Memorial

The Saturday morning rose bright and calm. It was the 10th of August—a day that stood out for one special reason: it was the weekend closest to Benjamin’s birthday. Though his birthday fell on a Thursday, the decision was made to celebrate it that Saturday, when everyone could enjoy it to the fullest.

By 8:00 a.m., the household was already bubbling with activity. The aroma of breakfast filled the air as Mrs. Daniel prepared a feast of yam, eggs, and bread with hot chocolate. That wasn't unusual, Mrs. Daniel made breakfast every Saturday. She was helped by her daughters on Sundays, and was interchanged between Mercy and Isabella during the week.

It was Benjamin's duty to sweep the parlour and his room every morning. Isabella swept her room and her parents room and Mercy did all other work. Most of the time, washing of plates were done by both girls.

Laughter echoed from the children’s room as they chatted about what to wear and where they might be going.

At exactly 9:00 a.m., breakfast was served. Everyone— Pastor &Mrs. Daniel, Mercy, Benjamin, and even the ever-committed dietitian Isabella—ate hungrily and happily. The excitement was contagious. It wasn’t every day they got a surprise outing of this kind.

By 10:30 a.m., the car was ready. The driver was already loading up boxes of snacks—biscuits, Ribena, soft drinks, and sweet treats. Benjamin, the birthday boy, beamed with joy as they all got into the car.

The journey to the park was filled with songs, laughter, and playful teasing. Benjamin couldn’t hide his excitement—he ran from one game to another, climbed everything in sight, and made sure to try every ride. After the park, they headed to the beach. Mercy, who was always a little shy, surprised everyone by trying to keep up with the boys that had immediately taken a liking to Isabella. She even let the waves splash her feet as she giggled with glee.

By 4:00 p.m., they returned home, tired but happy. As they stepped out of the car, some still had sand between their toes and crumbs on their clothes. After changing, everyone gathered for prayers. By 8:30 p.m., the last amen was said, and the house finally settled.

That night, Isabella seemed unusually quiet. Maybe it was the overwhelming joy—or maybe she was just reliving the fun in her mind.

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Saturday, 10 August 2019

As I write this, tomorrow is Sunday. I can’t stop smiling. I’ll never forget how Benjamin’s eyes lit up at the beach, or how relaxed sister Mercy felt at the beach today. For once, Benjamin said, “This day means everything to me.” It was a perfect day. Goodnight.

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Sunday, 11 August **2**019

Service today was awesome. Sister Mmesoma's worship was really thrilling. And Ben, he played so sweetly, my baby brother.

My name is Isabella Daniel, I am fifteen years old. I am in SSS 3, we just started summer coaching. Some of my friends call me Isabel, Ben calls me sister Bella, Timothy calls me Ella Baby. Dad calls me his baby girl or Bella. Mom calls me Bella too and sister Mercy calls me Isabel. Carmmy calls me Ella. Oh! I can't go on with what people call me.

I'm slightly fair, I'm tall and slim with a nice shape. I guess I'll have to explain myself today. I have long eyelashes and full eyebrows. I have small pink, almost red lips and rather large eyes, though a small nose. My cheeks are plump and soft. My friends and dad say I'm very pretty and a rare gem. I took after dad, including his hairs.

Ben at times says ‘ Sister Bella, you are very beautiful ’ and then we'd laugh it off. Those who taunt me in school call me ‘ Pastor's daughter ’ and I'm proud to be that.

Dear diary, as we progress, I'll tell you more. Bye for now.

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