THE MESSAGE SHE NEVER SENT. - by Reuben Esther Chidera

Part 2 — THE CALL Elora could not speak. For three years, she had imagined what it would feel like to hear Kian voice again. She had imagined anger. She had imagined tears. She had imagined hanging up without saying a word. But she never imagined this. What did you just say? Kian took a slow breath. I said I know what happened that night. Elora stood up from the bed. Her legs felt weak. You do not know anything, she whispered. I do. No. Elora, listen to me. You left! Her voice broke. You left without giving me a chance to explain. You ignored my calls. You blocked my number. Then you disappeared. I know. You do not get to call me after three years and suddenly say you know what happened. I know, he said quietly. She gave a bitter laugh. You always knew how to say the right things when you wanted me to forgive you. I did not call to ask for forgiveness. Elora went silent. Then why did you call? There was a long pause. Because I should have listened to you that night. Elora closed her eyes. The memory came rushing back. Three years ago. A rainy Friday night. Kian standing in front of her apartment. The photograph in his hand. His angry voice. Her tears. Her desperate attempts to explain. And then, the lie that destroyed everything. Elora opened her eyes. You still believe the photograph? No. Her heart skipped. “What?” I said I do not believe it anymore. She slowly sat on the edge of the bed. Then what changed? I found something. What did you find? Kian was silent. “Kian?” I found the person who sent me that photograph. Elora stopped breathing. “What?” The photograph that made me believe you had betrayed me. Her hand tightened around the phone. For three years, she had carried the blame for something she never did. For three years, she had wondered why the man she loved had believed a stranger instead of her. And now Kian was telling her that the photograph had been a lie. Who sent it? she asked. I do not know yet. But you said you found the person. I found the number. Her heart began racing. Kian, who was it? He did not answer. Tell me. I will. Another silence followed. But there is something else you need to know. “What?” His voice became quieter. The person who sent me that photograph knew you. Elora felt a chill run through her body. How? I do not know. Kian… And Elora? Yes? They are still watching you. TO BE CONTINUED…

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