The Ink Well Prompt #68 - Plus Weekly Challenge and Prize Announcement.
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