THE RING AND THE DREAM

I and Richard have been friends since childhood, we have always been there for each other regardless of the fact that we quarrel often.
We try to be there when we need each other and we are often careless of conceal our anger at each other at those times when we offend ourselves.
"Tell me what you know Richard" I demanded of Richard who never spared me the trouble of meeting him against my wish.
"I would rather you finish your drink calmly Brother; you have to brace yourself for reality" Richard said wearing and emotionless face.
'Why should I drink when I do not understand what is happening, what is it you have to tell me that cannot wait. Do you think I really care about this cup?' I thought to myself.
"I have something really important to do in about an hour. I am worried about the urgency of what you have to tell me, though it does not seem very urgent." I was beginning to grow increasing uncomfortable in my chair.
"When you asked my if I know of a shop where you can buy a really nice ring..."
"I suppose you know why I can not wait more than I can wait Richard" I snapped back.
"She leaves two blocks away from your apartment, she have not been taking her calls and I am aware there was a fatal car crash just in from of your house" I lamented looking intensely at him.
Two years ago I lost my cousin Hector to a car crash when he was trying to save my iphone when a Tacoma smashed his head. The wound still feels fresh I do not intend to loss another person dear to me. I just can not bear another loss.
"Calm down Kalbury! You are losing your mind already. The crash was not fatal" Ricard assured.
I was able to manage a deep breath for the first time. 'She survived' I thought with relief before my phone rang.
"Please I have to take this call, it is Anita's mum."
"Hello Ma, hello Ma.... hello....." The other end of the line was blank and that multiplied my worries. I tried calling her backed when Richard said something that slammed into my ears like an explosion.
"Anita was involved in the car crash" I stood extremely agitated even though I have suspected he would say that.
"Did you say Anita was involved in the car crash?" I asked Richard dropping my phone carelessly on the table.
Richard quickly replied, " did I say that?"
"Kalbury you are hearing what you expect to hear. Do you want her dead?" The whole world felt silent as warm drops of sweat slid gracefully down my temple. I felt the accelerated tumbling of my heart gradually retarding, then I sat calmly feeling like a fool and somewhat happy.
Then I asked him "what reality should I brace myself for and why should I still be sitting here listening to you when you do not want to say anything?"
Richard relied "I intend to stop you from making the mistake of your life Kalbury."
I was really surprised, I never knew when " how do you mean" slipped out of my lips.
"Don't give her the ring... yet." he reinstated.
Then I braced myself up like Richard had recommended and asked "do you have a reason?"
Richard seem so unserious, it's hard to tell what his feelings are from his look.
He replies with a question instead " do I have a reason or do I have reasons?"
"I'm listening brother" I said trying hard to put my mind together.
"You need more than feelings to get married; Kalbury you need facts! And you got none. Love is responsibility, you should understand this and carefully decide to take this responsibility. You seem to be rushing and that is not safe enough. You have seen only the good side of Anita, you need both the good sides and the flaws laid side by side to decide marriage because she has both"
With palpably confusion I asked him "what do you about Anita, Brother?" As I waited with keen interest.
"I know very little about her, and a little more about you. You feel like a piece of rag without Anita's love, so you are rushing into marriage to secure someone who will love you and make you feel valued. You should love yourself first and better; be happy with yourself because she will not always be there to make you happy, value yourself and forgive yourself it will easier to do the same to someone else if it is first done to you. Marriage is the joining of two lives and not two persons."
"You are right to an extent Richard, but why should I not give her the ring?"
"Because you are not ready for marriage yet. Give her the ring and it might ruin the rest of your life, but not just yours; hers too. The problem is you!"
Everything banged hard on me as I watched Richard's lips move gently but produced bitter truths. I accepted the truth he said however I was wondering how to all the flaws I have just seen when my phone range again. As I turned in the direction of my phone, Richard dematerialized into the thin air, I open my eyes and I was back in my room.
It was Anita's call that woke me from the dream.