fiction
"Helery!", a voice called from far behind. The voice was tainted with happiness and admiration. Sounded like one of those crazy teens of the teens church.
Henry and Helen looked back and smiled at the excited teenager running towards them. To all the teens in Sanctuary Gospel Church, Henry and Helen had the typical example of true love in a romantic relationship. Once or twice, Rev. Isaac had used Henry and Helen's relationship as an example of a godly relationship.
Soon, the teenager got to where they were, "Good afternoon Helery", still all smiles.
"Good afternoon Nancy." They chorused. "Hope you enjoyed service?", Helen asked.
"Yes. I did.", Nancy smiled. "And the highlights was the genuineness of your love. C'mon to think that you stayed with Henry all through those trying times and even gave him one of your kidneys is proof that true love still exists.", Nancy said, beaming with admiration.
Henry and Helen had heard a million of such commendations since the operation was concluded. They felt good and fulfilled that their relationship inspired others and stood as an example.
Their wedding was in three weeks and it was like their very big dream of together forever was becoming a reality. Preparations began in full gear. Once in a while, Henry fell sick.
"Stress. Henry calm down. Your wedding no be the first o. You gotta be healthy for Helen. You know what I mean!", Henry's friend's voice rang in the air.
Richard's voice was all Henry needed to be up again most time of the time. Richard has been Henry's friend from the world go, through the whole process of meeting and 'chiking' Helen. To think that Richard was 5 years younger than Henry was the most amazing part of their friendship.
"Guy, I'm fine. You know I work 6am-6pm on a normal day. I'm used to stress!", Henry said.
"Not after a surgery, man. Not after a surgery!", Richard yelled. "You better rest. You're not the first to plan a wedding."
The church hall was quiet; pregnant with waiting joy. Joy waiting for the declaration of these love birds as husband and wife.
"...Do you take Helen Osagie yo be your lawful wedded wife, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better and for worse, for richer and for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish till death do you part?" , Rev. Isaac's voice boomed over the Mike.
The congregation got their minds prepared for the great "I do" which will burst open the floodgates of joy in the church auditorium.
Seconds passed, Henry was not talking.
"Mr Henry", Rev Isaac called. Henry was mute.
The faces of the congregation changed. Helen's mother stood to her feet.
Helen couldn't understand what was happening. Her eyes opened into great worry. What was happening to the love of her life?
"Henry! Speak up.", she screamed in a semi-whisper. "stop putting up some drama here."
Soon, the man before her closed his eyes and his chest swelled with inhaled air. Henry dropped.
Dead.
NEWS HEADLINES:
Groom slumps in wedding weeks after doctors forget a pair of surgery scissors in him. 