The Unexpected Death

By Mohor Sengupta

 “Nina come down and have your breakfast” mother called. Nina was extremely tired and was not really willing to get up. Fifteen minutes went by but Nina still did not come downstairs. At last Nina’s mother went upstairs, pulled her out of bed and dragged her downstairs. Nina’s mother was anyway in a hurry as she had to present a write up to her client. She quickly served Nina her breakfast and rushed out of the door. She worked a lot the whole day. Other than presenting a write up to her client she also had to make a power point presentation in fifteen minutes and attend several meetings. So, by the time she reached home she was extremely tired. She just wanted to sit with a cup of coffee and watch the news. She went to her room without making a noise as she thought that Nina was fast asleep. Suddenly the phone rang. She heard a man’s voice. He said in a low voice, “please come to the graveyard Ms. cooper” and disconnected the phone before she could say anything.  She quickly grabbed her car keys and drove to the graveyard. When she reached the graveyard she saw a lot of people crying and sobbing. She slowly went nearer and tried to figure out whose death had occurred so suddenly because none of her relatives were sick as far as she knew. When she saw the body her heart sank and her mind was flooded with questions. How? When? And most importantly Why? It was Nina. Ms. Cooper felt helpless. She felt as if she could save Nina even though she couldn’t. She went at the back with tears filled in her eyes. After the funeral was over, she took her car keys and just when she was about to get into the car the priest came and gave her a small note that Nina had written to her before her death.

It was written:

Dear mom,

                 First let me tell you that I love you a lot. So, please don’t get angry with me after reading this note. Few months ago, on 20^th February, when I went to school, I was feeling very sick. So, after school I went to the doctor with my friend for a checkup. The doctor had told me that I had lung cancer and nothing could be done because my health was already deteriorating. He also said that I would only live for a few more months. But after everything you have been through, I didn’t want to tell you because you would get even more tense and worried. Thank you for everything.

                                                                Your beloved daughter, 

                                                                          Nina

Tears filled her eyes and she quietly said to herself “may she rest in peace”.