"You have to promise me that you will take care of your siblings" Mark said hoarsely to his first child.
He has been bedridden for over six month. His health was deteriorating day after day. Him knowing this, he tried to put on a smile for his daughter even though with all his efforts the smile was very weak. He didn't want the poor girl to feel helpless knowing how much she loves and cherish him.
"Dad, why would you propose that? I'm far too young to take care of myself talk more of my siblings" She complained with a four suspicious look.
"I know you are still too young sweetie but you have to be so strong to scale life through" he replied then a cough followed.
"Dad nothing to worry about. I have you and mum and that's all that matters. I know you are saying this because you are ill. I assure you dad, you are going to get better very soon" she said confidently.
She picked her father's hand and entwined hers with it.
Mark smiled and painfully lift her hand to his lips and kissed it. He patted her hair at the same time.
"Of course I'm going to get better but my sweetie, your mother and I might not always be around you. We might be somewhere far away and that will automatically make you responsible for your siblings" he preached softly. He was trying all his best to keep up and not close his eyes.
"Dad, do you have need to go anywhere?" She asked with curiosity.
" No" he shook his head. "Just that tides changes and everyday isn't always the same. Things come up" he added using all his efforts to be sweet. He feel so exhausted that he couldn't talk without effort. He was straining to sure his girl that he is fine so that she won't break down.
"Fine dad, if it will make you feel better. I promise to take full responsibility of taking care of my siblings if you and mum is not around to do so" she said raising her right hand as if taking an oath, wearing a smile huge on her innocence childish face.
Mark smiled at her.
"Satisfied?" She grinned.
He nodded. He couldn't speak because he was trying not to cough.
"Sweetie" he called after he was able to send off the cough.
"Yes dad".
"I'm hungry".
She beamed with happiness then reached for the food beside the bed.
"Not that. I want something spicy" he said.
" But dad....."
"I know just get me something a bit spicy. That's what my body is craving for now. Please sweetie" he said with a childish voice.
Melissa gave a quizzical look but left anyways. As she went home she wondered why her father who seem not to be a fan of spicy food wanted one. She couldn't get her reply but prayed had she went that her father will recover quickly. She really missed him.
He was everything she's got. Her only confidente. She was barely twelve and she know that if anything bad should happen, they'll all be in big trouble including their mother. That was because they've gone bankrupt which was the result of her father's illness. She really love her dad and her thought is that losing her father is losing her own life too.
By the time she got back with the food, her fears was brought alive. She was so stricken that she went pale immediately, not knowing whether to shout or cry silently. Her brain stopped working for that minute. She felt as if her heart was slited with a very sharp sword. She looked at how her father was carted away.
Her mother's scream jeered her back to reality. She looked at her as she cried uncontrollably. Then her promise to her father rang in her head like a church bell. With that, tears streamed down her pale cheek.
Melissa was extremely sad at her father's death but she knew she had to be strong for her sisters and mother. It's been two weeks since the demise of their father who left them in much poorer state than they were. She knew her dreams were all shattered because she kept wondering how their mother would carry the burden of taking care of the the of them. She really pitied the woman that more tears flowed down her little cheek. Just as she lie on the sofa things as the little girl she is, she heard a sound of hurling. Looking at the direction she saw her mother hurling towards her two big luggage boxes. She quickly at up to go meet her.
"Whats up with the boxes mum?" She asked wanting to assist her with one.
"Don't bother my dear" her mother said with a smile.
"Are we going anywhere?" She asked anxiously.
Melissa didn't think she is ready to go out now. She is still mourning the death of her precious father.
"No we ain't. I'm the only one who is leaving" she replied.
Melissa looked stunned at that revelation.
"You are leaving? ' she shouted.
" Calm down Melly. It's not as if I'm leaving you. All I'm just doing is going out there to get a nice job so that we can all leave well" she explained.
"No! No! No! No! Mummy don't do this. You can leave us here we are way too young to stay alone" Melissa cried out.
"Don't be like this. I don't have a choice here . We have to survive" she said with a sad look.
"No don't leave. If you must let's go together. We can survive without you" she pulled her hand in tears.
Melissa was sore afraid of been left alone. She hasn't even recovered from the death of her father, yet the only parent she has left said she want to leave. This is too much pain for her to swallow.
"I will if I can but I can't take you. It is a place even I myself doesny know. You will be safer here than anywhere" she said with a soft voice.
"No we can't be safe with you here" Melissa disagreed.
" You will be safe. I've made sure you have enough food that will sustain you till I'm back. I won't be gone for long. Just endure till I'm back okay? " She hugged Melissa.
Melissa's tears wouldn't stop flowing as she saw her mother exit the house. She prayed she would be able to return quickly as she promised.