Chapter 32
Life Must Go On

It was many months before Obi really returned to normal. He mourned for his older sister, he had loved her dearly. But with Noa's unyielding strength, he slowly realized that he still had his family, his wife, his children. He still had a life to live himself. He had to let go of his sister. Not forget her, never forget her. Never stop loving her. But no longer mourn her.

During the months of Obi's mourning, Jem and Coen had once again become pregnant. They had taken in Weeko and Nada in Bibi's absence and now their family would become even larger. The children were back to running around and playing. People were doing their chores, their jobs. Eating, laughing.

At first, this bothered Obi. But slowly, with coaching from Noa, he realized that these responses were good, not disrespectful. Bibi had passed, but life had to continue. Obi was not long for this world, he knew this in his soul. He became determined to live each minute to its fullest. Enjoy his children, his grandchildren. To live the way he had always lived before, before he lost his sister.

As the years went on and the children continued to grow, the tribe continued to thrive. Each day, Ahi woke and rang the gong. Little miracles happened each time. The fish doubled in the ocean, the clouds parted on a rainy day, and research advancement was made. Life was good for them.

But as the years passed, Obi continued to age. Noa struggled to remain strong as she watched the love of her life slowly fade. Although Obi continued to spend his days farming and fishing with Tiki and Ahi, he was slowing down drastically and his strength was fading.

Four years after Bibi's passing, Obi and Noa awoke one day and Obi was unable to get out of bed. His old joints were stiff and full of pain and his heart was starting to slow down. Noa sent for Ahi and their son helped his father up, got him dressed and supported him as they slowly walked to breakfast. Piku spent the morning carving a stick that Obi could use as a cane to help him walk. Noa created teas and ointments for Obi to help ease his pain.

But the entire tribe worried. They had lost their Matriarch and they would soon loose their Patriarch. The oldest original male villager was about to join his sister. During this time, Noa's heart was breaking. She had been preparing for this, but that was not making things easier for her or Obi. As he rested in bed during the day, they would talk for hours. They looked back on their lives, realizing that between the two of them, neither had a single regret on how they had lived. They talked about their children. How they had grown, how they would live for the rest of their lives. Obi occasionally got up, with help from Noa and his eldest sons and walked around the camp, taking in his friends, his family, their accomplishments. He would stop and tell his fellow villagers that they were doing a good job. That a shell picked up by a child was pretty. Near the end of Obi's life, he talked more than he had his whole life prior. He ensured that each and every tribe member knew he loved them and was proud of them.

One morning Noa woke to the find the sun shining brightly into their hut through the window. The light was focused on Obi and she turned in bed and kissed his cheek. "Wake up Obi, it's a new day to spend together." But Obi did not stir. She called his name a little louder and gave him a gentle shake. No response. She put her head to his chest and listened. There was no heartbeat. She raised her head and looked at the love of her life. He looked peaceful, a smile was on his face. She stroked his exceptionally handsome face. She threw her arms around Obi and let the tears flow. She was sad, but she was also relieved. For a long time, Obi had been living in pain, but determined to live. He would feel pain no longer. After some time, she slowly got up and dressed. She left the hut, closing the door quietly behind her as if afraid she would wake Obi. She went to join the others around the fire. Ahi saw her approach first and seeing his mother, he dropped his plate and ran for their hut. Aiko looked up and immediately followed. Tarita and Tiki started to cry and ran to Noa. Azizi and Solo looked lost, and Piku and Mua moved to them to comfort them. The tribe all slowly got up and went to Noa, offering comfort and hugs. Noa drank in their love, trying hard to use it to mend her breaking heart.