A LONG GOODBYE

The sweet smell of coffee filled her nostrils as Emma sat there in the cafe, gently sipping a cup of coffee. She needed the energy and alertness it gave her. In her field of work, she couldn't afford to be dull for one second or risk things going wrong. As she sat on one of the soft cushions, close to one of the windows, enjoying her cup of coffee, reading a fashion magazine, she felt relaxed and at peace. Something she hasn't been for some time now. The cool atmosphere, in contrast to the sunny weather outside, created a perfect atmosphere for Emma to just let herself unwind.

The case she was put in charge of was taking a great deal of her time. She had investigated so many cases in the past, but this one was just proving to be impossible. Solving this case was like trying to see through a very blurry image. The facts were there but so subtle, one couldn't even see them. The constant pressure her boss put on her wasn't helping the slightest bit.

She stayed at the Caffe for one more hour, enjoying the peace and tranquility it gave her already troubled mind, while reflecting on the case, and what didn't add up.

" Hey, it's you again."

An elderly man walked up to her, taking a seat by her side.

" Mr Rogers, it's a pleasure to see you" Emma said while extending her hands for a handshake.

However, Mr Rogers swatted her hands away, and pulled her in for a hug, which she gently complied.

" You know your father was my very good friend". He started off. They chatted for over an hour, catching up on old times, and discussing work and other stuff. Mr Rogers was a family friend of Emma's. Her Dad and him used to work as a team whenever there was. An investigation for a crime in the police force. So, when Emma's father passed away due to heart failure, Emma decided to also go into that field of work. She always loved the mystery. To her, it was like trying to solve a puzzle. The challenges she sometimes encountered in her work only made it more interesting for her. And this particular case was a challenge she would definitely overcome.

"So what's got you sulking all alone" Mr Rogers asked her.

She creased her eyebrows and Mr Rogers continued.

"You know you're so much like your father, whenever he found it difficult to solve a case, he would go to a Caffe, drink a lot of coffee while reading a newspaper. "

Emma smiled at that and replied,

" I guess I am my father's daughter"

" Well, there is this murder case I'm working on, and it's really complicated."

Emma went on to tell him all about the case she was working on.

" Mr Dante was murdered in cold blood in the middle of the night, in his own house." She started off.

We've carried out investigations on every person that was in that house at that time, and put the house under lock for the time being. None is allowed into the house for the time being. And all the family members, housemaids, cooks and security men are not allowed to leave the city or travel. For the time being

Source

Mr Rogers helped her analyze the case. They stayed there for over two hours, crossing out all the odds and things that didn't sit right. At the end of it all, Emma was able to solve the mystery. She had a lead on who could be the killer.

"Oh Mr Rogers, I wouldn't have solved this without you" she said, hugging him excitedly.

Little did Emma know her joy was about to be cut short.

"Alright dear, that's enough, sit, I have something to tell you" Mr Rogers said, pulling away from her.

Emma sat still, so many thoughts ran through her head as she waited patiently for Mr Rogers to continue.

"I'll be leaving soon" he said, smiling sadly.

" Okay… For how long? Where to?" Emma asked.

"I have a chronic heart disease and the doctor said I have barely one month to live." He said in a small voice but loud enough for Emma to hear.

" What! How come? How did it happen? Emma said all at once with tear-filled eyes.

Mr Rogers was like a second father to Emma, ever since the death of her father, he had been the one by her side. He had always been there for her in both good and bad times. Some how he had managed to fill the void in her heart created by the loss of her father at an early age. Now here she was being told that she was about to loose another one to death again.

It was painful enough having to deal with the loss of her father. She couldn't afford to lose another one either.

"We'll find a way out of this" she said with determination swirling in her eyes.

" We'll try other hospitals, there are new treatments available now. Don't worry, I won't let you die", she said, holding onto the last strand of hope she had left.

Mr Rogers held her hands, giving her a small smile.

"It's okay my dear, I have accepted my faith. I'm just an old man anyway." He said, trying to lighten the mood.

" What about me? " Emma said between tears. The sorrow she felt was immeasurable.

Mr Rogers'face cracked a bit, his jaw clenched, fighting his own emotions.

" I will always be with you, even though not physically" he said, trying to console her.

This was a long goodbye, one Emma hadn't bargained for.

" Don't die please" she said sorrowfully.

" It's not in my hands anymore, my dear" he said, clenching his fist, trying to contain the pain.

" So I guess this is goodbye then" Emma asked sadly.

" I guess it is," he replied.