Chapter 18: Shattered Hearts and Harrowing Loss
The training session came to an end just as my mind was starting to feel overwhelmed with confusion. They could sense my state and decided to pause, showing genuine concern for my well-being. Despite the complexity of the situation, I managed to grasp their intentions because of my previous experience in self-defense and battle. The next day, we would begin our firearms training, a prospect that filled me with both anticipation and trepidation. The events of the previous night were etched into my memory, and I knew they would stay with me for a long time.
What I hadn't shared with them was the fact that I had ventured outside and spoken with Daddy Truce. This enigmatic figure had posed as a soldier while operating covertly as a spy.
"Daddy Truce," I murmured, uncertain of how to respond to this unexpected encounter. Should I cry? I understood the risks he had taken for me, putting both himself and his livelihood on the line.
"Nisha, how are you?" he asked directly, cutting through the tension. Without hesitation, I embraced him tightly, seeking comfort in his presence. He reciprocated the hug, his hands rubbing gently against my back. My tears flowed freely as I felt safe and secure in his arms. He may not have been my biological father, but he treated me as if I were his daughter, always protecting and caring for me.
"D-dad..." I stuttered through my tears, and to my surprise, I could hear him laughing softly. Even amid all the chaos and uncertainty, his warm laughter brought a sense of reassurance and familiarity.
"Nisha, don't act like a child. I knew Kimeniah had already revealed it, but I didn't mind because I had chosen to keep it hidden. This is all for your good, that's why I am doing this," Daddy Truce said firmly, and I simply nodded, wiping away my tears, trying to compose myself. He gently pulled away from the embrace and guided me to a nearby chopped oak tree where we sat down.
"I know you have plans, Dad. Isn't that potentially dangerous?" I voiced my concern, worried about his well-being even though he seemed to be in good spirits. His unwavering focus was on ensuring my safety.
"Yes, I do have plans. But my main concern is ensuring your safety and keeping you from getting entangled with that lethal organization," he replied with determination. "I've devised a strategy to protect you. You deserve to lead a peaceful life, not one constantly surrounded by chaos and danger."
I listened intently, grateful for his care and guidance. As the weight of the situation settled on my shoulders, I knew that the path ahead would be filled with challenges and risks, but having Daddy Truce by my side gave me the strength and confidence to face whatever lay ahead.
I felt a deep sense of gratitude for Daddy Truce, even though he wasn't my biological father. He had adopted me and selflessly protected me at any cost, which was more than enough for me. However, I couldn't let him continue putting his life on the line for my sake. This was my battle, and I needed to face it on my own.
"You, on the other hand, have your own life to live. Your safety is of utmost importance to me. Take Kimeniah to a safer location and live in peace with your daughter. This war is mine, and I'll fight to keep myself safe," I asserted, hoping to convince him to step back. But his response was not what I expected; he shook his head, leaving me feeling dissatisfied with his reaction.
"That's something you don't understand, dear. Everywhere is risky. Since Mr. Shon owns the entire earth, there is no haven. He could still find us. We won't survive if we don't fight. Living a full life sometimes means putting ourselves in danger. I want you to be safe, and you want me to be safe, but if there were other viable options, don't you think I would have tried them already?" His words left me stunned. As much as I wanted him to step back, he had a point. I couldn't simply dismiss his decision. I sighed, realizing that I couldn't change his mind at that moment.
In the end, I decided to shift the focus away from our differences for now. There were pressing matters at hand, and I needed to concentrate on preparing for the battle ahead. I knew that despite my wishes, Daddy Truce's determination to protect me would not waver easily. Instead of chastising him, I simply sighed and attempted to change the subject, hoping that we could find common ground and a way to move forward together.
As I noticed Daddy Truce averting his gaze, I became aware of the effects of Fentanyl once again. The darkness seemed to envelop us, adding to the uncertainty of the moment. I was unsure of what to do, hoping that the drug's influence wouldn't have any adverse effects on either of us. Despite my concerns, I could hear him sigh, indicating that he had something important to say.
"How about Kimeniah?" I asked, trying to focus on the matter at hand. But his response left me gasping in shock, my mind reeling from his revelation.
"Kimeniah is not my true daughter," he disclosed, and I was left dumbfounded, unable to process his words. What did he mean? My confusion only deepened when he continued, "She is the daughter of my wife's first spouse. I'm not the Veroso, by the way. My last name is Normandeau."
Everything suddenly felt surreal, and I struggled to make sense of it all. Was he implying that he might be my biological father? I desperately needed clarification and enlightenment. Each passing day seemed to bring new revelations, and it was becoming overwhelming.
When I regained consciousness, I couldn't hold back my questions any longer, and I asked him straight away, "Are you my biological father?" But as I looked into his eyes, I noticed him shaking his head, leaving me with even more confusion and uncertainty.
As Daddy Truce revealed the truth, my tears began to flow steadily. My emotions were a whirlwind of confusion, sadness, and questions that demanded answers. So, his brother is my biological father. The realization hit me like a tidal wave, and I couldn't help but wonder why he had thrown me out like garbage. Was he still alive somewhere? And if so, where? Why had he not been there for me?
"Where is my father?" I asked in a hushed voice, although I knew Daddy Truce could hear me. He let out a long sigh, preparing himself to share more difficult information.
"He's no longer alive," he replied, confirming my fears about my biological father's fate. I struggled to process this new piece of information, feeling a mix of grief and the weight of unanswered questions.
"But that's not the whole story. It's hard for you to grasp now, but if you take the time to research it, you might come to understand what I'm saying," Daddy Truce added, leaving me even more puzzled. He seemed to be hinting at something significant, something I couldn't fully comprehend at that moment.
I couldn't find the words to respond. Daddy Truce had dropped a profound revelation on me, and I had a clue as to what he was implying, but I couldn't bring myself to admit it. There were secrets and mysteries surrounding my past, and I knew that delving deeper into them might reveal even more complex truths that could shake my understanding of who I was. For now, I had to grapple with the emotions and questions swirling within me, searching for the strength to face the truth when the time was right.
As several hours passed, we engaged in a deep conversation about our lives. He revealed his involvement with the Peur Organization and shared that he was aware of everything that had happened during my time at university. The chaos surrounding me consumed my focus, leaving little room for academics. Instead, I was now learning to survive and navigate in this dangerous and unpredictable environment. The traditional idea of education seemed distant and irrelevant in a world where knowing how to confront opponents and risk your life has become essential.
When it was time for him to leave, Daddy Truce bid me farewell, emphasizing the importance of being aware of my surroundings and being cautious. He assured me that I would be protected because he had men looking out for me. Gratitude swelled within me, but I also felt the weight of his expectations. I now had a duty to put my life on the line to reclaim what he had given me – a responsibility that I couldn't take lightly.
Walking back to my room, his words about my true father came back to me. According to Daddy Truce, my biological father was still alive physically, but emotionally he was dead on the inside. I needed to be prepared, as I had no idea when our paths might intersect. I didn't know who he was or where he was, but the collision between us seemed inevitable, whether it happened sooner, later, or tomorrow. The uncertainty of the future loomed over me, and I could only hope that I would find the strength and wisdom to navigate the challenges that lay ahead.
A loud, forceful knock on the door immediately drew my attention, and I furrowed my brow at the strength of it. Did people think I was deaf or something? Pushing the thought aside, I got up from my seat, curious about who could be at the door.
As I opened it, I was taken aback to see Rebecca standing there, gasping for oxygen. I couldn't fathom why she was here or what could have brought her. Was she trying to flirt with Shawn again? Yes, you read that right. I considered Shawn to be mine.
"N-Nisha, Kimeniah..." My heart raced as she mentioned Kimeniah's name. What had happened to her? "She's missing!" Rebecca's words hit me like a thunderbolt, and without wasting any time, I bolted out of my room, not caring about my appearance or whether I had locked the door. Panic and worry overwhelmed me. This was something I never expected to happen. What could have possibly led to Kimeniah's disappearance?
"Nisha! I'm coming with you!" I heard Shawn's voice amidst the commotion, and I looked up to see him sprinting toward me. Nervously, I bit my lower lip, not knowing what was about to unfold. Without wasting any time, Shawn and I rushed towards the woods, calling out Kimeniah's name desperately, hoping she would respond. But there was no sign of her, and we continued our search, still yelling for her.
I silently wished for any clue that could lead us to her – a trail of her footsteps, anything that could provide a hint of her whereabouts. But the woods remained silent, and our search felt increasingly helpless.
At one point, I came to an abrupt halt, feeling overwhelmed by a sense of helplessness. Even with my ability to sense things through Fentanyl, it proved futile in this situation. I had no idea what to do.
Shawn caught up with me, trying to help me catch my breath as agitation and worry consumed me. There was so much going through my mind at that moment.
"Where did you last see her and spend time with her?" Shawn asked, attempting to gather information. I was agitated with myself, feeling guilty for not being able to protect Kimeniah.
"We parted ways because she said she needed to use the restroom. I didn't think twice about it at the time. I should have stayed with her," I replied, shaking my head in frustration. We had no one to blame but ourselves for the situation. If anything happened to Kimeniah, we would be devastated.
"I can't hear her pulse," I said, my voice filled with exhaustion, but determination is still driving me forward. Even though Kimeniah wasn't my biological sister, I felt a strong sense of responsibility and care for her well-being.
"Dad's men are also helping with the search. Your father arrived earlier and joined the effort too," Shawn informed me. Little did they know that Daddy Truce was one of their own, but I decided not to bring it up at that moment. Finding Kimeniah was the priority.
"Let's continue searching for her," I responded, and Shawn simply nodded in agreement. He took my hand in his, and I didn't hesitate to hold on. We were about to take a step forward when a familiar voice interrupted us. It was Nathalie on the other end of the line.
"We've located her. with me," Nathalie's words filled me with hope, and I wasted no time in following her lead. The urgency in my heart pushed me forward, determined to find Kimeniah as soon as possible.
-
The weight of the false society I lived in felt unbearable. Despite having allies, why did we still lose those we cared for? Why were we constantly stuck in dire situations, even with the ability to love and protect one another? Was it wrong for me to feel this way? All I had ever wanted was to be an ordinary girl, living without the chaos and drugs, without the constant threat of danger. But running away couldn't hide the truth forever.
We finally identified Kimeniah, but it was too late. We found her lifeless body near Greenhills. The sight of Daddy Truce, crying and holding her lifeless form, shattered my heart. I couldn't hold back my emotions; I knelt beside them and sobbed. How many more lives would be lost? How much more blood would be spilled? I felt helpless, unable to make a difference. Was it because I was too weak or entirely useless in this world?
Overwhelmed by the sight of blood and the loss of Kimeniah, I passed out once more, unable to bear the pain and grief that engulfed me.