Chapter 2 THE CONNECTION

A MONTH LATER

Adetutu had been on and off with her sickness ever since Adewale left. She had been taken to the hospital several times but the doctor couldn't diagnose what was wrong with her, even after several tests. The doctor later told Mr. and Mrs. Martin that Adetutu's illness isn't physical or scientific, that she is emotionally sick and it's a heart sickness. The doctor also told them that she misses someone so dearly that she longs to see and that if they want her to recover they need to find the person she misses.

Mr. and Mrs. Martin thought about what the doctor said and came to the conclusion that it was Adewale she misses. They also remembered the day she asked them if Adewale was ever coming back but they gave her no answer that day. Mr. and Mrs. Martin were puzzled about how their daughter could miss someone to the extent that it makes her fall sick, someone she spent little time with. After many thoughts Mr. and Mrs. Martin agreed that they have to bring Adewale back to the house. Mr. Martin called the orphanage home and seek an audience with the man that came to take Adewale from the house.

Mr. Martin and the man (Uncle James) met in a coffee shop to have a conversation. Mr. Martin said to the man ''thank you for accepting to see me''.

''You don't need to thank me because I was thinking I should come to see you too'' said uncle James to Mr. Martin.

''Really? Hope there is no problem?'' asked Mr. Martin.

''Hope you won't be angry, it's about Adewale'' said uncle James.

''What about him?'' asked Mr. Martin ( curious).

''Ever since we took him from your home he hasn't been himself. He has been on and off with a sickness we have no idea about and he is not even responding to treatment at all'' said uncle James.

Mr. Martin was surprised to hear that. ''That's weird'' said Mr. Martin with a puzzled face.

''What does that suppose to mean?'' asked uncle James.

''Could you believe that is the same thing I came to report to you? My daughter is also going through the same thing'' said Mr. Martin.

''If that's true then it's truly weird'' said uncle James (confused).

''The doctor told us that she is sick in the heart because she misses someone which is puzzling. And does a such thing even happens in this world? But we think it's Adewale she misses that is why I and my wife have decided that we should adopt Adewale so she can get well'' said Mr. Martin.

''It's kind of confusing. Is this thing real? Because have never seen or heard of such illness'' said uncle James (puzzled).

''I also don't understand but have heard only twins can be affected by the same thing at the same time, but both Adewale and Adetutu are not even related.... Can you tell me about Adewale?''asked Mr. Martin.

''Adewale is the only survivor of a car accident that took his parents' life years ago. Even though he survived, it cost him his memories. The police couldn't locate any of his relatives because of the loss of his memories so he was brought to the orphanage home and was given the name Adewale'' said uncle James.

''That's sad'' said Mr. Martin (felt pity for Adewale).

''I also found out why he lied to you. It was because he was being bullied by his fellow roommate at the orphanage home. They accused him of being the one that cause the shortage of their food ration. He didn't want to return to the orphanage home so he had to lie because he knew telling you the truth will bring him back there'' said uncle James.

''I feel bad for seeing him as a liar. I will like to adopt him'' said Mr. Martin (unhappy).

''I will be glad if you do'' said uncle James.

''So how do I go about it?'' asked Mr. Martin.

''The process is not hard. You just need to come over to the orphanage home to sign some papers'' said uncle James.

''I will do that and don't tell him I will be adopting him. I want it to be a surprise to him and Adetutu'' said Mr. Martin.

''No problem'' said uncle James.

''Thank you'' said Mr. Martin with a smile and shake hands with uncle James, then they parted ways.

Mr. Martin made a report of everything he and uncle James discussed with his wife, and Mrs. Martin promised to give proper care to Adewale when they adopt him.

Mr. Martin began the process to adopt Adewale. He had been visiting the orphanage home and had been signing the necessary document he was told to sign. He was able to adopt him and he was to pick Adewale any day he want to.

Uncle James went to check up on Adewale at the sick bay where he was put. On getting in, he met him asleep. Uncle James stood by his side for some time staring at him then he turn to leave but felt a hand on his hand and he looked back to see Adewale awake.

''Hey, how are you feeling?'' uncle James asked Adewale as he sat down beside him.

''I don't know'' said Adewale (unhappy).

''You don't have to worry about anything because you are going to get better very soon'' said uncle James with a smile.

''You only said that to cheer me up. I can feel that am dying'' said Adewale.

Uncle James was surprised to hear Adewale say such words and said to him ''Hey, don't say a negative word to yourself. Young people like you don't die so you are not going to die''.

''I guess mine will be the first then'' said Adewale weakly.

''You are not going to die not under my watch'' said uncle James.

''Uncle, I want you to know if I die I have no regret because I see Adetutu every time I close my eyes and I want you to tell her goodbye in my place'' said Adewale.

''I don't think I will be the one to do that because you will be doing that yourself'' said uncle James with a smile.

''I don't think I can'' said Adewale and his eyes began to close slowly.

Uncle James noticed his eyes closing slowly and called his name but he gave no response. Adewale eyes became fully closed then uncle James became scared and called the nurses for help.

The nurses came in and saw that Adewale was giving up then a nurse started to give him CPR to save him but he wasn't responding. As the nurse continued giving him CPR, uncle James kneel beside Adewale and said into Adewale's ear ''you can't die Adewale. Not now because Adetutu wants to see you".

Adewale opened his eyes to see himself standing in a weird surroundings, everything around him was white except a red door not too far from him. Adewale walked to the red door and was about to open it when he heard someone call his name from behind then he looked back and saw no one. The same thing happened the second time again. Adewale heard his name being called the third time again and looked back but saw no one, and on looking his front back he become startled to see the door had become three then he took a step back.

Adewale stared at the three red doors for some time before deciding to go into the door on his left side.

Adewale opened and entered the door then he met himself standing in a familiar place which was where he saved Adetutu and first met her. Adewale could no longer see the door then then he felt a hand on his shoulder.