Chapter 1

It was a dull evening, the weather was shrouded in cold, and the heavy downpour outside made the thunder strikes pierce through the walls of the house, like it was going to split them apart. Amanda sat at the edge of the bed, clutching a picture of her deceased father, reminiscing about old memories. She stared, lost in thought, wondering why death had to be so cruel, taking the only person who mattered most to her in the world.

Amanda’s deceased father, Mr. Stewart James, was a kind-hearted man, a loving friend, and a devoted father. He hailed from the eastern part of Nigeria, where he spent his youth before traveling to the States in search of greener pastures. It was there that he met Sarah, Amanda’s mother, and they fell in love, got married, and welcomed Amanda, their beautiful daughter. Mr. James was a hardworking man, working as a manager at a popular and advanced mall in their small town, where he was recognized as an outstanding staff member. Tragedy struck a year ago when he fell ill and was diagnosed with kidney failure. Despite efforts to treat him, he eventually lost his life, leaving behind a grieving family.”