TST, 2020
Leo snorted. “My mother needs help. Please help me.”
“My connections died four years ago.” Mr. Patrick said.
“Help me save her life.”
“After my salvation, I swore before the Altar that I’ll never dirty my hands again with those issues.”
“Salvation won’t let you save life?”
“Through salvation, our past has been forgiven, our present is given meaning, and our future is secured.”
“No one can ever save himself. We are the instruments of one another's salvation, and only by the hope that we give to others do we lift ourselves out of the darkness into light.”
A silence followed.
Leo sighed. “Mr. Patrick…”
Mr. Patrick grunted. “I’ll take a look.”
“Please, someone’s life depends on it.”
“I can’t assure you. Better look somewhere else too.”
Leo perspired profusely.
“I’ll call you if I get anything.”
“Thanks.”
Leo jumped to his bed, scratching his head. He tried to call the girl who notified him about his mother, the number was still unreachable. He couldn’t sleep and he couldn’t go to the class. He kept moving around his room as hours kept running. There was no call from Mr. Patrick and the girl’s number was still unreachable.
The sun was now at west. He tried the girl’s number. This time the girl answered.
“Leo.” The girl said.
“Hey, can I talk to my mother?”
“Give me a second.”
Leo sighed, moving around his room.
“Leo…” Her mother said.
“Mom, good evening…”
“I’m fine Leo. Don’t fret about me.”
“You’re not fine.”
“Concentrate on your studies. I’ll be okay.”
“Father left me his ATM card.” Leo said, “He said he saved money that will help us.”
Her mother remained silent.
“The card has no bank name and he didn’t leave any passwords. Do you know anything about it?”
There was no response.
“Mom, you there..?”
Silence.
“Mom…”
“Leo…”
“Do you know anything about the card?”
“Do you have it?”
“Yes.”
Silence.
“Mom..?”
“I don’t know anything, Leo.”
Leo gasped.
“Leo, I’ll call you later.”
“Mom─”
The phone hung up.
What’s wrong with her? Leo threw his phone to the bed.
He went to his favorite window. Some students were in the class, some in the playgrounds, and some with their beloved couples. Him..? He locked himself in the room trying to fathom how to get 1 million before the sunrise.
His phone buzzed. He ran to his bed, stumbling on the foot of the chair.
He moaned. “Mr. Patrick?”
“Looks like you’re fluky, as always.”
Leo half-smiled, one hand on his aching toe. “You got something?”
“Tonight at Tanzania princess casino.” Mr. Patrick said, “miss tonight and I won’t be able to help again.”
**********
SJ was in her office. The orange color of the sunset was her favorite. She gazed over the sky, feeling the cool air swaying in her nostril hairs. Her phone buzzed.
“This is Abiola.”
SJ smiled. “Give me the good news.”
“Will I get my husband’s share?”
“Without any doubt…”
Silence followed.
“Abiola, you there..?”
“I know where the card is.”
“Tell me.”
Silence.
“Trust me Abiola, everything will be okay.”
“Leo has the card.”
SJ stood. “Thank you! I’ll let you know once we’ve the gold.”
SJ typed on her phone. She walked around her office overwhelmingly.
“Patrice.” SJ said.
“What’s up?” Patrice said.
“Where are you?”
“Home…”
“You need to come right now…”
“Why?”
“Felix’s card. Leo has it.”