Mr. Duke kept staring at his wife, "what could have caused this? She has always been the careful one," he thought to himself right after sending Athira and Akanni home to prepare some new clothes for Mrs. Duke. He couldn't think of anything reasonable to attach to the situation; tears started rolling down his cheeks. Meanwhile, Tomisin and Ajoke were catching up quite well; they have been inseparable since they met each other.

"So what do you think of Athira and Akanni?" Ajoke asked.

"They will be great together, but what does your brother think of her?"

"He actually likes her."

"Hmmm, hope you're sure because Athira seems really in love."

"I know my brother, he might act all cold, but once he pays attention to someone, he really does like the person," Ajoke replied bluntly.

**********************************************************

Opening the letter was supposed to be a new direction to things, but now that it is being opened, it seems like a dead end. The only thing they found was a Blood description document, which was meant for Akanni, and a phone number that has a "Call me! It's important" note added to it. Athira deciphered the phone number to be her mom's cellphone number. Since Mrs. Duke is in a coma, what can they do other than wait? Athira kept staring at Akanni on their way home; he seems to be extra quiet since they opened the letter. Akanni was the type to joke and make everyone laugh, but he is quite affected, knowing his involvement in something he can't even explain. As soon as they got home, she stumbled on Da'sean, who had been waiting at their house for anyone to come by...

"Hey! What happened? You have been AWOL for quite a while; I have checked your office severally, but I was told you took some days off," Da'sean lamented.

"Yes, mom had an accident."

"What!!! But how come you never call me nor inform me?" Da'sean demanded.

"Ehn ehn..." Athira stammered, then Akanni came in.

"Well, you don't have to answer that; I already know why. I hope Mrs. Duke is recovering well?" Da'sean declared.

"Yes, she is," Athira and Akanni echoed.

"I need to be somewhere right now, but text the hospital address. I want to come and check on her," Da'sean said, directing to Athira, and he left.

Akanni moved closer to Athira; he could see that she is sad, he drew her closer and hugged her. Immediately, his phone started ringing...

"Hello, mom," Akanni said as soon as he picked up.

"Bàwò nì (How are you)? Please, I need you home right away. Your father is here with his troubles again," Mrs. Lola stated.

"Okay ma."

He told Athira that he had to leave for something urgent, and he left.

**********************************************************

Akanni got home already furious about his parents' problems; though they are now separated, they still find ways to create scenes for themselves. He got inside the living room and saw his father already close to slapping his mom; he quickly slid in their middle...

"Good afternoon, Dad, is this what you want?"

"Afternoon, son. It isn't like it seems. I only came here to pick up my last documents, but she isn't giving me the opportunity to do so," Mr. Alani stated.

"Mom, please let him pick it up. It isn't a problem right?" Akanni pleaded with his mom.

"I already kept the document somewhere safe; he just wants to keep chasing a void dream. How can he say you are not my son?" Mrs. Lola declared.

"What! Dad, what is going on?" Akanni's voice went up.

"It's alright, son. I think it's time you knew the truth," Mr. Alani replied.

"What truth?"

"That's the question I have been asking him for months now," Mrs. Lola jumped in.

Mr. Alani sighed; he wanted to explain everything as soon as he could because he is having less time remaining, the threat is becoming too much for him. Akanni became impatient; he kept pushing the question to his father, but Mr. Alani kept mute. Tears began to roll down his cheeks, then he fainted. Akanni rushed towards him, carried him, and took him to the hospital as fast as he could. Getting to the hospital clouded Akanni's mind; he needed to know what is going on with the people around him. As soon as he came back, things started falling apart. He only wanted a new beginning, but all this is becoming too much for him to bear; the father he knew all his life is now saying his mother isn't his real mom. His newfound information tore him apart within; all he could think of is "who am I?" Immediately they got to the hospital, Akanni met with Athira and explained what had happened; he seemed to find solace in Athira. After several hours of waiting, the doctor came out...

"Mr. Akanni, your father is stable, but let me see you in my office," the doctor declared.

"Okay, sir."

Athira hugged Akanni and cheered him up to be positive.

***********************************************************

"Mr. Akanni, I understand that this might be hard for you right now. Firstly, you came with Mrs. Duke, and now it's your father. I hope you are holding on well?" Dr. John asked.

"I am trying, sir, but sir, what's wrong with my Dad?"

"That's why I called you in. He has been coming in for check-up this past month. Though he wanted it to be a secret, I think it's time I told one of his family members."

"Why! How! I thought he was alright?" Akanni lamented.

"Actually, he has been diagnosed with a heart condition for a while now, and it's really at the extreme edge now. He has less than a month left."

Akanni couldn't help the tears coming out of his eyes; he thought coming home would at least be a good starting point, but it is turning out to be a nightmare...

What is Akanni's real identity?

How is he connected to Mrs. Duke?

*Always remember that when everything seems unstable and overwhelming, it means it's close to the finish line because that's when it will use its utmost strength - Omotayo Victor*

*There are moments when troubles enter our lives, and we can do nothing to avoid them. But they are there for a reason. Only when we have overcome them will we understand why they were there. - Paulo Coelho*