The Writeventures of Emaleecious

  This concludes (finally) the Still Waters short story. Thank you for following and reading about Ladi and Chenu as they navigate life and find solid ground. I'd really love to know what you think about this short story, so please leave a comment. You can catch up on: Part 1-  Shattered  Part 2-  The Plan Part 3- Silent Tension Part 4- The Breaking Point Part 5- The Turn ******************* The room was larger than she expected. Fifteen chairs in a circle, a pot of coffee on a side table, and a board filled with flyers and handwritten notes of encouragement. In that circle were fifteen faces, some familiar, others not. Each one's face had a story. They listened with rapt attention, not wanting to miss out on anything she was saying. Ladi stood near the front, heart steady, a huge smile on her face. She radiated peace.  “This time last year,” she began, fingers resting on the folded edges of her notes, “I was angry with God. And terrified. I didn’t know what to ...

Hello, my people,  Thank you for following this short story. I hope you've enjoyed it as much as I have. Part 5 is the end of our journey with Chenu and Ladi. You can catch up on all other parts here: Part 1- Shattered  Part 2- The Plan Part 3- Silent Tension Part 4- The Breaking Point ******************* The hum of the fridge was the only sound in the house. Ladi sat curled up on the couch, blanket wrapped around her shoulders. Her Bible lay open on her lap, unread. She heard Chenu’s footsteps long before he appeared. He didn’t speak. He walked over, sat beside her, and placed something gently on the table—her favorite mug, filled with warm ginger tea. She looked at it, then at him. “You didn’t have to.”  “I know,” he said softly. “But I wanted to.” A beat of silence passed. “I’m sorry,” she whispered. Burying her face in the crook of his neck. “Not for believing God will heal me. But for acting like you were the enemy.” “I’m sorry too,” Chenu replied as he kissed her fo...

If you've not read the previous parts, read them here- Part 1 , Part 2 , and Part 3. ******************* Ladi curled up in the corner of the couch, arms wrapped tightly around herself, the flickering television casting shadows across her face. The living room was quiet except for the gentle hum of the air conditioner. Chenu stood by the window, phone in hand, his thumb hovering over a contact: Dr. Hamzat_Oncologist. “I have booked the initial tests,” he said without turning around. “We can start the advanced treatment phase next week. They said there’s an immunotherapy trial we might qualify for. I’ve sent over your records.” Ladi didn’t respond. “I’ve also spoken with our account officer at the bank. If we need to take a loan along the way, it will be available. Whatever it takes. I promise you won’t walk this road alone.” More silence. He finally turned, slowly, and moved closer. “Ladi, did you hear me?” “Yes, I did.” Her voice was steady, but flat. “And I wish I didn’t.” “What d...