Chapter 26: Old wounds II
Ini stood outside, his eyes fixed on the burning house, his mind struggling to comprehend the chaos that had erupted in mere minutes. One moment, they were enjoying a peaceful dinner; the next, their home was engulfed in flames.
A voice shouted from behind him, "Fire!" Ini felt himself being scooped up and carried away from the smoke-filled porch. A stranger's face loomed above him, asking, "Where's your family?" Ini's daze-addled brain could only manage a feeble point towards the burning house.
The stranger quickly pulled out a phone and dialed, his voice urgent as he spoke to someone on the other end. Ini felt himself being set down on the grass, the stranger's parting words, "Just stay right here, I'll be back." The stranger sprinted towards his own house, returning moments later with a large, drenched towel.
Without hesitation, the stranger charged into the burning house. Ini watched, his heart racing, as the stranger emerged moments later, Ore's limp form cradled in his arms. Ini's eyes locked onto the stranger, his voice shaking as he asked, "Where are my mommy and daddy?"
The stranger's expression softened, his eyes filled with a deep sadness. He knew the devastating truth, but struggled to find the words to break the news to the clueless boy. "Let's wait till the police arrive," he said gently, his voice a whispered promise that he'd be there to support Ini through the darkness that was to come.
As they waited, the sound of sirens pierced the night air, growing louder with each passing moment. The police and fire department arrived, their lights casting an eerie glow over the devastated scene. Firefighters leapt into action, battling the blaze as the police struggled to maintain order.
Neighbors gathered in their yards, their faces etched with shock and horror as they watched the burnt remains of Ini's home. The stranger stayed by Ini's side, a steady presence as the young boy's world crumbled around him.
As the night wore on, the chaos slowly subsided, and the situation came under control. A policeman, Inspector Ajamu, approached Ini and the stranger, his face somber. "I'm Inspector Ajamu," he introduced himself, his voice gentle. "I'm afraid we've had two casualties tonight."
Ini's eyes widened, but he already knew. He could see the two covered bodies on stretchers, his heart heavy with grief. Inspector Ajamu continued, "But I'm happy to report that your sister, Ore, survived. She's being treated for smoke inhalation, but she'll be okay."
Ini's gaze remained fixed on the two bodies, his mind reeling with the finality of it all. Years of tears fell from his eyes, but he didn't sob. He cried silently, his body shaking with each quiet sob. The stranger put a comforting arm around his shoulders, but Ini didn't even notice.
As he looked at Ore, who was lying on a nearby stretcher, a spark of rage ignited within him. He blamed her for their parents' death. If she hadn't gone into the kitchen and started the fire, none of this would have happened. He would be getting tucked into bed by his mom right now, instead of staring at her lifeless body.
Ini's eyes narrowed, his voice barely above a whisper. "I'm going to kill you," he muttered, his words lost amidst the chaos. Nobody noticed him, too caught up in their own tasks. The officers and paramedics worked tirelessly, wrapping up the scene by early morning.
As the first light of dawn crept over the horizon, Inspector Ajamu approached Ini and Ore once more. "I'm afraid your parents were only children meaning you have no aunts, uncle or relative to stay with." he explained gently. " We'll put up posters and share awareness maybe you'll have a long lost relative to come claim you kids. "
Ini and Ore were taken to the police station, where they were met with sympathetic faces. The officers tried to get Ore to explain what had happened, but she remained quiet, her eyes fixed on the floor. Ini didn't say a word either, his anger and grief simmering just below the surface.
The officers understood why the children were quiet, and they didn't push the issue. After doing all they could, they decided to move Ini and Ore to an orphanage called Heritage Orphanage. As they drove away from the ruins of their home, Ini's heart felt heavy with grief and anger, his shattered mind fixed on one thing: revenge against his sister, Ore.
The car pulled up to the Heritage Orphanage, a sprawling building with a warm, welcoming facade. Inspector Ajamu led Ini and Ore out of the car, escorting them to the entrance. A kindly-looking nun, Sister Margaret, greeted them with a warm smile.
"Ah, Inspector Ajamu, welcome. We've been expecting you," Sister Margaret said, her eyes taking in Ini and Ore's disheveled appearance. "Please, come in."
Inspector Ajamu nodded, following Sister Margaret into the orphanage. They walked down a long hallway, lined with cheerful murals, before arriving at Sister Margaret's office. The nun gestured for them to take seats, her expression sympathetic.
"Inspector, please, tell me about these children," Sister Margaret said, her eyes locked on Ini and Ore. "What's their situation?"
Inspector Ajamu took a deep breath, launching into a detailed explanation. "Last night, we responded to a house fire. Ini and Ore's parents, Mr. and Mrs. Adeleke, perished in the blaze. The children were the only survivors."
Sister Margaret's expression turned somber, her hands clasped together. "Oh, dear Lord. I'm so sorry to hear that."
Inspector Ajamu continued, "From what we've gathered, Ore, the elder sibling, was in the kitchen when the fire started. She was trying to make some cereal, but it seems she accidentally set the kitchen ablaze."
Sister Margaret's eyes widened, her gaze flicking to Ore. "And Ini, how is he handling all this?" she asked gently.
Inspector Ajamu's expression turned concerned. "To be honest, Sister Margaret, Ini hasn't spoken a word since the incident. He's been in shock, I think. We're worried about the emotional trauma he's experiencing."
Sister Margaret nodded thoughtfully, her eyes never leaving Ini's face. "I see. Well, Inspector, I think we can provide a safe and nurturing environment for both Ini and Ore. We'll do our best to help them heal and cope with their loss."
Inspector Ajamu nodded, relief etched on his face. "Thank you, Sister Margaret. I knew I could count on Heritage Orphanage."
Sister Margaret smiled warmly, rising from her seat. "We'll take good care of them, Inspector. Don't worry."