Starless Nights

Episode 1 There is something out there… Something lurks in the dark It is not a shadow It’s a hollow An emptiness… And, it all began with that painful exclamation! “Ahhhhh!!!” The trauma, the struggles, the pain, the tears… The painful journey of two months started that perfectly normal night where everything seemed right with the world. Under a grey starless night, they all lay happily, basking in the euphoria of togetherness; little did they know that the tide was about to change. Who could have thought that a day so free and peaceful could lead to a whirlstorm of pain and sorrow? But it did! And a family once happy and carefree was plunged into the shadows to thread the path of pain and turmoil. Two months! Two months of darkness! Two complete months of struggles, agitation and… sorrow… It all began that dark fateful night, under the blank expanse of clouds. The storm came in with a formidable force, sweeping away the joy and peace they held so dearly. Their lives changed… indeed… their lives changed, forever… **That Night** The four children squealed playfully, all struggling to spread their own portion of the large outdoor mat as the evening darkness settled upon the earth. Gentle humid breeze blew, just like it did every evening. Playful laughters rang out as the siblings tugged at the fluffy dark brown mat. Little Jerry, however, abandoned the quest and ran about amongst his three elderly ones, basking in the evening glow. Timothy gave the mat a final tug and smiled to himself, knowing what was coming next. “I am lying in the middle” Loveth yelled. “No” Tessy countered. “You were at the middle yesterday; I would lay in the middle today.” “No! The first person to get here always stays at the middle and that’s me” she pointed her slim second finger at her chest with her left brow raised in a saucy manner. Timothy noticed the stubborn jutting out of her chin and almost laughed. Being the first born, Timothy had the loveliest siblings. Loveth, his impossibly stubborn immediate sister was just four years younger than his twelve years old self, followed by Tessy, the partially quiet, yet partially talkative one, then the ever bouncing last born – Jerry. They were the loveliest siblings, closer than most and forging an unbreakable bond that went beyond blood ties, despite their occasional fights – one of which always came up during nights like these. “I want to stay at the middle?” Tessy whined, pulling her face up to a pout. “Me too” Jerry cooed. Loveth put her small hands on her hips, a tell-tale sign that they were in for a serious round of argument if Timothy didn’t intervene. Loveth for one, has never been used to losing. “C’mon now, Love” he called, using the pet name he knew always got her doing his bidding. “Can’t you just allow Tessy for tonight? You know only kids like cuddling between two people. You are not a kid, are you?” he raised his brow. Loveth glanced at him and seemed to be battling with herself. Of course, Timothy knew that she would always give in using that argument, because Loveth would never admit to being a ‘kid’. Her face broke into a plastic smile. “Well, you can have the middle, baby. I don’t really like it anyways, I can’t roll around when I am stuck between two bodies” she shrugged. Tessy’s face pulled to a frown like she hadn’t thought of that. Timothy shook his head with a smiled. Trust Loveth to turn the tables anytime she isn’t pleased. “Are you children done arguing already?” Bola called from behind, as she and George watched the exchange between their children with a wry smile on their faces. They always had this session every night. Tessy and Jerry pranced about on the mat happily as their parents came to take their positions on the mat. They always looked forward to this time every day. It was always the family’s favourite time of the day – lying outside after dinner, talking and laughing happily as they together watched the changing clouds and sparkling stars. Finally settled, the four children lay knitted together, loving the company of one another above all else. They cuddled closer as darkness blanketed around them – Tessy obviously winning her spot in the middle along with Jerry, with their heads closely placed on the mat, looking up at the dark sky above in companionable silence. “I should have brought a wrapper” Loveth said as she shivered from the cool evening breeze. Maybe she shouldn’t have let her middle spot go so easily, she mused. Tessy frowned at the sky. “T. boy” she called and Timothy turned his head towards her in response. “Why is there no star in the sky today?” she asked innocently. Timothy stared at the lone half-moon ahead, trying to rationalize his answer. “They are there Tess, you just can’t see them.” He said. Loveth frowned. “Then where are they, Tim?” she also looked at the sky, hating the vacant state of it. “They are very far away, hiding behind the clouds” “Stars play hide and seek too?” Tessy asked, amused. Timothy smiled and playfully poked Tessy. “Maybe” “Or maybe they are all dead” Loveth suddenly declared. Timothy and Tessy turned stunned eyes at her. “My teacher told me that when a child is born, a star is born, just like the Jesus story” she explained. “It means that if a person dies, a star also dies, right?” Timothy stared at his eight years old sister carefully. Loveth might be stubborn and daring but one thing was certain – her small head had the capacity to think far and wild, way beyond the normal imaginations of a child. “You are right, of course. But if all the stars are dead, it means everyone on earth is dead, and that is not possible because we are still alive, aren’t we?” Loveth grinned mischievously. “Maybe we don’t exist; maybe we are ghosts.” Tessy’s eyes widened with fright. “We are not ghosts, right?” she asked Timothy in fright. “Of course not” Timothy shot Loveth a warning glance. “Stop scaring Tessy and Jerry, they won’t be able to sleep” Loveth smiled and raised her eyes to the sky but her smile soon vanished when there was no star up there to wink back at her. She rubbed her arms gently, driving away the chill that brought goosepimples to her skin. “I hate it when there are no stars” she said drily. “Me too” Tessy seconded. Bola sat on the mat, not far from her children, with George’s head on her laps as he sprawled freely on the mat. She smiled at the sight of her children, discussing gently. Something was different about tonight, she could feel it. Even the restless Jerry seemed to be lying quietly tonight, for the first time. It was like everyone wanted to be calm enough to take in the peaceful contentment of the moment. Despite the fact that they had to struggle day in day out to make ends meet, it was still worth it. They were still one closely united happy family, contented with the little they had. “They look happy” she commented softly, playing with the hair on her husband’s head, the way he liked it. “They are happy” George answered. She shook her head in amazement as her thoughts and gaze strayed slightly from her children. “You think we would have been this happy and content if we were rich?” she asked. George shrugged. “I don’t know. We might get too caught up in our wealth that we forget about one another” he smiled up at her. “God doesn’t make mistakes” “Of course not” she answered. Over the years, she had gotten over the extreme handsomeness of her husband, but as she gazed down at his smiling face, she was struck once again with womanly pride. At thirty six, her husband was even more handsome than she remembered, it was no wonder that her children were so beautiful, all taking on the beauty of their father. Bola ran her fingers through her husband’s hair as her eyes strayed to the dark starless sky above. Thoughts of the immediate needs in the house invaded her thoughts. She sighed. “I don’t have enough money with me for the children’s feeding tomorrow” she muttered, thinking about the empty food supplies. Timothy needed to get his textbooks, especially now that he was about to seat for his Junior WAEC. The foodstuff was already exhausted, not to mention the new uniforms she needed to get for the two girls. There was always one thing or the other needing money; she was already used to having wants and needs. Her eyes scanned the sky seeking the nightly stars, knowing that the sight of blinking stars would bring hope of a brighter tomorrow. There was none. No star tonight! Why did that unsettle her so much? The usual hope she always got from the tiny beautiful stars was nowhere to be found, leaving her with a tiny level of fear eating at her insides. George sighed into the air. “All would be well” he breathed. Bola nodded and opened her mouth to respond when all of a sudden, a loud shrill hit her ears. “Ahhhhh!!!” Timothy’s voice rang out. And then it began! “Tim?” Bola jumped out of her sitting position in a flash, rushing to her first son. George was right at her heels, reaching Timothy in a flash. Timothy held his chest as pain engulfed his face. “What is it, T.boy?” Bola rushed as she removed his hand to stare in confusion at his chest. “What is wrong?” Timothy gripped his chest, groaning in excruciating pain. “My… chest” he managed. “Are you okay, Tim?” Loveth asked in agitation as George sat on the floor and moved Timothy gently to lean against him. “Your chest? What… what’s wrong Tim? Tim?” Bola querried, shaking fearfully, looking at the pain stricken face of her son, as his siblings gathered around him. “Timothy” George called albeit calmly. “Is your chest hurting?” Timothy nodded grimly. “Go and get balm, Loveth” Bola yelled. “Hurry” Loveth sprung into action, fleeing into the house without a backwards glance. Tessy and Jerry stood around, their faces askew with fear and worry. “Sorry Tim” Tessy murmured. George rubbed Timothy’s chest gently, looking at his face constantly while Bola talked on, trying to sooth Timothy. Loveth rushed out of the house with the balm and Bola snatched it instantly, opening it for George. “Sorry T.boy” Loveth muttered, hopping anxiously from one foot to the other as her father massaged the balm into her brother’s chest, applying moderate pressure. Little by little, Timothy returned to normal, the pain gently oozing from his face. “How is it now, Tim?” Bola asked hurriedly. “Do you feel better?” Timothy tried to sit up but George held him still. “What do you feel now?” he asked. Timothy blinked, frowning. “The pain is gone” “Gone?” Bola murmured, frowning deeply. “I… I only feel little discomfort but I don’t feel the pain again” George paused for some seconds, then released Timothy to sit on his own as Bola examined her son carefully. “Are you sure?” George asked. “Yes dad” he muttered. “I think the balm is very good” Bola sighed in relief. “Thank God! You really scared me” “And me” Loveth chipped, looking almost angry. George released the breath he had unknowingly been holding. “You should start sleeping on your back instead of your chest; that’s probably the reason for the chest pain” Bola shook her head like she couldn’t still wrap her head around what had just happened. “Let’s just go in, I’ll give you some drugs, then you go straight to sleep” Bola declared. Without wasting time, they rolled up the mat and walked inside. All seemed okay but Bola couldn’t shake off the nagging feeling that something was wrong. Very wrong! ** “Timothy” Bola called out as she pushed a tiny ankle socks over the tiny foot of her last child. “T. boy” she called playfully again when she got no answer. “Yes mum” Timothy answered, his voice echoing out of the bedroom. “Hurry up son, you are going to be late for school”. Sighing, she glanced at the wall clock. “Many times, I wonder if you remember that you are no longer in primary school” Timothy laughed slightly from the room. “How can I? I have you to always remind me, mum” his voice was bright with laughter and Bola smiled, adjusting the collar of her lastborn’s uniform. She turned to inspect her two daughters and was satisfied with their dressing. The satisfaction of a mother shone in her bright eyes as she pushed the other socks on Jerry’s other foot. No one would see Bola and say she had been blessed with four priceless jewels. It always came as a big surprise to people whenever they heard that Timothy, Loveth, Tessy and Jerry had all come out of her womb. Her small stature and young youthful face could almost pass for that of a lady in her early twenties, thanks to the peaceful life and happy family that she had built with her husband – George. Bola picked up the tiny shoes on the floor and placed them on her laps before hurriedly grabbing her purse. Immediately she opened her purse, she frowned, her spirit deflating. How can I spread this round these children? She wondered vaguely, shifting the content of her purse onto her slim palm. Eating the previous night had been tedious enough, and they had all shared the scrap they were able to gather. Now however, Bola wondered how she would explain to her children that their money for lunch would be cut short; the money they usually took wasn’t enough as it is and she knew that her husband also had nothing left with him. She felt someone watching her and she raised her eyes to see her twelve years old son staring at her with a deep look of concern. With full bushy eyebrows which joined in an arch at the junction of his nose, Timothy – along with his siblings – was a perfect replica of his father. A mother couldn’t ask for a better son! Timothy was the best son any woman could ever pray to conceive; smart, helpful, loving and most of all, caring. Bola saw the intense look of worry in her son’s eyes as he stared at her and she quickly put a smile on her face. “See the time” she rambled as she removed a few naira notes. She placed them in her son’s palm before he could protest. “Use forty naira for your transport and manage the rest for you lunch. Ok?” she murmured. “But…” he started. “But what of-” “Don’t worry about your siblings” Bola cut in knowingly. “I would take care of it” “But…” Timothy began again. Bola frowned. “No buts young man, get going. You don’t want to be punished for lateness now, do you?” she asked sternly. “Get going” she said again, shooing him. The mention of punishment definitely had its desired effects as Timothy grudgingly shrugged his schoolbag onto his back. “Okay ma” She looked at him carefully again. “Are you sure you are okay? Your chest doesn’t hurt anymore?” she knew he had assured her but she wanted to be double sure. All night, she hardly caught a whim of sleep, as she constantly checked on Timothy. She had told to stay home but he had school tests to write and would hear none of it. Timothy grinned. “I am very strong” he bent his arm into an arc, revealing imaginary muscles. Bola smiled. “Okay, off you go” she said, brushing down Jerry’s hair. “Say goodbye to your brother” she whispered to Jerry. “Bye T.boy” he muttered halfheartedly. He was always gloomy when he was hungry. “Bye Jay” Timothy returned and made for the door. “Bye Lovey, Tessy” Timothy called aloud as he rushed off. “Bye Tim” his younger ones chorused in unison from the room. “Brother Tim” Bola corrected sternly, but as always, she was ignored. Despite all her efforts, she hadn’t been able to ingrain the ‘brother, sister’ thingy in her children. “Come back early, T. boy” Loveth called after her brother. “I will” he yelled back. Bola smiled. Her children were so fond of each other; they have formed a close-knitted relationship that not all siblings possessed. George entered the room and Bola heaved a sigh of relief when she saw him holding some Naira notes in his hand. “I kept this for their feeding; it is all I have left” he explained and Bola was once more grateful to God. She might not have married the wealthiest husband but she had definitely married the best. She quickly took the money and entrusted Loveth with the money for all her younger ones, since they were all in one school. “Now, you all should be careful in school, okay? No rough plays” she warned sternly and they all murmured their acknowledgements as they trodded out the door. “Bye parents” they chorused fondly, like they always did. “Bye children” Bola and George murmured with a smile. “Be careful, okay?” Bola called at their retreating backs, staring at them until they disappeared from sight then she closed the door firmly. Bola smoothed her moist palms on the soft fabrics of her well-worn skirt as she let out a deep sigh. Her face was pulled up to a frown as her teeth bit into her lips. She knew without being told that they were in for compulsory fasting today, but she didn’t mind. As long as her children were not hungry, she could handle anything. That was not the cause of her distress. George approached her, turning her to face him. “What’s wrong?” “I… I have a bad feeling, George” she muttered worriedly. “Timothy said he is fine, I don’t think so” George blinked, releasing the breath he had unconsciously been holding. The incident of the previous night had left him with a certain level of worry, but he wasn’t going to tell Bola that. He smiled gently. “Timothy is a strong boy, he takes after me” George grinned proudly, trying to put Bola’s mind at ease. “I’m sure it is just your paranoia at work; we prayed about it and I know God is in charge, uhn?” he kissed her forehead with a smile. Bola swallowed and nodded with a dry smile. “Of course” she muttered. She truly wanted to believe George, but why did she still have the sickening feeling that something bad was about to happen? To be continued after comments.

seated already

i pray nothing bad happens to Timi ooh

FIRE ON!

I just pray all is well

Next ep

Next ep

Episode 2 One hour after closing time, Timothy wasn't back yet. Bola was beside herself with worry. She couldn’t keep herself calm as she paced the small confines of her roadside shop. Bola rubbed one sweaty palm nervously against the other as her eyes remained glued to the road, scanning every commercial bus that rolled by for her son. He should be back by now! Bola came out of her shop, avoiding the small puddle of water on the floor – an aftermath of the downpour of rain barely an hour ago – and walked a few steps to the shop directly beside hers to check the time for probably the hundredth time. “He is not back yet?” Mama Ngozi asked upon seeing her. Bola swallowed, trying her best to keep calm. “No” she said stiffly, her eyes on every bus her eyes sighted. “Calm down, I’m sure he would be here soon, besides, he is just an hour late” she pointed out. “Don’t kill yourself before he arrives” And if he doesn't arrive? Bola swallowed. She was torturing herself beyond necessary but she couldn't help it. Timothy wasn't usually this late. At most, he gets back thirty minutes after closing hour. She never should have allowed him to go to school, especially after what happened the previous night. Bola bit her lip nervously as she walked back to her shop. A bus pulled to a stop and her eyes instantly snapped up, scanning every passenger that alighted for her son’s familiar figure. Once again, she was left with increased fear and frustration when the bus rolled away without her son in view. She contemplated going over to George’s office to tell him but she didn’t want to add to his worries, especially since she wasn’t even certain if anything was wrong. She could hear the fast beating of her heart, the screeching sounds of cars rolling past the road, and something else… The familiar sound of chattering children made her turn to see Loveth and her siblings approach the shop. She was happy to see them but that only further heightened her worry. Timothy always arrived before his siblings. Bola blinked back unshed tears and put a plastic smile on her face for her children as they drew up to the shop. “Good afternoon ma” they greeted unanimously as they trodded into the shop. Bola smiled tightly, responding to their greeting without the usual enthusiasm. “How was school?” she asked more out of necessity as she removed Jerry’s small schoolbag from the small of his back. Loveth smirked. “We had a new comer in class today” Bola could tell with that simple look in Loveth’s face that she doesn’t exactly like the development but she was too worried to indulge Loveth now. “Where is T.boy?” Tessy asked. Bola raised her eyes to scan the road again and nearly sagged with relief as she spotted Timothy afar off, walking towards the shop. She had never been more relieved in her life. She smiled genuinely, for the first time all afternoon. “That’s him coming” she pointed in the direction and Loveth took off instantly. Bola released a sigh of relief as she took an apple from the shed and sliced it in two for Jerry and Tessy who were already complaining of hunger. They were obviously eating into her capital but there was nothing she could do about that. She couldn’t keep her children hungry because she wouldn’t dare touch her capital, could she? Timothy drew up to the shop and Bola was up in an instant. The relief she felt at having her son in one piece was unexplainable, but she still wanted to know why a commercial bus hadn’t dropped him off like it usually did. “Good afternoon ma” Timothy greeted, prostrating to greet Bola. Arms akimbo, Bola shook her head. “My God, Timothy, you’ve almost given me a heart attack. I thought something had happened to you. You’ve never been this late; what happened?” she queried without even answering his greeting. “Why didn’t a bus drop you off at this junction?” Timothy blinked and looked at the wooden floor of the shop. “I… I didn’t take a bus” Bola frowned, not understanding. “What do you mean by that?” “I… trekked” “You trekked?” Bola’s voice rang out. “From where? School?” Bola couldn’t believe what she was hearing. She knew the distance to his school and could not imagine any sane person walking that distance. “Did you lose your money?” Tim shook his head. Bola swallowed and lowered her voice. “Then, why did you trek, Tim?” his siblings stared silently at the unfolding drama. “I…” Tim raised his eyes to his mother. “There is no money at home, so I thought I should… save the money for my transport so we can use it” he put his hand into his pocket and brought out forty Naira. Bola stared at Timothy, shocked beyond reason. Timothy had always been the sweetest kid she had ever met – a blessing that she happened to be his mother – but never in her wildest imagination did she imagine that he would do something like this. Something so thoughtful… Bola blinked back tears as she leaned forward slightly, dropping to Timothy’s height. “You… you shouldn’t have, Tim” Bola’s voice broke as she put her hand gently on his cheek. “It is the duty of your Daddy and I to provide for you and your siblings, you never should have trekked that distance, especially after what happened last night…” Bola took a deep breath. “Promise me you won’t do that again” she said sternly, swallowing the lump that formed in her throat as she kept her tears at bay. “I… I just wanted to help” Timothy mouthed quietly. Bola nodded several times. She should be telling him just how wonderful a son he is but she was so overwhelmed with mixed feelings. Her children shouldn’t have to go through such hardship. She had envisaged a happy and stress-free life for her children; never did she imagine that her son would have to trek to school in a bid to save money. “You trekked to school in the morning; you must have arrived school late” “They did not flog me” he answered. “Oh, my son…” Bola pulled Timothy into a tight hug, holding on to him like she never wanted to let go. She sniffed and pulled back. “How is your chest now? Did you feel any pain? Anything?” she asked seriously. “No. I am fine, mummy” Timothy grinned. Bola sighed in relief. “Okay” she rose to her full height. For the first, she collected the money from Timothy, palming it with a tight smile on her face. She took her purse and went to Mummy Ngozi’s shop beside hers to buy some food items. Minutes later, she returned to the shop with rice and some ingredients. “You kids should go home now” she said, handing over the rice to Loveth. She faced Timothy. “Prepare jollof rice for you and your siblings” “What of you and daddy?” “Don’t worry about us, okay? Just make sure you all are satisfied” Bola answered. Bola watched her children shrug on their school bags and walk out of the shop. At last, Bola allowed the tears hanging on her lashes to break free. She stared at the disappearing back of Timothy, wondering just what she had done to deserve such an amazing child. ***** Timothy ignored the sting in his buttocks as he walked home with his siblings bouncing along. He was really happy with himself. He knew his mother hadn’t exactly praised him or endorsed what he did but he had glimpsed that happiness in her eyes. That look that said louder than words that she was proud of him. That was all that mattered. It more than made up for the lashes of cane he got for arriving school late. Seeing his siblings happy at the prospect of good food was all he needed. He truly felt like their big brother. Tessy and Jerry went ahead, running at intervals, carefully avoiding the water puddles. “How was school, Love?” Timothy asked Loveth who walked quietly by his side. She wasn’t her usual chatty self. “We had a new comer today” she stated. “And?” “The whole class likes her” she frowned. “You don’t?” Loveth twisted her mouth. “She answered so many questions today, even my teacher likes her already” Timothy saw what the problem was and hid a smile. “She must be very brilliant. That means you would have to read a lot for your exams” “I don’t read a lot but I always come first” she said proudly. Timothy smiled. Loveth wasn’t exaggerating. Even without reading, she always came first. But he didn’t want her to rely on that so much. He didn’t think this ‘new comer’ was a threat to Loveth but she didn’t have to know that. “That was before this new comer arrived. You don’t want her topping you in class, do you?” Loveth’s eyes flashed. “Never. I would read everyday. Lydia is not taking my first position from me”. That was the fierce determination Timothy was hoping for. And knowing Loveth, this ‘Lydia’ wouldn’t have a prayer. They walked into the house and Timothy soon started cooking. “When would you teach me how to cook?” Loveth asked as she watched her brother put ingredients in the pot of rice on fire. “You are still too young for that” Timothy answered. “I’m not young” Loveth said aggressively. “You are just four years older than me” Timothy noticed her emphasis on ‘just’ and shook his head. “Well then, when you are four years older, you’d be allowed to cook” Loveth smirked, her small mouth moving to the side. “I would make rice and beans all by myself, you’ll see” Timothy noticed that determined glint in her eyes and frowned. “Don’t go doing something stupid now.” Loveth kept mute as she stared longingly at the bubbling pot of rice. She could already perceive the aroma. “It has been so long we ate meat” she said absently. Timothy glanced at his sister and saw the wishful look on her small eight years old face. Tessy and Jerry finally entered the kitchen and he knew without asking that the hunger was digging deep. Inspiration struck and his face lit up. “You know what? We would eat meat today” “We would?” He watched the faces of his siblings lighten up and he felt like a giant. Timothy glanced outside. “Yes” he added some water to the pot on fire and put the lid. “Follow me” he said and walked out with his siblings on his tail. ***** As the day wore on, Bola forgot all about her fearful inclinations and unease, all she could think about was the wonder which was her son. She didn’t know what her life would be like, without her wonderful husband and exceptional children. Despite the hardships they had to face, her children were her joy and comfort. She went to George’s office which was just a walking distance from her shop and thankfully, was able to get some money from him. She left him to finish up for the day, bought some foodstuffs which would last a few days and finally closed the shop for the day. It had been an exceptional day and she prayed nothing would turn this day sour. ***** The sound of cutlery rang out as the four children devoured their meals of jollof rice and snails. It was the sweetest thing they had eaten in a long time. Timothy was so happy the idea of snails had popped into his head. They had all gone out, including Jerry, searching for snails in the compound. Thanks to the rain that fell during the day, they were able to find a good number of snails, though they were all small. Everyone seemed to forget about hunger as they worked together. It was the most fun thing they had done in a while. After soaking the snails in hot water, they all – excluding Jerry – worked on the shells, removing the meat inside after Timothy had shown them how. Now eating the deep fried snails, it almost tasted better than any other they had ever eaten. Timothy made sure he reserved some food for his parents, despite what his mother had told him. They were eating and chatting cheerfully amongst themselves when Timothy felt it again. His spoon dropped noisily from his fingers as mind-numbing pain struck is chest, sending him breathless. Loveth glanced at her brother. “Tim?” she called. “What is it?” her hands grew cold as she saw the same look she had seen the previous day in her brother’s eye. “Tim?” Timothy tried to shake his head in a bid to dismiss the worries of his siblings, but the pain was too much. His gaze grew blurry as sweats pebbled on his forehead. Loveth ran over to his side as Tessy and Jerry crowded around them. Loveth tried to rub Tim’s chest the way she had seen her dad do the previous day but it only seemed to get worse as Tim doubled over, falling off the chair onto the floor as pain engulfed him. Jerry and Tessy started crying as fear and confusion settled. “Sorry Tim” Tessy said, crying in confusion as Loveth remembered the balm of yesterday. She ran in search of it, willing herself not to cry as tears clawed at her lids. “Let us go and call mummy” Tessy cried out as Loveth returned with the balm and started rubbing it on her brother’s chest, but it didn’t seem to be doing the magic it did the previous day. “Tim…” she called over and over again. She was scared of leaving him. Scared that if she left him alone, something bad would happen. Timothy seemed to be falling unconscious and the noise of her younger ones crying was making Loveth crazy. Suddenly the front door opened and she flew up. “Mummy” she yelled. Bola flew into the sitting room, flinging everything in her hands carelessly. “Tim” she yelled as she pushed his siblings out of the way, lifting her son in her arms. “Timothy…” To be continued.

hmmmn what is now the cause of this sudden chest pain??...... poor boy i hope they find solution as fast as possible....

What's all these nah

What’s wrong wit Timothy na? I hope the family don’t face another problem they’d be looking money for

Episode 3 Bola wiped the tears that rolled down her cheek with her left hand as she bit hard on her shaking lips, almost drawing blood. She was on pins and needles, there at the waiting room of a family friend’s hospital, waiting for word on her son’s state. Bola wiped at her cheeks again as she stood up from the stiff hospital bench for the umpteenth time, feeling restless. She could hear the wild beating of her heart, she could see nothing but the tears that clouded her eyes; but when her gaze became clearer, all she could see was the image of her son lying painfully lifeless in her arms. Bola blinked, allowing her tears to flow down her cheeks as she stared at the door ahead again, expecting the doctor to come through it but no one came. The scanty people sitting around the waiting room watched her with a sympathetic look on their faces, almost like they had already sentenced her son in their minds. Bola swallowed. The hospital door flew open and George came charging through like a man going to war. Slight relief washed over Bola as she rushed into his arms. “Oh George…” she cried into his chest as he held her close. She had never been more happy to see him in all their years of marriage. She wanted his reassurance, the reassurance that everything would be okay… that she had nothing to worry about. “I got here as fast as I could” George pulled away slightly as he looked straight into her eyes. “What’s going on? What is the doctor saying? Is Timothy okay?” “I don’t know” Bola wailed, throwing her hands in frustration as fresh tears rolled down her cheeks. “I… I have not heard anything… nothing” her voice shook furiously. George charged forward, covering the distance between him and the nurse’s stand with his long strides. “Nurse” he called, facing the two nurses. He definitely knew them because he had visited the hospital several times, but now, he couldn’t even remember their names. “My son, how is he?” One of the nurses smiled softly at George. “The doctor is with him now, I’m sure he is fine” Her smile irritated him. How could anyone smile at a time like this? “Well, I need to know for sure how he is doing, I don’t want your speculation. Can we see him or the doctor at least?” He asked impatiently. The other nurse took over with a sharp look. “Sorry Mr Rogers, we can’t let you in. And I must say, disturbing the doctor now wouldn’t do anything to help your son. Please be patient, sir” George scratched his head nervously as he turned to his wife. His loss of control had only helped to increase Bola’s pensive state, but what could he do? A neighbour had rushed over to his office to tell him his first son had been rushed to the hospital. He had never been more rattled in his life. And now, his nerves were all over the place; how was he supposed to comfort Bola? He could see the shape of her teeth branded on her lower lip from excessive biting as she stared at him, hoping from one leg to the other. “What is going on, George” “Please calm down, Bola” he murmured. “Don’t tell me to calm down.” Bola snapped. “I was the one who had to bring Timothy here, unconscious. I called him and he did not answer… He didn’t answer me, George. He laid limp in my arms” she bursted out, sobbing. She blinked. “He looked…” she couldn’t finish it. “I… I am scared George” her voice shook as her face streamed with tears. “I am so scared” George sighed as he pulled her into his arms. “Come here” he ran his fingers over her short hair. “Everything would be fine. Timothy would be fine.” Bola nodded against his chest several times, wanting to believe those words. Hoping against hope that George was right. “The kids?” he asked. It was already dark outside. “They are with Elizabeth” she answered. Lizzy was their neighbour. While they stayed downstairs, Lizzy and her husband occupied the apartment directly above theirs. There were two other co-tenants in the four flats compound but Lizzy was by far the nicest and most trustworthy. A pity that the couple were still childless after many years of marriage. Bola spotted the doctor and flew out of George’s hands instantly. “Doctor… Doctor” she rushed as they got to the doctor in no time. “Timothy, how is he? How is my son?” The doctor smiled gently. “He is fine, don’t worry” Bola sagged with relief and closed her eyes briefly. “Thank you God! Thank you!” George let out a relieved sigh, holding Bola firmly to his side. “Can I see him now?” Bola asked anxiously. Doctor Gbola nodded slowly. “he is asleep now but you can see him. I’m sure he would be awake soon” he motioned towards a nurse and gave her some instructions. “Follow her” he finally said to Bola. Without batting an eye, Bola fell in stride with the nurse. “I’d join you soon” George called after her. He stared at the doctor, knowing undoubtedly that there was more, he was just not sure he wanted to hear it. “Gbola, what’s wrong with Timothy?” Doctor Gbola sighed and turned in the direction of his office. “Come with me” ***** Loveth stared at her siblings and wondered how they could be so daft. They were both watching cartoon on the TV like nothing just happened some hours ago. Aunty Elizabeth had been able to talk Tessy and Jerry into believing that Timothy was just fine, that he was only acting drama earlier, when he fell down, gasping in pain. Of course, Loveth hadn’t believed a word she said. She might be a little girl but she surely wasn’t dumb. Loveth walked to the veranda and looked down. Their apartment was still dark, the lights were still out, her parents and brother were not home yet. She wondered what was taking them so long… wondered if Tim was okay… What if something bad had happened? What if? Loveth hugged her small frame as cold chill brought goosebumps to her skin. She heard footsteps and turned. “Loveth” Aunty Elizabeth approached and bent fractionally to talk to her. “Why don’t you come and sleep with your siblings? They are dozing off already” she said softly. Loveth nodded. “I am waiting for Tim” Elizabeth sighed and squatted. “You didn’t believe that story I framed up, did you” Loveth shrugged her tiny shoulder and Elizabeth smiled. She didn’t think Loveth would be that easily fooled. She was too bright and way too mature for that. Elizabeth put her hands on Loveth’s shoulders and pulled her closer. “But do you believe me when I say your brother is fine?” Loveth blinked. “How do you know?” Elizabeth smiled carefully. “Because I also fainted once before, like your brother. I am fine now, right?” “But he was just lying there, he did not say anything even when mummy shook him several times” Elizabeth saw the small girl fight the tears that came to her eyes and almost broke down in tears. Such strength in someone so small! For her sake, Lizzy kept her face straight. “I know my dear. But I promise he is fine. Timothy is a strong boy, right?” Loveth nodded “Good. Now, I want you to come in now and sleep, okay? You’ll see that when you wake, your brother would be back and bouncing” A tiny ray of hope glittered in the girl’s eye. “Are you sure, aunty Lizzy?” Elizabeth grinned. “Very sure” she stood and put her arm around Loveth, “Come on” she said, walking with her back into the sitting room. ***** “What do you mean, Gbolahan?” George asked with a frown. “Surely, you must have detected something. Typhoid fever or something…” Doctor Gbola sighed. “Well, I did everything I could, ran series of tests but we couldn’t diagnose the real cause of Timothy’s breakdown. I suspect it is a reaction to stress or sleeping pattern, but that shouldn’t have elicited such level of pain. You know this is a small hospital, I think you may have to take him to a bigger hospital, preferably a government hospital, since they have several machines at their disposal.” he paused slightly as George shifted in his chair. “But that may not be necessary. I’ll prescribe some drugs. If he improves after using the drugs, then you have nothing to worry about.” George took a deep breath and swallowed. “How much are we looking at?” Doctor Gbola smiled. He had known George for a while and he was one of the pastors Gbola had come to respect. “The drugs are all you need to pay for. I’ll give you a note to give to the nurse, they’ll give you the drugs at cost price” George let out a breath as a small smile crept up his face. “Thank you, Gbola. God bless you” ***** Bola opened her eyes heavily, feeling extreme fatigue like she had been grinding pepper throughout the night. She blinked severally and suddenly jerked out of bed as something flashed through her mind. “Timothy” she murmured as she rushed to the bathroom to wash sleep off her face. They had arrived home really late the previous night, it had taken some time for Timothy to wake up at the hospital and he had fallen right back to sleep when they got home. George had carried the sleeping children from their neighbor’s place into their beds, and after much prodding, George had been able to lull her to sleep. Bola pushed her legs into the first pair of slippers she sighted – her husband’s – and quickly exited the room. It was just the crack of dawn. The night’s darkness was yet to lift off the earth. Bola picked the lantern at the passage and turned it up, till the orange glow spread out optimally. Noiselessly, she opened the door her son’s room and sighted him on the bed sleeping peacefully. For a moment, his lifeless form flashed through her mind, causing her heart to skip wildly. Taking a deep breath, she walked towards his bed and heaved a sigh when she saw the steady rise and fall of Tim’s chest. Bola sat at the edge of the bed for God knows how long, deriving pleasure in watching her son sleep. He looked so innocent and peaceful. She couldn’t imagine life without him – without any of her kids. Bola ran her fingers gently through Timothy’s hair and bent fractionally to kiss the top of his head. “Be okay for me, T.boy” she whispered. “Be okay for mummy” Bola felt eyes on her and turned to see George watching her carefully from the entrance. She was surprised to find the room bright, she didn’t know she had stayed so long there. She stood up. “Good morning” George walked into the room slowly. His eyes rested on Timothy as he put his hand slightly against his neck to feel his temperature. Satisfied, he drew to his full height and peered at Bola. “You’ve been crying again” She shook her head. He cupped her cheek, tracing a wet line with his finger. Bola swallowed, she had no idea that she had tears on her face. She bit her lip nervously, looking at her husband’s shirtless chest. George tugged her lips free of her teeth and leaned in, kissing her gently. For a moment, Bola forgot everything as she leaned into George, allowing her hands and mouth drive away her fears. As George’s kisses grew deeper, Bola suddenly imagined her children walking in on this sight and nearly broke into laughter. It is not everyday you find a pastor kissing his wife so passionately; what a spectacle they’d make.  George pulled back. “It’s a relief to finally see you smiling” Bola blinked. “There hasn’t been much to smile about lately” she ran the tips of her fingers over his chest. “What… did the doctor say yesterday?” she hadn’t had the boldness to ask last night, partly because she was scared of what the response would be. George was silent for a while. “We may have to… take Tim to general hospital for a checkup” Bola stared. “Mummy?” Bola spun like a top at the sound of Timothy’s voice. His eyes were open, peering at his parents with a blank look. Bola was at his side in an instant, sitting beside him on the bed. “Timothy my son, how are you? Bawo ni? How do you feel now?” “Sorry mummy” he murmured as his eyes sobered up. He looked at his dad. “Sorry daddy” Bola and George glanced at each other in confusion. “Sorry for what, Tim?” George asked. “For… making you worry so much yesterday” Bola released the breath she was holding and kissed the top of Timothy’s head. “You have nothing to be sorry for, T.boy. How do you feel now?” “Do you still feel pain with in your chest?” George added. Timothy lowered his eyes. “A little” he said. “I just feel a little tired. It would go soon” Bola nodded grimly. ***** Days passed. Each day adding it’s own measure of worry. Timothy seemed to grow weaker by the day. Bola and George grew more restless. Dark circles formed under their eyes as they barely slept at night; they were either praying or checking up on Timothy repeatedly. Timothy’s siblings were always by his side and Loveth’s eyes were eagle sharp, looking out for even the slightest change. Happy times dropped, worry sheated their faces. The days became dark, the nights grew darker… Four days later, Bola and George Rogers took Timothy to the General Hospital for a checkup. After series of tests, they were asked to come back in two days for the result. George had always preached on faith, preached against fear and anxiety, but now, as they walked into the General hospital, George was at his rope’s end. He felt like an overstretched rubber band, ready to snap. George walked into the overcrowded waiting hall of the General hospital, holding Timothy’s left hand firmly while Bola held Timothy’s right hand. They approached the nurses at the reception. “Good afternoon. We need to see doctor Felix, we have an appointment for today” he said, pushing their hospital card forward. The nurses barely spared them a glance. “You have to wait like everyone else. We would call you when it is your turn” one of the nurses answered drily. Bola shook her head as they turned away from the nurses. They quickly spotted an empty bench and went for it before it was taken over by someone else. Different people with unknown illnesses roamed around and the unsmiling nurses seemed to care less whether the people lived or died. They screamed at whoever tried to disturb their peace, preferring to chat freely amongst themselves rather than do their jobs. Timothy leaned his head against Bola’s shoulder and she turned instantly. She put the back of her palm against his neck and her eyes nearly popped in alarm. Timothy’s temperature had risen drastically and his skin was painfully pale. “Timothy” she called sharply. “Tim? Are you okay? How are you feeling?” Timothy shook. “I’m feeling cold” Bola moved his head onto her lap as George shrugged out of his jacket and covered Tim with it. George jumped to his feet and headed straight for the counter where the nurses sat, chatting freely amongst themselves. “Nurse” George called. “Please, we need to see Doctor Felix now, my son is very ill” A gum chewing nurse looked at him blankly. “Everyone here is very ill” she returned. “I know but my son needs immediate attention” he almost yelled. “Listen young man, if you cannot wait for your turn, I’ll ask security to throw you out of here and-” “Nurse” George turned and sighed gratefully immediately he saw Doctor Felix. “Follow me” Doctor Felix said, looking at him. George rushed off to where Bola was and lifted Timothy in his arms. Bola matched the strides of her husband, not letting go of Timothy’s hand for a second. ***** “I’m afraid we would have to admit your son” Doctor Felix said as they sat in his office. “God forbid” Bola said instantly. “What are you saying doctor?” The doctor relaxed into his chair. “Your son would have to remain here in the hospital if you want him to live” George grew pale as Bola jumped to her feet. The doctor shuffled through the documents on his table and pulled out a white sheet from a file. “This is the result of the test we carried out” he pushed the paper towards George who stared unseeing at the paper. Doctor Felix sighed. “I’m sorry, but the test result reveals that your son has… Leukemia” he dropped. George swallowed as he raised his eyes to the doctor. “What is that?” he managed. The doctor took a deep breath. “Cancer of the blood”. To be continued.

Holy Mary mother of Jesus.... How manage

hmmmmm

hmmmmm

Episode 4 Bola stood at the door of the hospital ward as tears streamed down her face. Her lips shook wildly and she made no effort to stop the tears flowing down her cheeks. She walked slowly into the room, staring at the hospital bed, just a few steps away. Her bloodshot eyes were blind to the two other occupants of the room, as she walked like a zombie towards the bed that held her interest. She got to the bed and stared through streaming eyes at the frail form of her son lying on the bed, unconscious. She ran her eyes over his pale innocent face as tears made a fast trek down her hot cheeks. No! She couldn’t accept this. Never in her wildest dreams and nightmares did she even imagine that her son would be a candidate of an hospital ward, looking like a complete shadow of himself. Leukemia… Cancer of the blood… The doctor’s words echoed in her ears, causing her chest to squeeze painfully until she was sure she could hardly breathe. Bola took a deep breath and eased herself onto the bed beside Timothy, watching the slow rise and fall of his chest. She lightly ran her hand over his short hair as tear drops fell onto the top of her blouse. “Mummy is here” she said in uneven broken voice as her lips shook from the force of holding her tears back. “Mummy is here now, my son”. She bent and kissed the top of Timothy’s head lingeringly, her tears disappearing into his hair. Bola straightened and wiped at her tears. “Nothing… nothing would happen to you, Timothy” she murmured as she stared at Timothy’s face. “I promise”. Her lips shook as despite her struggle, tears ran down her eyes again. “I promise you, my son” she cried, running her shaking fingers around Timothy’s hair. Footsteps approached and Bola lifted her eyes to George. He looked completely shattered, looking every bit his age and more. Lines of worry and beads of perspiration shone on his forehead and his lips were tightly drawn against his teeth. Bola had left George with the doctor when she hadn’t been able to stand what he was saying anymore. She realized now that she shouldn’t have. George looked on the verge of tears and the only thing that kept him hanging there was probably his fierce male pride. “George” she cried as she stood and held on to him like her life depended on it. She cried onto his chest as her tears created a damp patch on her husband’s shirt. “Oh George…” “Shhhhhh” George held Bola so close, they could hardly draw a descent breath. Pain tore at his heart as he held his crying wife in his arms staring at his son, lying on the bed. It was all he could do not to burst into tears. “Hush now” he murmured into Bola’s hair, feeling the dampness of his shirt seer the shattered pieces of his heart. He could not accept it! He would not accept it. George stared hard at Timothy. He knew just what cancer was and knew without a doubt that the survival rate was incredibly slim. But he could not accept it. His son couldn’t have leukemia. He couldn’t open his eyes wide and watch while his first fruit faded before his very eyes. Tears burned at the back of his eyes as he stared at Timothy’s pale body. He blinked back his tears furiously as his arms tightened around Bola. “That report is a lie” Bola muttered amidst tears. “My son cannot have cancer. I refuse to believe it” George swallowed and pulled back enough to look into Bola’s eyes. He didn’t disprove or approve her claim because he had the strong feeling that the report was accurate. “Everything would be fine. I promise” Bola blinked, sending the tears on her lashes flowing down. “I’m afraid this is a promise you won’t be able to keep, George” her lips shook. “Nothing would be okay from now onwards” George swallowed. “Don’t say that, Bola. Everything is possible with God, if I have to climb every mountain in this country to pray for my son, I will. Timothy would be fine” Bola stared at George and nodded. She swallowed as he wiped at her face. Bola turned back and sat on the bed, watching Timothy like a hawk. “The doctor said we can take Timothy home tonight and bring him back in two days.” George said. Bola turned. “How are we going to do that? If Timothy would be admitted here, what about the children? This place is too far from home, the car has been at the mechanics for weeks with no money to repair it.” Bola continued blabbing as thoughts kept pouring in her head, making their situation more precarious. Worry took over her features. “How would we foot the hospital bills, George? I’ve spent almost all my capital on drugs. My God, what are we going to do?” George swallowed, taking a deep breath. “I’ll take care of it.” ***** Loveth watched her siblings play in the veranda of Aunty Elizabeth’s apartment. It seemed a century ago since she saw the bit of excitement. Loveth smiled, feeling like a child again, for the first time in days. She was so young but felt so old already. She had always loved to be called a big girl. She hated being called a child that she wanted to grow up so bad. She wanted to do the things adults did, feel what adults feel. But now, she wasn’t sure anymore… She had seen the pain in her parents’ eyes, seen their excessive worry over Timothy, she had seen tears on her mother’s cheeks when she thought no one was looking. If that’s what it took to be an adult, Loveth didn’t think she wanted to grow up just yet. If only she could play like a kid again… If only she could be as naive as her younger ones, maybe she wouldn’t worry so much about Timothy. Something crossed Loveth’s mind and she straightened, jumping to her feet instantly as she walked into the house. the tension at home had been so much the past few days, Loveth wanted to do something to alleviate it, and if what she had in mind worked, she was sure they would be little laughter in the house today. She had told Timothy that she would cook rice and beans, he would be in for a good surprise when he arrives, Loveth thought, smiling to herself. “Finally, you are smiling” Elizabeth approached Loveth with a smile. “Where are you going?” “I’m going home” Elizabeth frowned. “To do what?” “I want to cook” Loveth grinned, looking all confident. Elizabeth chuckled. “You… Cook” she shook her head. “can you cook? Can you even light a stone to boil water? ” “Ahan, Yes now” Loveth lied. “I can cook very well. I can cook rice” “Ehen” Lizzy folded her hands beneath her bosom. “So what do you want to cook now?” Loveth could see that Lizzy was making fun of her but she didn’t care. She was so excited, thinking of the expression on her brother and parents’ face when they discovered she made their meal. “Rice and beans” “Together?” Loveth nodded. “Sounds delicious already. Unfortunately, I can’t let you do this. What if you burn the house down or hurt yourself. No. You are too small to cook” Loveth looked crestfallen. “No, but I can” she whined. “I told T.boy that I would make rice and beans but he said I couldn’t. I want to prove him wrong… and it would make him laugh” Elizabeth stared at Loveth as her face took on that sober pout that always won her over. “You can come watch me if you want, but…” she raised her finger in warning. “…don’t tell me what to do” she grinned. “I want to cook the food myself” Elizabeth shook her head in wonder and laughed. “Okay, you win” “Yes” Loveth hopped excitedly and Lizzy was glad she agreed to it. It had been a while she saw the child in Loveth. It was a relief to see. “You be careful, okay?” she warned sternly and Loveth made a cross over her heart. “Go on now. Be careful putting on the stove, okay. I’ll watch your siblings for a while then come check on you. Dont add too much salt” Loveth skipped out of the house and down the stairs, wearing a king-sized smile. She was as excited as a child who just got her first gift. She yanked open the door to their apartment and skipped all the way to the kitchen. “Rice and beans” she muttered to herself. Now that she was in the kitchen, she felt completely clueless. But nothing ever stopped her from achieving her goal, it wasn’t about to start now. Bringing out the pot, she rinsed and set it aside. Filled the pot halfway with clean water, lit the stove and put the pot on it. Loveth stared at the pot on fire, wondering what would go in first. Would she put the rice and beans together at once? No. She vaguely knew that her mum always put one before the other. She smiled. “Rice and beans” Loveth muttered as she brought out the rice. She took a sizeable amount, washed it and poured it in the pot. She poured beans onto a flat tray and settled down to pick it. When I’m done picking out the dirt, the rice would be soft, so I can put the beans, Loveth said to herself, smiling happily. She pictures Timothy’s face and wished he would get back faster. Today, he would eat rice and beans made by me. Loveth grinned excitedly. ***** Bola hugged her children so tight, she wanted to infuse them into herself. She wanted their distinct childlike scent to wash away her fears, wash away the awful news she got today. It was very dark when they arrived home and nothing gave her more joy than seeing her children, alive and well. She put a strained smile on her face for the sake of the children. They shouldn’t see her sad, they shouldn’t know that something was gravely wrong – especially Timothy. He couldn’t know; Bola couldn’t bear the thought of telling him he had cancer. Timothy sat with them now, beside George in the sitting room as Loveth hopped beside him, wearing a suspiciously wide grin as she talked endlessly to Tim. Timothy smiled and answered Loveth’s numerous questions. Bola squatted before her children, inspecting them much more than she usually did. She couldn’t help it. “How are you? Did you enjoy yourselves at Aunty Lizzy’s place today?” Tessy and Jerry bobbed their heads. “Yes mummy, we ate spaghetti and fish” Tessy said. Bola smiled. She didn’t think she would be able to thank Elizabeth enough for taking care of her children in her absence. “Did you now? It was sweet, right?” They nodded. Tessy turned suddenly with a big smile. “Loveth cooked rice and beans” “What?” George and Bola echoed as their eyes flashed to Loveth. “You didn’t” Timothy muttered, his eyes wide. “I did” Loveth grinned at him. “When did she start cooking?” George asked Bola, looking astounded. Loveth looked at the priceless expression on Tim’s face and grinned so widely, her mouth engulfed her entire face. She gave him the ‘I-told-you-I-would-do-it’ look. “You cooked rice and beans” he echoed, looking bewildered. “Yes, I made dinner” Loveth had never been more proud in her life. Bola sat on the edge of her seat. “Would you stop smiling, young lady? Who asked you to cook anything? Did you tell Aunty Lizzy before doing this?” “Yes, and she let me” For the first time since they arrived, George was smiling mischievously. Loveth surely took that trait from him. Bola couldn’t see what George was smiling about. What if Loveth had hurt herself with her little cooking experiment? God knew she couldn’t stand any more source of worry. “Tell me, lady chef, how did you cook it?” George asked. Loveth looked uncertain now, as her cheeks flushed with embarrassment. “I put the rice on fire. When the rice was soft, I put beans. I put salt, oil, pepper, crayfish and Maggi. I did not know how many Maggi I should put but I put four” she stared at their faces, trying to justify herself. “The food is very sweet ooo…” she pointed out and blinked, looking at her fingers as her shoulders fell, “…but, the beans is not very soft”. The was a brief silence, then everyone busted into laughter. Loveth didn’t like that one bit that they were making jest of her ‘hard work’ but she never felt happier. Timothy and her parents was laughing so hard. It had been such a long time since she saw that. “Of course, the beans can’t be soft.” Bola muttered laughing. “You should have cooked the beans first” It was the same thing Aunty Lizzy had said. Loveth sighed in defeat. “I thought, since it is ‘rice and beans’, I would cook the rice first.” she explained. George shook his head with a smile. “You are something else” he muttered with a grin. He adjusted on his seat. “Oh well, I am very hungry now. Why don’t you serve us this delicacy, Loveth” Loveth smiled widely, flashing her tiny white teeth as she stared at Timothy with a victorious look on her face. Timothy shook his head, unable to stop himself from smiling as Loveth marched into the kitchen with her shoulders high. To be continued.

Episode 5  ​Tomorrow, Timothy returns to the hospital! The children had no idea. Since the previous day, with Loveth’s cooking, they played so much, even Loveth seemed to loosen up a bit. It was just like old times in a way, but then, it wasn't. Timothy’s strength was very low, he couldn't keep up with his siblings,  and no matter how much he tried to hide his weaknesses from his parents and siblings, pain always finds a way of making itself known. Timothy had no idea what was wrong with him, Bola doubted he would even know the extent of his illness if she told him he had cancer. Despite his high maturity, he was still a little boy.  And every strained smile, every playful chatter with her children, awoke in Bola a pain too deep to quench. It was hard, keeping her emotions locked inside when all she wanted to do was scream her frustration to be heard above high mountains. It was hard crying only within the four walls of their small bathroom, allowing the water to disguise her tears as they beaded down her cheeks. It shouldn't be her son, it shouldn't be Timothy; it wasn't fair that one so young and innocent had to go through so much pain. But life isn't fair and they were made to learn to find the beauty in life’s darkness… Bola almost never caught a whim of sleep. She was constantly by Timothy’s side, making his pain hers and giving the succor only a mother can give her child. George couldn't give the moral support he usually gave Bola; heck, he was badly in need of support himself. He was stretched taut in his quest to be a better husband; a better father… They were in dire need of money, now more than ever and it was a constant source of frustration to know that he couldn't meet up with his responsibilities as the provider of the home.  Bola walked into Timothy’s room and saw that he had fallen asleep. She pulled a wrapper over his small form, staring at him for a prolonged moment. Taking a deep breath, she walked out of the room, making sure she left the door open in case he woke up and needed anything.  “Loveth” Bola called aloud as she got to the sitting room. Loveth charged in from outside, her head popping through the door. “Call your siblings, I want to see you all” Loveth nodded and seconds later, the three children came trooping through the door, chatting happily. It was a relief to see, although, Bola knew without being told that their excitement would die down in a few minutes. The children looked at her awkward smile and instantly knew something was wrong. Jerry was too young to understand much, but Tessy and Loveth were fast becoming accustomed to their mother’s mood swings.  “Sit down, children, I want to tell you something” They all sat, looking anxiously at her face. Loveth had a small frown on her face. “What is it, mummy?” she asked as they waited for Bola to say something.  Bola smiled. “Children, you all know that your big brother hasn't been feeling too fine lately, right?” they nodded stiffly. “Well,  Mummy and daddy would have to stay in the hospital with Tim for a few days, until he gets better” Tessy frowned. “Tim would be sleeping in the hospital?” she seemed confused.  “Yes baby, Tim would have to stay over at the hospital, so they can treat him very well and he won’t fall sick again” she explained as simply as possible. Loveth stared at her mother. “But you took him to the hospital yesterday and said he’s getting better, why is he going to stay in the hospital again?” she accused.  Bola blinked and swallowed hard. If only they knew that Tim’s illness couldn't be treated in a day… She should have waited for George to get back, this was becoming harder for her. “Yes, I know Lovey, but Tim still needs to be treated in the hospital so he’ll be completely fine. You understand that, right?” Loveth’s face was hooded once more, looking blank. Bola wondered what she might be thinking or feeling. It had been so long since she heard Loveth sing. It was what Loveth was known for. She sang through anything, even composed new songs while doing house chores without premeditating it. Everyone felt she would turn out to be a very famous singer, one to be reckoned with… “Where would we stay?” Loveth suddenly asked.  “Let us stay with Aunty Lizzy” Tessy added with a glow in her eyes.  “Yes, Aunty Lizzy” Jerry seconded, his childlike voice ringing with excitement.  Loveth glanced at her siblings wondering how they could be excited over something that was so sad. “No, you won’t stay with Aunty Lizzy, you’ll be staying with Pastor Peter” She had discussed this with George. Elizabeth’s husband was already back from his trip, keeping the kids with them might be a disturbance, especially since they didn't have their own children. It was much better to keep the children with a pastor friend, at least, the children would be closer to their school. Bola watched as the faces of her children fell. This surely wasn't going well at all. “You know, pastor Peter has two dogs, you like dogs, right?” The children stared at her with a sober look. Bola swallowed. “We’ll be back in no time, I promise” ***** George walked around his office, waiting for his cousin. He wasn't himself. All his sermons on faith were back to haunt him. Fear had evaded the carnies of his mind, pushing his faith out of the way. His eyes were heavy from lack of sleep. Where on earth was he supposed to get money for Timothy’s treatment. For the first time ever, George felt like less of a man. He was the head of the family; why couldn't he fend for his family? His family was practically falling apart before his very eyes. Because of Timothy’s treatment, he and Bola had agreed to take the kids to a pastor friend’s place, to stay until Timothy was okay. Bola would have to stay perpetually with Timothy in the hospital while he scouts around for money. What if he fails and cannot provide the money for Timothy’s treatments when needed? What if Timothy pays the grand price, all because of his financial inadequacy? He didn't think he would be able to live with that.  George swallowed, pulled back his old wooden chair and sat on it. He was into Estate management and letting; as a pastor, he did not find it easy. People saw ‘agents’ as fraudsters and liars but George had gone into it when money wasn't forthcoming. His integrity had paid off, people trusted him and sought his services above all else.  George raised his head as someone loomed over him. He smiled at the landlord of the building and stood up.  “Good evening sir” he greeted.  Mr Lawal frowned at him. “Pastor, you look sick. Are you okay?” George swallowed, looking at the elderly man. “What’s going on?” George took a deep breath and explained the situation on ground. Mr Lawal turned pale, staring at George with compassion. “Ah… You would have to pray very well o, Pastor. The same thing happened to my brother’s daughter two years ago, she did not survive it” George’s eyes snapped up. Perfect! Just what he needed. George stood up, unable to keep still.  “I’m sorry, I didn't mean to scare you, I had to say it as it is. But I’m sure your son would be fine, you've prayed for people with worse situations and they were healed” he smiled. “God listens to you” George nodded wordlessly. The last thing he needed was to know that someone with Tim’s ailment was already dead. “Thank you sir” he murmured.  Footsteps approached and Fred walked in. George sighed in relief. He had to get this over with and go home. He suddenly felt the urge to check up on Tim. This was surely fear at work.  “Fred” Fred was a distant cousin from his mother’s side. George was several years older than Fred though. “I’m glad you are here” Fred greeted George and the landlord, frowning slightly. “Is everything okay, brother?” “No Fred. I need you to help me manage this place for a while. I wouldn't be available for a while and I don’t want this place to be under lock and key. I’ll direct all my clients to you, so you can attend to them in my absence” “Yes, of course brother, but where are you going? What’s the problem?” “It’s Tim” Fred frowned deeply. “What’s wrong with Timothy?” George swallowed and explained Tim’s health condition to Fred. Fred sobered up. “Oh my God” he muttered. “You have nothing to worry about bro, you can count on me” “I promise, any commission you make, we’ll split it equally” “Of course not, brother, we are family. You need the money now, more than ever. You have nothing to worry about” George smiled. “Thank you, Fred” ***** “C’mon, give mummy a smile” Bola muttered with a weak smile on her face. We’ll be back very soon, I promise” Bola murmured as she crouched before her kids. Pastor Peter and his wife stood behind the children. Their small traveling bags and school bags had been carried inside but still, the children were not smiling. Jerry looked on the verge of tears. Barely two years old, Jerry was too small to be left alone. Tessy stared mutely at the ground, while Loveth had a deceptive calm look on her face. Her pride wouldn't allow her show just how much this was affecting her; somehow, that was more heartbreaking than even Jerry’s tears. George tapped Bola gently and moved her out of the way. He crouched before the children with a convincing smile on his face. “Don’t be sad now children, see, i promise, to bring you something when we’re coming back.” he stared into their eyes. “what do you want me to get you?” “Cheese balls” Jerry mouthed almost instantly.  George grinned. “And you?” he asked Tessy and she nodded. Loveth didn't make a sound. “Okay, I promise to bring you pleeenty cheese balls. Do you want that?” Tessy and Jerry bobbed their heads as their eyes flashed with mild delight. “You be good children, okay? And do whatever big mummy and daddy tell you, okay?” They nodded and George hugged them all briefly. Tim stood with Bola, he had a pained look on his face. Loveth’s eyes lingered on him for several seconds. They stood just a few steps from each other, but it felt like a great wall had been erected, pushing them apart and severing the great bond that they shared. Throughout the short walk to Pastor Peter’s place, Loveth barely said a word to Tim. He was closer to her than even her parents, Loveth didn't know how she would stay for days without talking to Tim.  George hugged Pastor Peter, thanking him profusely for his help. He turned to Tim and smiled gently. “Say goodbye to your siblings, Tim” Tim blinked and walked forward. Despite his weakness, he mustered a bright smile for his younger ones. “Bye Jay Jay, bye Tess” he murmured. “I’ll miss you a lot. When I get back, I’ll tell you all that happened there, okay?” Tessy and Jerry nodded. Tim turned to look at Loveth. She stared back at him, her mouth set in the stubborn manner he knew so well. Her eyes revealed nothing; he was surely going to miss her. “I’ll miss you, love” “You’ll be fine when I see you, right?” she asked anxiously.  Tim smiled. “Yes” “Promise?” Tim swallowed and nodded. His eyes watered and he blinked severally. Big boys don’t cry. “You’ll make me another rice and beans when I get back, right?” For the first time all evening, Loveth smiled. “The beans would be soft this time” Tim smiled. “Bye Love” “Bye T.boy” Loveth did not like the sound of goodbye. But she knew Tim had to go, he had to get better so they could go back to the way they used to be.  Bola wiped the tears that streaked down her cheeks. She hugged her children tightly, capturing their scent so it could wash away her fears and give her more strength. She kissed their heads and stood up.  Pastor Peter and his wife pulled the children back as they waved at George, Bola and Timothy. Jerry and Tessy soon started crying as the other half of their family retreated slowly. Loveth bit hard on her lip and blinked several times. She hadn't cried since this started, she wasn't about to start now. Her brother would be back. Tim would be back!. To be continued.

EPISODE 6 “What?!” George roared. “You can’t be serious” Bola’s face was as pale as sheet. Nurse Chinwe blew out her bubble gum, making a pop sounds as she scribbled something on a large hospital book, looking totally unconcerned. “Well, I am very serious, madam” she said nonchalantly. “Well, it can’t be. Doctor Felix can’t be on a trip; the doctor himself told us to come today” George barked as his eyes flashed in rage. He fisted his palms by his side, hoping he wouldn’t fly into pieces from excessive anger. Nurse Chinwe raised her eyes slowly from the journal in front of her, looking up George with an irritated look on her face. “See mr man, come and be going. Ahan, what is it? I told you the doctor has travelled, what do you want me to do?” She hissed. Bola’s eyes watered as she hopped nervously. She glanced back at Timothy who was seated on one of the hospital benches, then looked back at the nurse with a pleading look. “But… but my son is very ill… he grows weaker every minute. He needs to be treated, nurse, please” Nurse Chinwe glared at George for a prolonged moment, then glanced at Bola before resuming chewing her bubble gum. “We have some student doctors in the hospital” “What? I am not putting my son’s life in the hands of some quack untrained doctors who don’t even know the definition of malaria” George raved, his voice rang out, attracting stares from some people in the hospital. “George…” “Bia take yourself and your son’s life out of here, before I throw you out; ogini?” Nurse Chinwe flared up. “Oh no, please…” Bola pulled a raving George aside, casting a worried glance at the nurse and another glance at Timothy. He was now lying on the bench, not looking good at all. George was beside himself with rage. “How can people be so heartless?” he stared at Bola, not really seeing her. “that doctor told us to come today knowing fully well that he would be travelling… So callous” Bola pulled closer to George, lowering her voice as she spoke. “You have to calm down George, you can’t consistently lose your temper like this, Timothy’s best interest is at stake here” George shifted uncomfortably. “What do we do, then? You don’t expect me to leave Timothy here, in the hands of God knows who, do you? And just look at that nurse. She’s the same as the other heartless nurses in this hospital” “But what other choice do we have? We have to. And no, we are not leaving him in their hands, we are leaving him in God’s hands. It is not up to them to heal Tim, it is up to God.” Bola placed her palm gently on his chest. “Please George, we can’t afford to be destabilized now. We have to remain calm for Tim’s sake. He is feeling really bad that he is putting us through so much struggles, we need to hide our anxiety from him, George.” George swallowed and nodded. Bola smiled faintly. “Everything would be fine, George, we just have to keep our faith strong.” Bola was right, of course. He was allowing the tension to get to him, especially considering the fact that he had just put his three children in the care of his pastor friend. He knew Pastor Peter well enough, but then, one could never really know someone, right? Frustration ate away at George’s insides. He hated being unable to do anything about this terribly unpleasant situation. If only he had money enough to take Tim to a standard private hospital… But no, this was all he could afford, or try to afford. Even the expenses in this government hospital seemed like an uphill task for him. But he would make things work; he had to make things work for Tim, for his family, for everyone. George turned towards the nurse busy chewing gum at the reception desk and felt extreme anger at his own helplessness. ‘Give me the strength, oh God’ ***** Loveth’s eyes slowly pushed open. It was just the crack of dawn. Why was her bed so hard and unfamiliar against her skin? She wondered. Her head pounded slightly as her eyes roamed the room in the shifting darkness. Tessy and Jerry lay asleep on a mat on the floor. Loveth didn’t remember ever seeing a mat in their house. The room was very unfamiliar; and why? why didn’t her mum wake her up for school? Loveth frowned, several questions ran through her mind within splits of seconds, then the reality of the past day dawned on her. Loveth blinked, remembering all that happened the previous day. They were not in their house anymore. Her parents were gone; she wouldn’t be seeing Tim anytime soon… She sighed and lay back on the bed. She felt sick. Loveth ate next to nothing the previous day, Tessy and Jerry were not any better. Since Mr Peters’ two children were off to boarding school, Loveth and her siblings were the only children in the house. Loveth couldn’t help but think they would have been better with Aunty Lizzy. She was like a second mother to them and surely, Tessy and Jerry would have been much livelier with her than they were here. The previous night, they had been as quiet as a mule. Loveth didn’t know till now just how much she depended on their playful chatter; it went a long way in diffusing the tension. But then, Loveth wasn’t sure anything could diffuse the tension she was feeling. Steps drew closer to the door. Loveth raised her eyes to the door as it creaked open. Mrs Peters entered and frowned at the sleeping children till her eyes landed on Loveth. “Loveth dear” she called. Loveth stood from the bed and knelt. “Good morning ma” she greeted. “Why are you still in bed?” Despite her soft tone, her face looked displeased. “Don’t you do morning chores in your house?” Loveth blinked. At home, Tim mostly did all that needed to be done while they prepared for school; she couldn’t say that now, could she? “Yes ma” she answered shortly. “Good. Now, go and wash the dishes in the kitchen, and be fast so you can prepare for school”. She turned to leave, then glanced at Tessy and Jerry who were still fast asleep. “Tessy is not too small to sweep, is she?” Loveth frowned. “Dust affects her” Mrs Peters was about to say something then decided against it. She opened the door and walked out. Loveth released a relieved breath and sat at the edge of the bed for a few seconds. So much had changed within so short a time and she was having trouble wrapping her young mind around the spinning ball of change. With sheer will and determination, she stood up and pushed her small feet into her rubber slippers. It wouldn’t do to have Mrs Peters come back to meet her on bed now, would it? A small lamp lit the sitting room, driving away the darkness. She lifted it, taking it with her to the kitchen. Plates from last night sat in the sink, together with three pots. Loveth scanned round until her eyes landed on the stool. She dragged it to the sink and climbed to give her height advantage over the sink. She smiled when she thought of what Tim would say if he saw her now. He always teased her whenever she climbed a stool to do the dishes at home. Her smile wiped off. Tim wasn’t there and he wouldn’t be there for several days, she would have to get used to it. Loveth always sang happily while doing the dishes, but not now. For the first time, Loveth stacked the plates in complete silence. ***** The foul stench of hospital woke Timothy from his dreamless sleep. His eyes popped open and everything swam as a wave of dizziness engulfed him. He blinked severally until his eyes settled fully on the dirty white ceiling overhead. The hospital smell grew stronger with every laboured breathing he took. It was a direct contrast to the nice and homey smell of their home. Timothy wondered if he would get used to it; wondered if he would get used to the smell of drugs, of blood, of everything that combined to give hospitals that awkward sickening smell. He missed home… He missed the softness of his bed against his back. Tim felt someone beside him and saw his mother beside him. She sat on a chair beside him and her head was on the bed beside him as she slept off. Tears burned at the back of his eyes and he couldn’t stop them from rolling down his cheeks. The last thing he ever wanted was to put his mother through so much pain and struggles. Timothy didn’t see his father anywhere around but he knew undoubtedly that his father must be going through so much in trying to see that he was okay. Why was he the source of some much pain and turmoil? His siblings were gravely unhappy and it was entirely his fault. Timothy could not wipe away their sad faces from his head. He didn’t want to think of the tears he saw in Loveth’s eyes the previous day. The tears that she had fought so hard to keep at bay. He swallowed as he raised his hand weakly. He lightly brushed off the hair that fell over his mother’s face, the way he had seen his father do so many times. Worry lines etched Bola’s face even in her sleep, making Timothy feel even guiltier. Bola felt the hand on her face and opened her eyes. Tim’s face came to view and she jumped up, snapping out of her slumber. “Tim?” she said in alarm. “Why are you crying? What’s wrong? Are you okay?” she stuttered, hoping at Tim’s tears with shaky fingers. Tim nodded then shook his head. “I’m sorry, mum” he muttered as his eyes teared up again. “Sorry? Sorry for what?” Bola muttered in confusion and worry. “I caused all this? Everybody is worried about me… Everyone is suffering because of me… I..” “Stop it, Tim” Bola rebuked softly, sitting beside Tim, on the bed. “Don’t ever blame yourself for anything, do you hear me?” she wiped at Tim’s face. “But mummy…” “But nothing. I don’t want to hear you saying it even thinking it, do you hear me? You did not bring this sickness upon yourself and I won’t have you blaming yourself, do you hear me?” Bola’s voice shook. Tim blinked and nodded stiffly. Bola bent and kissed his forehead. “Thank you, mummy” Tim muttered. “Thank you for taking care of me” Bola blinked back tears as she smiled. “Just be fine for me, okay? Be fine for all of us” Timothy nodded. “Where is daddy?” “He went to get… something. He’ll be back soon” Bola answered. ***** Fred smiled at himself as he sat behind the desk at B&B Properties. He hadn’t been this happy in a while. Truly one man’s misfortune is another man’s fortune. He felt so sorry for his cousin; Timothy was such a sweet boy and an exceptional drummer even at his age, he couldn’t imagine anything bad happening to him. But boy! Doesn’t it just feel so good to sit in an office for the very first time? Though the office was Georges, Fred felt a sense of entitlement as he sat facing the large table filled with documents. The glass sliding door provided a good view of the road. Till now, Fred didn’t realise just how good the office was. Fred relaxed his back against the backrest of the wooden chair and breathed a sigh of contentment. It had been years since he had been searching for a decent job for himself with his Secondary School Certificate but it had all been fruitless. The struggle had multiplied when he impregnated his girlfriend over two years ago and had to marry her. He barely had enough to feed himself, his wife and their two years old baby girl; it could only get worse now that his wife was already three months pregnant for their second child. Though Fred had told George that he wouldn’t take any share from whatever he made, Fred knew that he wasn’t going to pull through with that. He was in charge of this office now and he intended to make something for himself in the process. Someone approached the office and Fred adjusted himself on the chair. A couple entered into the office and Fred smiled at them. “Good morning” he greeted. The man looked at him cautiously as he and his wife responded to his greeting. “Are you Fred Uba?” “That’s me. You can have your seat.” he gestured to the chairs in front and watched as the couple sat. “What can I do for you, sir?” “Well, I’m Mr Haruna. Pastor told me that he won’t be in the office for some time but I would meet you here” Mr Haruna explained. Fred smiled. “That’s correct. I’m in charge of the office in his stead, is there anything you need?” “Actually, he was working on a particular apartment for me, but I want to take my wife there to be sure she likes it before we pay.” Pay! The word rang in Fred’s ears as he thought of what it would feel like to have real money in his hand. Not even a day yet and he already had a client! God is good. Fred blinked and nodded suddenly as he remembered something. “Yes… yes, he told me about you. It’s the apartment at Ilupeju bus stop right?” Mr Haruna smiled, visibly relaxing. “It is”. “Okay, are you ready to see it now?” he looked from Mr Haruna to his wife who had been watching them mutely. “Yes, of course.” Fred nodded, opened the drawer and pulled out the keys to the apartment. It was the only building George was fully managing, so he had the keys with him to show potential tenants. Fred stood and walked around the table. “Shall we go?” The couple stood up and walked ahead as Fred followed closely behind with a big smile on his face. To be continued

​Episode 7 Loveth pulled the shirt of Jerry’s uniform above his head and frowned as her stomach grumbled. She was terribly hungry turned to Tessy, seeing her struggle with the button of her skirt. She popped the bottom and Tessy pushed down her skirt. “Lovey, I’m hungry” “Me too” Jerry seconded. Loveth nodded and put a small smile on her face. “I’ll go and check the kitchen for food, okay?” she looked into both her siblings’ eyes as they nodded. She pulled down Jerry’s uniform pants, folded it and nodded at Tessy. “Put on your clothes, Tess and help Jerry with his clothes” Loveth straightened and dusted the skirt of her uniform. “I’m coming” Loveth left their bedroom and walked into the sitting room. Mr Peters wasn’t in but Loveth could hear the voice of Mrs Peters talking and laughing with her compound neighbour. It had been three days. Three days since she saw or heard from the other half of her family. She never thought she would miss home so much, but right now, Loveth wanted nothing more than to have her family back. Loveth didn’t like Mrs Peters and she knew undoubtedly that the feeling was mutual. She didn’t mind the chores Mrs Peters made her do because it helped to keep her mind off thoughts of Tim and her parents, but the woman seemed bent on making Loveth and her siblings feel unwelcome.  Loveth entered the kitchen, climbed a stool and opened the pots. She found them empty, save a pot of soup. Her face fell as her tummy rumbled in wild complaint. She stared at the pot of soup. Tessy and Jerry entered the kitchen, looking at her with eyes brimming with hope. Suddenly, Loveth understood what their mother must have been going through all those times when there was no food in the house and they looked up to their mother to perform some magic. Loveth didn’t feel like an almost-nine-years-old girl, the feeling of being so young was so foreign to her now.  “There’s no food” Loveth declared and felt their pain as their eyes fell. Her own tummy was going wild in protest.  “I’m hungry” Jerry whined as his eyes watered. “I want to go to mummy” “No. No crying now” Loveth said hastily. “You know what?” she smiled as she moved closer to her siblings. “I’ll cook rice” Tessy smiled slowly. “You want to cook again” her smile faded. “Big mummy would talk” Loveth thought of telling Mrs Peters but decided against it. Just last night, Loveth had asked for a biro and Mrs Peters had snapped at her sharply, Loveth regretted ever going to her.  “She won’t talk. Both of you should go and play ball in the compound, I’ll be there soon” When Jerry and Tessy were out of sight, Loveth turned to the cabinet and climbed back on the stool. She lit the stove, filled a pot moderately with water and put it on the stove.  Loveth climbed down from the stool and measured a cup of rice into a bowl. She was going to tell Tim that she prepared ordinary rice too, the thought brought a smile to her face. Still carried away by her stray thoughts, she made to climb the stool again and slipped.  Loveth landed on the floor with a painful thud, as she let out a loud yelp. The rice she had in her hand was scattered all over the ground as the pain from her fall brought tears to her eyes.  Mrs Peters dashed into the kitchen, followed by the running feet of Loveth’s siblings. “What is this?” she yelled at Loveth who was sprawled on the floor tried to stand up. Tears were on her cheeks as she held her head in pain. Gloria Peters eyes grew as large as doughnuts as she scanned the ground. “What is all these?” her voice was even louder now,  her eyes issuing wordless threats. “Loveth. What is my rice doing on the floor” Loveth pushed to her feet, wiping at her face with her small hand. Tessy and Jerry tried to push through Mrs Peters to Loveth but send them staggering back with one push. “Can’t you talk?” Loveth blinked, looking at her shivering fingers. “Big mummy… I… I wanted to cook… rice” she stuttered.  Gloria Peters mimicked Loveth’s speech before glaring down at her. “Who gave you the right to cook anything in my kitchen, you stupid girl” Loveth counted the grains of rice on the floor as she cringed. “We were… hungry” she wiped the tears on her cheeks with a single swipe of her hand. She always found it weird that she never cried when serious things happen, but a single fall was enough to bring tears coercing down her cheeks.  Mrs Peters hissed. “Hungry ehn? So, that gave you the right to come into my kitchen? Didn’t your parents teach you anything? This is not your father’s house where you can do whatever you want, do you understand?” Loveth nodded vigorously.  Gloria Peters hissed again. “C’mon take a broom and sweep this rice. And you better keep it because that’s what I’ll cook for you tomorrow. As for today, no food for you; that’s your punishment” Loveth’s distraught eyes snapped up, looking at the glowering face of Mrs Peters. An image loomed over her. “What is going on in here?” Mr Peters boomed as he stood at the entrance of the kitchen, glaring particularly at his wife.  Mrs Peters turned in shock and seemed to go pale as she stared at her husband. “Erm… Honey welcome. I didn’t know… you had erm… arrived” she stuttered.  Mr Peters stared unsmiling at her, glancing briefly at the children. He saw the way Loveth held her head and walked to her. “Did you fall, my dear?” he asked. Loveth managed to nod as he massaged a spot on her head. “Sorry” he mouthed. Mr Peters turned to glare at his wife. “Come with me, Gloria” Mr Peters stormed out of the kitchen looking terribly furious and his wife followed with her heart in her mouth. He entered their bedroom, waited for her to enter before slamming the door against its hinges. He turned to his wife, his eyes blazing. “What are you doing to those kids?” Gloria swallowed. “Nothing. I was just scolding Loveth for pouring the rice away. You know I…” “Don’t lie in my face, Gloria” he snapped. “I was at the entrance and heard all that transpired. Why didn’t you prepare something for those children to eat?” he barked. “Don’t think I haven’t noticed your I’ll treatments of them for the past three days. Are you without feelings for these young ones?” Gloria shifted. “I meant no harm honey, I only wanted to train them to be better” she stuttered. Mr Peters snarled. “Really! Train. Do you train your children this way? Our fifteen years old son doesn’t  even enter the kitchen to do anything since you refused to train him. I’m sure he can’t even wash a spoon” he hissed through clenched teeth. “You are the wife of a pastor, these children call you big mummy and you in return treat them like trash, especially knowing what they are going through. You should be ashamed of yourself.” His wife looked down at the floor, her face sober. “I am warning you, Gloria, I won’t have you maltreat these kids, and if you want peace in this house, you’ll respect that” Mr Peters stormed out of the room, grabbing his car keys from the sitting room’s center table. He walked to the kids who stood with sadness written all over their faces. He squatted before them and smiled. “Who wants to go to Mr Biggs?” he mouthed. In an instant, the sadness on their faces vanished as their eyes snapped up. Mr Peters chuckled. “C’mon let’s go. Everyone of you would eat fried rice and chicken. Do you like that?”  “Yes, big daddy” they chorused. Jerry’s stomach growled and Mr Peters chuckled, though he hated they were so hungry under his watch.  He stood. “Loveth, change out of your uniform and meet us in the car now, okay?” Loveth nodded  and rushed into their room as Mr Peters walked with Tessy and Jerry towards the car.  Loveth changed in a flash and rushed out of the house. Gloria walked to the door and watched the car zoom off with a bitter look in her eyes.  ***** George stood with his mechanic in his garage. So many faulty cars were scattered around but his eyes were on the black one right in front of him.  “Why do you want to sell this car, Pastor?” the mechanic asked, looking stunned. “The car is still very strong, you only need little money to fix the problem” George’s smile didn’t reach his eyes. “The car is the least of my worries, right now” he swallowed. “I need the money”. It had been three days but it seemed like forever. He had been moving from the hospital to the blood bank to get pints of blood for Tim. George’s feet weighed a thousand pounds from excessive trekking, and the worst part was, Timothy wasn’t improving. George couldn’t  even remember the last time he had a descent sleep. The most he had been doing was dozing off once in a while.  The mechanic looked at George with concern in his eyes. “What’s wrong Pastor? Is there any way I can help” George blinked. He glanced at the mechanic and smiled faintly. “No. Everything is fine. Just put the car up for sale, please, okay? I need the money as soon as possible”  The mechanic looked at George. He had always admired George’s strength. He needed no one to tell him that George was going through hard times, he wished George would confide in him. Probably he could help. “You said you are not in your house, how would I reach you?” George hesitated. “I’ll… I’ll be coming here from time to time” “No” the mechanic put his hand in his pocket and removed a phone which had a small antenna attached to its top. “Take this phone, you can use it to reach me” George shook his head with a smile. “No, no, I can’t” he murmured, feeling embarrassed. “You can’t give me your phone, Baba Sodiq” he laughed slightly.  The mechanic sighed. “Pastor, I have been your mechanic for years, you can’t refuse this gift. Besides, I have another phone.” he brought out a similar looking phone and showed George. He pocketed it and stretched the initial phone towards George.  George swallowed and collected it. This gesture meant the whole world to George. It was like he had just been given a million Naira. “Thank you, Baba Sodiq. I really appreciate this” he smiled genuinely. Thank you even seemed inadequate. Baba Sodiq smiled. “Ko t’ope” he answered in Yoruba. “My Number is on the phone. Don’t worry, I’ll get a good price for the car” George left the mechanic’s place, feeling lighter than before. He pulled out his old sim card and replaced it with the one in the phone. He trekked the distance to his office, gave the phone number of his new phone to the landlord, then proceeded to his office. Fred looked shocked to see him as he stood nervously from the chair.  “Brother! I wasn’t expecting you. Is everything alright?” Fred rushed.  George nodded with a smile. “Yes, Fred, everything is fine. I just came around here to do something and decided to check up on you. How’s the office?” Fred nodded awkwardly, sitting on the chair George should normally sit on. “Okay, thus far. I can go an entire day without seeing a single soul but it’s fine. Some people came asking for properties but nothing serious” George nodded. He had been hoping for some miracle money but then, he himself knew how unpredictable the business was. “I hope the office hasn’t been a burden on you. If it is, I can… just close it up for the mean time” “No” Fred snapped. George frowned and Fred smiled awkwardly. “It’s just that err… you know I don’t have a stable job, this office is keeping me occupied” he rushed.  George nodded. “Yes. Thank you so much” he stood. “I have to go now but I have a phone you can call me on now, in case you need me” “You have a phone” Fred’s eyes were unreadable and George couldn’t even read any meaning to anything at the moment. He only smiled and nodded as he picked a pen and wrote down his phone number. “You can call me if anything happens” he said. George paused, frowning. “Didn’t Mr Haruna come here? He promised to come the day after I left” Fred blinked. “Ugh? Oh… Mr Haruna. I waited for him that day but he didn’t show up o. I didn’t see him” George frowned and dropped the pen with a sigh. He was used to such in this business. But he had thought Mr Haruna was actually serious, he had prayed… “Okay. Just keep me informed. Thank you, Fred” he smiled and walked out of the office.  ***** “Please, the doctor has to see my son, nurse”Bola pleaded. It had been three days and Timothy had taken several pints of blood without anything serious being done for him. “Timothy is getting weaker and he has taken several pints of blood. All the doctor has been talking about has been bone marrow test. Isn’t he supposed to go through Chemotherapy?” Bola stared at the faces of the two unconcerned nurses, pleading. “Please nurse” she looked from one nurse to the other.  Nurse Chinwe rolled her eyes. “Chimooo… Save me from this woman” she shook her head. “Come, are you the only one with a child here? Everytime Timothy, everytime Timothy; what is it? There are many sick people here madam, your son is not the only patient we have and our doctors are busy” Bola bit her lip in frustration. “But Doctor Ramon was assigned to us. C’mon nurses, I just want him to attend to my son. Have human feelings please” “What is going on”  Bola turned. She stared at the nurse before her with teary eyes. She hadn’t seen this nurse before, or maybe she had but didn’t remember. “My son” she explained. Not caring who she was. “He is not being attended to. He should have started Chemotherapy, I think, but no one is attending to him. Please help me nurse” The nurse looked at her with concern. “He is a cancer patient” she stated with empathy in her voice. Bola nodded. The nurse looked at her coworkers, shaking her head in disappointment. They paid her no heed. “I’m sorry ma. I’m Nurse Abigail. I’ll make sure the doctor attends to him at once” Bola sagged in relief. “Oh, thank you, nurse” she wiped tears from her eyes. “God bless you” “It’s my duty” she glared at the nurses on the  table, emphasizing ‘duty’ before turning back to Bola. “Come with me” she said and Bola eagerly followed her.  To be continued.

Hmmmn So Sad

Haaah... nurse Abigail where were you since!!

Chinwe you don't deserved to be called Nurse

nice one

eyaaaa

I'm glad that the pastor is a good man,,,thank God u see someone that we help u,those two wicked soul are not suppose to called them nurses

Episode 8 The days slowly rolled by. There were long days, longer nights. Less smiles, more tears. Less calm, more turmoil… Bola was always on the run, moving from one ward to another, not resting until Timothy was attended to. She shunned that screaming voice in her head; the one that repeated consistently that Tim wasn’t going to make it. Together, they built their faith. George’s faith was high, Bola’s faith was higher. The struggles helped to reinforce her faith; ‘God couldn’t watch them go through this immense struggle and still allow Timothy to die’. She told herself repeatedly. Bola told herself this as she watched one pack of blood go empty, only to be replaced with another. Bola told herself this when Tim had the hair on head shaved completely. Bola told herself this when Tim’s weakness had George consistently carrying him to the toilet. Bola told herself this when George had to walk the long distance to the blood bank at midnight, just to get blood for Timothy. Bola told herself this when she and George had to collectively donate blood to Tim because there was no money to buy even a pint of blood. She told herself this when the student doctors didn’t have the slightest idea what to do with Tim; when they seemed clueless while Tim had a crisis. She knew that God was there; she knew that God couldn’t be blind to their struggles. And even when the faith of her husband seemed to be descending, she was the rock to keep him on his feet. She traded fear for faith, fear had nothing to offer her, with faith, she at least had a chance; a ray of hope in the thick darkness that engulfed her soul. Doctor Felix arrived after two weeks in the hospital. They were all relieved to finally have a competent doctor attend to Timothy. Chemotherapy commenced in earnest. The first days were the worst, seeing Timothy in great pain and struggle brought tears to both the eyes of Bola and George, but after a week, Timothy was much better. He went to the toilet himself for the first time in weeks; he even played with some of the children there in the hospital. The relief George and Bola felt was incomparable; too great to quantify. There was finally light at the end of the tunnel. It is only a matter of time before he is declared hale and hearty, then we can go back to being one big happy family; they thought. So when the doctor called George in on Saturday evening, George was expecting to hear something different. The blow came so unexpectedly, he didn’t see it coming… George entered the doctor’s office with a smile on his face. “Doctor Felix, you sent for me” he said as he dropped into a seat opposite George. Doctor Felix smiled faintly as he closed the file on his table. “Yes, Mr. Rogers, I… I need to discuss something important with you, I hope you don’t mind” George’s smile waned. “Of course, what is it, doctor? Is everything okay?” Doctor Felix shifted and nodded briefly. “How many children do you have, Mr. Rogers, if you don’t mind my asking” “Four. Two girls and two boys” he blinked, looking curious. “What does that have to do with anything, doctor?” Doctor Felix leaned forward, bracing his forearms on the large office table. “Ever since I arrived, I have been seeing you and your wife run helter skelter; I actually thought Timothy was your only child” George smiled faintly. “He isn’t” for an unknown reason, he felt the doctor was about to say something really terrible. Doctor Felix swallowed and took a deep breath. “Do you mind me giving you a piece of advice, Mr. Rogers?” George swallowed, staring at the doctor with apt attention. “Forget about Timothy” Doctor Felix dropped. Heavy silence hung in the air as George stared at the doctor like he had no idea whatsoever about what the doctor was blabbing about. “Forget what?” Doctor Felix sighed audibly, leaning against the backrest of his leather chair. “Listen, I know this must be hard for you, and honestly, it is against my ethics to tell you this but I have watched you and your wife push yourselves day in day out to keep your son alive, and I really feel bad for you.” George stared on, looking really pale. His facial expression said vividly that he definitely thought the doctor was out of his mind. “What I am trying to say in essence is… your son’s illness is incurable. I know, being a pastor, you believe in miracles, but the fact is that your son’s case is a hopeless one, and I’m sorry, but he can’t survive it. Thank God you have other children,” George jumped to his feet. He laughed humorlessly as he shook his head vigorously. “What nonsense are you blabbing, doctor? Why does this hospital have so many satanic agents, all bent on destroying whatever joy and hope we have?” he shook his head continuously as he snarled at the doctor. “For two days now, Timothy has been livelier than he has been for weeks, and what… you call me in here to tell me this rubbish? How dare you?” “Calm down, Mr. Rogers; I only meant to help” “Help? Don’t you dare tell me to calm down” he shook his head, staring at the doctor. “How dare you tell me to give up my son? My son!” he emphasized. “So, what if I have three other children, ehn? So what? Because of that, I should give up on the one that is sick, like he is just a mere stray chicken, ehn?” George yelled. “The nerve! I’m sure you don’t have children of your own; if you did, you wouldn’t open your mouth to tell me this rubbish. Now, let me warn you; don’t you ever repeat this nonsense to my hearing ever again and don’t even think of insinuating it to my wife. Do you understand me?” Doctor Felix seemed to have anticipated George’s reaction because he didn’t seem surprised. He shrugged. “I wasn’t going to, I called you in to tell you this because you are a man and are more mature, but if you are willing to ignore the truth, it is entirely your cross. I must tell you though, if Timothy suffers another crisis, I might have to refer you to the teaching hospital.” George swallowed, turned and exited the office as fast as his legs could carry him. The slam of the door echoed in his ears as he stood just outside the doctor’s office. His wobbly legs threatened to give way under his weight as he moved to a wall and leaned against it. “Oh God! Why? Why did you choose to test me this way?” he murmured shakily. His eyes watered. He couldn’t bear this; no, God couldn’t give him more than bear. George had never been so shattered in his life; it felt like the walls were closing in on him and ‘give up’ was near… so near. All this while, he had kept faith, believing that things would turn out differently, but now, George didn’t know what to believe anymore. How could he give up his son and watch death snatch him away? How could he give up a child as sweet, loving and caring as Timothy? George took a deep breath and rubbed at his eyes. He pushed away from the wall and walked the distance to Timothy’s ward. His legs weighed heavier than a thousand blocks combined. With his legs he had trekked unimaginable distances in search for money; he had trekked more in three weeks than he had done in his over forty years of existence. Now, the doctor was telling him that he would use the same legs to walk to Timothy’s grave? George shook his head vigorously as he walked. He couldn’t accept that. George got to Tim’s door and saw Tim and Bola smiling to each other, through the open door. Bola talked on; she was probably narrating a story to Tim. the scene was as touching as it was heartbreaking. Dread kept George rooted at the entrance. He feared he might just break down in tears if he entered the room. Timothy looked healthier than he had, several weeks back, even days back. Bola looked happy and more relaxed. They were smiling now; there was absolutely no reason to smile, several days back. How could the doctor be so cruel as to dash his hopes when he started having one? Tim lifted his eyes and saw George. George managed a shaky smile. Tim’s eyes seemed to see into George’s soul. A tiny frown flashed through Tim’s face, and then it was gone, replaced with a big smile. George swallowed hard, forcing himself to walk into the room. Bola stood and met him midway. Her face registered a frown. “George, what is it?” George saw panic enter her eyes. He smiled. “Nothing. How is Tim?” Bola hesitated slightly, and then smiled. “He is getting better by the minute, George. He even said he wants to speak with his siblings on phone. The treatment is working, George” Her excitement was so livid. George finally smiled at her, feeling himself die inside. “Yes, it is.” Bola’s smile vanished. “What’s wrong honey?” she placed her hand against his cheek and alarm flashed in her eyes. “God! Your temperature is so high. The stress is getting to you” George shook his head. “No, I’m fine, really” “Your temperature says something different. You should see the doctor” “No” George said sharply. Bola frowned and George managed to put a smile on his face. “Bola, I don’t need you worrying yourself over me; just focus on Tim, I can take care of myself” Bola was about to object when George’s phone rang. Bola walked back to Tim as George picked the call. “Hello” “Hello pastor” George identified the voice instantly as the voice of one of the brothers in the church. “It’s Brother Isaac. Oh pastor, I have been to your house several times until I finally got your number. I want to thank you pastor for your prayers for my daughter. She is perfectly okay now, if not for you and your prayers, I don’t know what would have happened to my daughter. Thank you sir” George swallowed hard. “Only God deserves the thanks, I am just an instrument” he managed. He took the phone away from his ear and stared at it, looking perplexed. Times without number, he had prayed for the sick and they had recovered. He always felt that God would always listen to him whenever he prayed. Then why? Why couldn’t his prayers save his own son? If people only know the trials and temptation their spiritual leaders go through, they’d be shocked. God seemed so far away and George was fast losing the will to hold on. Bola looked at him with worry and walked up to him again. “Won’t you tell me what’s wrong, George? Did the doctor say anything to you?” Geirge swallowed with a shaky smile. “Nothing.” He walked up to Tim and sat on the edge of the bed. George willed himself to look happy and somewhat succeeded. Bola wasn’t fooled, she knew George enough to know that he was hiding something. “How are you, Tim? Feeling better?” Tim smiled openly. “Yes dad, I feel very strong today. I told mummy that I want to walk around the hospital” “And I told you that you are not strong enough” Bola put in. “Your mother is right. Don’t expend the strength you have now, you need to garner more strength, not lose the one you already have.” Tim nodded reluctantly. “But… if you want, I can push you around the hospital in a wheelchair; would you like that?” George smiled as Tim’s face broke into an enthusiastic grin. “Yes daddy, I would like that a lot” “Tomorrow, okay” he rubbed his palm affectionately on Tim’s cheek. “Yes daddy” George’s phone rang. It was an unknown number. He picked up. “Hello” “Is this Pastor George Rogers?” George frowned and stood up from the bed. Bola had her eyes on him. “Yes, that’s me” “Okay sir, we are at your office and your attention is needed here. We got your number from the landlord, is it possible we see you here in less than an hour?” “I am currently not close to the office. Is there a problem? Who is this?” “No, there is no problem sir, I am just a client” the masculine voice said. “Well, someone should be at the office to attend to you” George said. “There is no one in your office, and I am really in need of an apartment” George frowned. Where on earth was Fred? He had a bad feeling about this, something wasn’t right somewhere. “Okay, give me an hour” George hung up. “What is it?” Bola asked. “I have to go to the office. Apparently, Fred is not in the office and there is a client waiting there. Where could he be?” Bola smiled. “Fred also has a family, George; he probably had to do one thing or the other. You can’t blame him.” “Of course. I have to go, I just hope this brings in money, we’ve not gotten any money from that office since Fred took over” George walked to Tim and kissed his forehead. “Be a good boy, okay?” Tim nodded. Bola gave George a brief hug; her brows drew together in worry. “Take care, okay? You need rest, the stress is telling on you” “I’ll be fine. Take care of yourself and Tim, okay? I’ll make a stop at Pastor Peter’s place to check on the kids” he said and kissed Bola’s forehead. “Give them a big kiss for me” ***** George climbed the steps to his office. There was a curious frown on his face as he turned to the passage and saw Mr. and Mrs. Haruna, the landlord and two other men. His office was closed. “Mr. Haruna” he called as he drew nearer. “You should have told me it was you; what’s going on?” he asked the unsmiling men in confusion. He needed no human being or spirit to tell him something was obviously amiss. Mr. Lawal looked very uncomfortable. “Pastor, we can’t find Fred anywhere” “What do you mean, sir? Where did he go to? Isn’t he at home?” And why were they searching for him. Now, George couldn’t even understand a thing. “We have checked his house; his wife does not know anything about his whereabouts. He errr…” “Let me talk” Mr. Haruna cut in, looking very angry. “Your cousin, Fred, the one you put in your office, has vanished with my money – the money I paid for the new apartment. He didn’t give the money to the landlord, and right now, we have no idea where Fred is. I need my money” “Calm down, darling” Mrs. Haruna chipped. “Don’t tell me to calm down” her husband snapped. “It is three hundred thousand Naira we are talking about here; where would I get another one from?” George stared long at the people before him, like he was in a trance. He seemed to be having trouble grasping exactly what they were talking about. He blinked and shook his head. “What… what are you saying?” he stuttered. “Have you suddenly gone deaf?” Mr. Haruna bellowed. “I said, you people have embezzled my three hundred thousand Naira” “Calm down, sir” one of the men said. He stepped forward and brought out a police ID card. “I am Inspector Yusuf, Mr. Rogers; you have to follow us to the station for questioning” Alarm bells rang in George’s head as his eyes widened. “Police? I don’t know anything about this. I never knew Fred collected any money from him, please understand me”. What on earth was going on? What has Fred done? “Mr. Haruna, please I beg you” the landlord pleaded. “This man has been battling with the life of his son in the hospital, that’s why he put his brother here. You can’t do this, please” “Ehen… so you decided to use my own money to foot the hospital bills ehn?” “Haruna! Be compassionate, c’mon. Stop this, please” Mrs. Haruna put in. “Oh God! What is this?” George murmured, looking around, perplexed. What in the world could make Fred do this to him at such a crucial moment in his life? How could he be so callous and wicked? “I did not ask for your input, woman.”Mr. Haruna snapped. “By the time you and that pregnant wife of his spends a few nights in the cell, you’d produce my money.” The policemen advanced towards George. “Please move, sir” “You can’t do this, please” Mr. Lawal pleaded. “He is a pastor, please” “Move” one of the policemen said louder. George swallowed and turned. “It is okay, sir. I’ll be fine; God is in control” “I’m coming with you” Mr. Lawal said as they walked down the stairs, the policemen keeping a close eye on George. ***** Bola stared at the wall clock nervously. It was already dark, yet George was nowhere to be seen. She hid her worry from Tim, but now that he was asleep, she couldn’t mask her worry anymore. She checked to be sure Tim was soundly asleep, then walked out of the ward and out of the hospital to find a call centre. Thankfully, she had a bit of change with her. She just hoped that her husband was okay, if not… She found one call centre and hurriedly punched in her husband’s phone number. ‘The number you have dialed is switched off’. “No! This is not happening” she muttered out loud as several thoughts played in her head. She never should have allowed him to leave. She had noticed his temperature! What if he was really ill? “George, where are you?” She dialed the number again and got the same message. Bola dropped the phone carelessly and walked back to the hospital, her face etched with deep worry. “George, where are you?!” ***** “If you make them lock up this man here, you can as well forget about me and my baby. I would not let my child grow up with such a heartless man, do you hear me?” Mrs. Haruna yelled at her husband as they stood just outside the police station. Mr. Haruna wiped beads of sweat off his forehead as he shifted nervously. “What else do you want me to do? The police has refused to leave him. They said he would have to at least spend the night in cell” “That is Nigerian police for you; they latch onto the slightest opportunity. If you had listened to me earlier, that wouldn’t happen” she snapped. “What did you expect? Do you want me to just forget about three hundred thousand naira? Just like that?” his eyes flashed. “Well, no. but now that you have him locked up, is he supposed to produce the money in cell?” she shook her head. “I did not expect this from you. The man’s kid is in the hospital, for God’s sake. We would have our own children too o” she put her hand on her swollen belly as her eyes misted. Mr. Haruna swallowed, looking distraught. “Listen, tomorrow, I’ll make sure he is released. I have tried my best.” His wife turned her head away. “Aishat” he tried to touch her but she shrugged his hand off. “Come and take me home” ***** George leaned his head against the wall, staring unseeing at the four walls of the cell. There were about three other people in his cell, but really, he had never felt more alone in his life. What did he do to deserve such torment in his life. All he had ever done was serve God and do good to the men that crossed his path. Why should he be the one to shoulder such a heavy burden? Was there a sin he committed unknowingly that was barring God from coming to his rescue. Why are you so silent, God? Why are you not coming to my rescue? Thoughts ran through his head until he was sure he was about to go insane. The rattle of padlocks made him turn his head as the iron bar opened and a police officer came in. “Mr. Rogers” he called. George bolted away from the wall and followed the officer. The officer locked up the cell and walked towards the counter. He turned to look at George with a compassionate look in his eyes. “I saw all happened and my conscience would not allow me to leave you in that cell. “Why don’t you stay at the counter with me till morning”? George nodded. “Thank you very much” a pained smile flashed through George’s face. “When it is almost daybreak, I’ll have to take you back before the others arrive” he explained. “That is okay. God bless you” George located the bench behind the counter and sat on hit. His legs felt like they were on fire. He leaned his head back with a deep sigh and stared at the ceiling blankly. He would have happily surrendered to the nothingness of sleep, but no… as well as everything, sleep deserted him. To be continued.

Episode 9 George collected his belongings from the police and saw that his phone was flat. He thought of Bola and Tim back at the hospital, they’d been on his mind all night long. How could Fred do this to him – his own cousin. How could he? George couldn't understand it, couldn't understand anything. He stepped out of the station just as the landlord approached. “You've been released, oh Thank God” he muttered, looking relieved. George smiled faintly. “Thanks so much for the help, sir, I’m grateful” “This trouble is too much for you, Pastor. How can your brother do this to you?” he said, shaking his head. He drew closer, bringing down his voice. “Listen Pastor, I want to tell you something, I don’t know how you’ll take it.” George gave him his undivided attention though he knew he wouldn’t like what he was about to hear. “Erm… I know one baba” he started, dropping his voice. “He is very good. I’m sure if you take your son there, he’ll be cured. He can even tell you where to find Fred. I think you should try him” he murmured gently. “I know you are a pastor and wouldn’t like this but this is life and death o” George blinked and smiled bitterly. He had been preaching to Mr Lawal for months, never did he think he would get this sort of counsel from him. Never did he think he would get to this point. “Thank you sir” George said with a smile. “I know you mean well, but I can’t do what you want, sir” he explained. “Beyond being a pastor, I am a child of God and would never do this. God gave us Tim, if He decides to take Him, I won’t question Him, neither would I go to the devil – the giver of death – to seek life. Anything my God wouldn’t do for me is better left undone.” He shook his head. “I’m sorry sir, but even if the world collapses on my shoulders, I won’t forsake my God. I’d rather die in Him than live in the hands of the devil” Mr Lawal shook his head but in his eyes, George could clearly see the admiration brimming. It was like he had just passed a test. “I respect you.” He said. “Where are you going now?” George shook his head. Mr Haruna had given him the ultimatum of one week to produce his money if he didn’t want to be rearrested and locked up indefinitely. He hadn’t the slightest idea of what he was going to do. “I don’t know.” Mr Lawal sighed. “I’m available if you need me for anything” “Thank you, sir” ***** Bola was going mad with worry and worse, she couldn’t hide it from Timothy anymore. She paced the length of Tim’s hospital room, feeling like the weight of the world was on her shoulders. What on earth was happening? “Daddy would be back soon, mummy” Tim said, looking at his mother with worry clearly visible on his face. Bola swallowed and walked back to the bed. “He’d better, because if not…” I just might go completely insane, she finished to herself. She sighed and sat on the bed. “I’m sorry, Tim. How do you feel now?” Tim smiled. “I am fine, mum, I am only worried about you and daddy” Bola looked straight into his eyes “I don’t want you to worry about anything, okay? Your father is fine” she said fiercely. “… he… he probably had to spend the night somewhere.” That didn’t explain why his number wasn’t going through though, but she didn’t have to say that. Tim smiled. “I’m sure he is fine.” he mouthed. He definitely knew his mum’s fears and didn’t want to add to her worry. Definitely didn’t want to mention that his joints when hurting so badly and that he had this terrible pain in his head that won’t go away. Bola sighed. “Are you sure you are okay, Tim?” Tim nodded. “I’ll be back in a second, okay? Don’t go anywhere” Bola kissed Tim’s head and headed out of the room. She had to dial George’s number again, though it was probably the fiftieth time already but she would call even a thousand times till she could hear his voice. Bola bumped into Nurse Abigail is the hallway and straightened herself awkwardly. She was standing with a Nurse Titi. “I’m so sorry” Nurse Abigail frowned, looking worried. “Is everything okay, Bola? Is Tim alright?” Nurse Abigail had been Bola’s saving grace though she wasn’t always available. It had been easy to get on first name basis with her. “No. Tim is fine… it’s… my husband. I haven’t seen him since yesterday and it is so unlike him. His phone has been off. “Oh my God” Nurse Titi shook her head. “I just pray he hasn’t ran away” “Titi” Nurse Abigail warned subtly” “What? It happens all the time. What have we not seen in this hospital? A man once abandoned his wife because she gave birth to triplets and he didn’t have money. Parents abandoned their only child in the hospital when she fell sick and they had no money. It is not a new thing. Especially with the nature of your child’s sickness…” Bola shook her pale face. “No! George would never do that” “Of course he wont” Nurse Abigail eyed Nurse Titi before looking back at Bola. “I’m sure something is holding him back” “Holding him back since yesterday. It’s almost dark, Abigail, I think it is better Bola is prepared for anything” Nurse Titi said. Bola swallowed. “Please excuse me.” She didn’t think she could stomach any more of what the nurse was saying. George would never leave her alone at a time like this. He wouldn’t! “No wait” Nurse Abigail muttered as she made to leave. “Why don’t you try him on my phone?” she brought out her phone and stretched it forward. Bola nodded gratefully and collected the phone. “Bola” Bola’s head snapped up and she nearly fainted with relief. “George” she shrieked as she rushed towards George, collapsing into his open arms. George held her so close but Bola couldn’t get close enough. “Oh George… I’ve been worried sick” she muttered as tears of relief flooded her eyes. “I can imagine” George whispered into her hair. “No, you can’t.” She pulled her head back. “Where were you, George? What happened? I’ve called your number almost a million times” she lamented as she stared into his eyes. She saw pain in his eyes masked with the small smile he put on his face. “I’m sorry I caused you so much worry” he muttered. He seemed to be struggling with himself as his stroked her cheek slightly with his thumb. “But something’s wrong, isn’t it?” Bola pulled back slightly with a frown on her face. “You look like you so exhausted, George, what’s going on? Are my children okay? ” “Yes! It’s not them” George hesitated. “Bola, I don’t want you worrying about this” Now, Bola looked angry. “What are you saying? I don’t want you giving me that because that’ll only get me worked up. You are telling me what’s going on whether you like it or not.” from the tone of her voice, George knew he had no other option, and frankly, he couldn’t hide something so big from her. George pulled Bola to a corner, affording them a bit of privacy and she trained her eyes on him, waiting for him to drop the bombshell. George took a deep breath, holding Bola’s hand. “Remember I told you of Mr Haruna, the client I expected to pay for an apartment?” Bola nodded. “Of course, I remember” “Well… he paid for the apartment” Bola stared at him for a prolonged moment, then blinked. “But…?” George swallowed. “Fred disappeared with the money” “What?” Bola busted out. “Mr Haruna is all bent on getting back his three hundred thousand Naira, I was held down at the police station till this morning. Since I got out, I have practically trekked the whole of Lagos but Fred is nowhere to be found. His wife said he hasn’t been home for four days now.” Bola felt her legs go weak beneath her. “Oh God” ***** “How can be do this to us? Where are we supposed to get that sort of money?” Bola yelled at she paced in front of George. “Calm down, Bola” “I can’t calm down, George. If we had even a tenth of that money, Tim wouldn’t even be in this hospital to start with” George took a deep breath. “I’ll ask my family for help.” “Your family? George, we have been in this hospital for three weeks, none of them even has the decency to check up on us, do you think they’ll be of any help?” George sighed, taking Bola by the shoulder. “We’ve got to try. I have searched all over for Fred and I’ll keep searching. I don’t want you getting all worked up over this. I’ll find a way” “But how?” Bola looked up at George with panic. “You don’t have any money I don’t know about, do you?” she asked rhetorically. “We don’t even have money for Tim’s treatment here in a government hospital. We have borrowed so much already. We can’t deal with this now.” Water ran down her eyes. “I don’t have the strength for this anymore” George pulled Bola into his arms. “Shhhhh… It’ll be fine. We’ll get through this. I promise” he whispered as he held her close. “I’m losing faith, George. I don’t think I can keep up with this” Bola’s perched voice rasped. George’s heart beat fast in his chest. Her immense faith had been keeping him up all this while, she couldn’t afford to lose faith now. “Don’t say that. Everything would be fine, dear, we’ll get through this” Bola nodded with her head on his chest. “You should see Tim” Running feet separated them before George could answer. They looked up just as Nurse Titi drew closer. “It’s your son” she muttered breathlessly. “Tim” Bola gasped, running towards the hospital room with George. Oh God, not another crisis, this was just too much for her to handle. George held on to Bola’s hand as they ran. Just as they got to the door, Nurse Abigail came out and stopped them from entering. “What? I want to see my son now” Bola yelled at her, pushing around to get past her. “No, you can’t go in, I took two nurses to stabilize him.” “Oh God” “Where is the doctor?” George asked anxiously. “That’s the thing” Nurse Abigail muttered. “He has refused to attend to him” “What?” Bola yelled just as George stormed down the hall. “He is in his office” Nurse Abigail yelled. “Please, my son” Bola pleaded just as she turned to follow George. The doctor would have to do what she says or be ready to kill her. “I’ll do all I can” Nurse Abigail promised, going back inside as Bola ran towards the doctor’s office. George arrived at the doctor’s office and pushed the door open without the thought of even knocking. The door bounced against the wall and the doctor’s head snapped to him. There was a really elegant woman seated just opposite him but George didn’t even spare her a glance. “Doctor Felix. Please, I beg you in God’s name, please attend to my son. He is between like and death. Please” George laid down his pride. Doctor Felix glared at him just as Bola stormed in. “I told you before, didn’t I? I said I won’t attend to him if there’s another crisis.” “What’s he talking about?” Bola asked George, then shook her head. “I don’t even care. Doctor, it is either you treat my son or be prepared to kill me here because I wouldn’t watch my son die, you hear me? I won’t watch him die” Bola yelled at tears ran down her cheeks. “I’m sorry madam, but I can’t do anything for you people again. Your son’s case is a hopeless one” “Good God, doctor, how can you say something so cruel” the elegant woman snapped, looking furious. “It is the truth, Mrs Pascal, their son is a cancer patient” George scratched his head furiously as he paced. He looked like he could fly into a million pieces. Bola knelt down as she wept. “Please doctor… Please… I can’t lose my son… I just can’t” Doctor Felix ignored her. Mrs Pascal stared at the doctor for some seconds, looking bewildered. It was like she couldn’t believe he was so inhuman. She stood abruptly. “Where’s your son” “He is in his room, some nurses are with him” George muttered, glaring at the doctor with fisted hands. His helplessness was the most frustrating part. Bola blinked, noticing the elegant woman for the first time. “Come with me, we are taking him to Wickins Hospital.” She said, moving towards the door instantly. Bola blinked. She had heard so much about that hospital. “That… That’s a very expensive hospital” she gasped out. “Don’t worry about it. Come on, we don’t have time to waste” “Thank you, ma” George muttered wholeheartedly as they rushed back to Tim’s room. He knew from the looks that the woman was older in age, but at the moment, he would even call a child anything if it would help his son. They got to the room and they busted the door open. Nurse Abigail looked up with a pained look as Bola and George crowded the bed, finding Timothy unconscious. “He is in coma. He needs urgent attention now, if not, I fear for the worst” she explained then looked up. Her face registered surprise as she saw Mrs Pascal. “Mrs Pascal, it’s been so long since we saw you” Mrs Pascal often came to the hospital to help some of the patients, but she hadn’t visited in a while. Mrs Pascal didn’t have time to explain anything as she stared at the form on the bed with worry and compassion engulfing her face. “I am taking him to Wickins. Can you help move him to my car?” Nurse Abigail nodded instantly, calling the other nurses instantly. Within minutes, they were wheeling Timothy out of the General hospital towards the waiting Jeep. A dark guy which George knew must be a driver opened the door instantly as they approached. Together, they put Tim inside the car and got in as the driver got behind the wheels. Nurse Abigail insisted on going with them to keep Tim stable if need be. The doors slammed shut and the the jeep sped out away. Bola looked back at the fading building of the hospital. So much had happened there. Never again did she want to step her feet in that hospital. Never again!. To be continued.

EPISODE 10 No sooner had they arrived at the hospital than the nurses raced out of the hospital, pushing a stretcher hurriedly towards them. The private hospital was the biggest Bola had ever had the misfortune of entering, the good thing though was that the hospital was also the most equipped she had ever entered. As Bola and George raced after the stretcher carrying Tim into the hospital with Mrs Pascal and Nurse Abigail though, the structure of the hospital was the last thing on their minds. All they could think of was Tim; Tim and only Tim. Bola and George couldn’t erase the memory of the pained lifeless look of their first son as the jeep sped down to Wickins Hospital. It was a picture stamped in place in their memories. In no time at all, they stretcher was wheeled into the hospital and unlike the general hospital they just left, everyone was up and doing, their concerns and compassion was clearly written on their faces. Bola and George raced at either sides of the stretcher, eyes completely fixed on Tim. “Don’t leave me my son…” Bola cried with tears on her cheeks. “Don’t leave your mummy… Please Tim” her throat was squeezed tight as she swallowed heavily. A nurse pulled Bola back gently, sending George a subtle warning with her eyes. “Please stay back, you can’t go in with us. Your son would be fine” she smiled affectionately as the other nurses pushed the bed further into the ICU. “No! I want to be with my son” Bola snapped. “I am his mother” George moved around and pulled Bola into his arms forcefully. “Come on, honey” The nurse smiled gratefully at George and rushed after her fellow nurses. A rushed movement made them turn to see a female doctor as she hung her stethoscope hurriedly around her neck. As she neared, Bola knew without a doubt that she was going to attend to Timothy. Bola left George’s arms and intercepted the doctor immediately. “Please save my son. Do all you can, please doctor” she pleaded. The doctor hurried past her without as much as a word. Bola buried her head in George’s chest as she wept. She needed the burden on her shoulders to be lightened. It was weighing her down. She couldn’t be crushed now, she had to be strong; she had to be strong for everyone. George felt Bola’s heartbeat beating in fast succession agaibst his chest and his heart tightened painfully. He closed his eyes briefly. “Tim would be fine, Bola” he whispered. Bola couldn’t count the number of times she had heard this but weirdly, she believed him. Bola looked up at him, her eyes teary and fearful. George ran his thumb down the line of tear on her cheek. His face was a conflict of emotions; it was then that Bola realised that she was being selfish. George was probably going through more than she was, currently. What she couldn’t understand was where God was in their lives. Why was God allowing them to experience something much misfortunes? She hadn’t heard from Loveth and her siblings for several days and she had no idea what was happening to them. They were stuck with Tim’s health but now they had to face something different; they had to pay up three hundred thousand Naira within a week. Where on earth were they supposed to get that? Something occurred to her and she pulled slightly away from George, wiping her eyes. “George” she frowned up at her husband. “What was Doctor Felix talking about earlier?” George seemed to freeze. Bola glared at him. “You can’t be keeping things from me, George” George swallowed. “It is not important, Bola” Bola squared her shoulders. “It was important enough if it stopped the doctor from attending to Tim” George hesitated. “George” George took a deep breath. “He said we should… forget about Tim” Bola froze. “What… what does that mean?” her eyes widened fearfully. “He can’t mean……” she shook her head. “Surely not” her voice came out clipped. George grabbed Bola by the shoulder. “Forget it, Bola. We only accept God’s report” he said forcefully. “All would be well, Bola” Bola looked unconvinced. Her eyes had a vacant effect as she blinked away the tears blurring her vision. “George” she mouthed, long fearful. “Is God still with us?” “Stop it, Bola. We are here, remember? In an hospital that we definitely cannot afford because God brought a help just in time. God hasn’t left us” “But why are we facing all these? Problems seem to increase instead of decrease. I am tired George… I am so… I’m so tired” she wiped the lone tear that trekked down her cheek. George pulled her into his arms, holding her so tightly. He kissed the top of her head continuously and held her closely to himself. The scent of her made things seem a little better. He blinked, looking down at Bola’s chest on his head. He took a deep breath. “Maybe we should let him go” Bola bolted out of George’s hands like he had suddenly caught fire. “Let what go, George?” she looked at her husband incredulously. George swallowed. “Tim’s suffering is too much, Bola. I know he is holding on for us, he is still alive because we refused to let him go; maybe it is better to release him… maybe-” “What are you talking about?” Bola’s voice rose with each word. “I am not releasing him! My son is not going anywhere, you hear me?” she yelled at George. She looked around, not seeing anything as George’s words echoed in her head. “Timothy is my son and I would not bury my own son, do you hear me? We’ve come a long way, don’t lose hope on me now, George” her voice shook. “Please don’t” George took a deep breath. “I’m sorry” the most painful thing ever was watching someone you love suffer and being unable to do anything about it. Watching Tim suffer, watching his family go through the turmoil of saving Timothy was killing him faster than the disease was killing Timothy. He couldn’t bear to see Tim go through anymore pain. Bola walked back to George and put her hands agaibst his cheek. She could see his struggle, his pain and his fears clearly displayed on his face. He was good at hiding it sometimes but other times – times like this one – it was as clear as day. “We’ll get through this, darling. We’ll get through this, but we have to stay strong. We are not giving up just yet, okay?” George nodded and pulled Bola into his arms. ***** They waited. Seconds turned to minutes, minutes turned into hours. They sat, they paced, they talked with Mrs Pascal, thanking her profusely for her help and explaining Timothy’s situation to her in details, all in the bid to stay sane as they waited for the doctor. Immediately George sighted the female doctor, he rushed towards her, followed closely by Bola, Mrs Pascal and Nurse Abigail. George caught sight of the tag on the doctor’s chest almost absently. “Doctor Kemi, how is he? How is Tim?” “Please tell me my son is okay, doctor” Bola pleaded. Doctor Kemi smiled gently. “You don’t have to worry, your boy is out of the woods now.” she paused as everyone heaved sighs of relief. “But he would remain in the intensive care unit for some time, I guess you already have his diagnosis” George and Bola nodded grimly. “With Chemotherapy, I’m positive that he would scale through this, all I want is that you don’t create any negative energy around him. Make sure he is constantly happy, remind him of happy times; this would help him slot and of course, pray. This would help him more than you can imagine.” Bola sagged against George. “Can we see him?” “Yes, I want to see Tim, please” she wouldn’t rest until she saw that her son breathing right before her eyes. “You would see Tim, but in a few minutes” Bola noticed that the doctor had caught Tim’s name. She liked the woman already. There’s light after all. “He needs a few minutes to rest” Doctor Kemi said with a soft smile. She turned her eyes to Mrs Pascal and smiled. “Good to see you again, Teju” “And you too, Kemi. Let’s talk in your office.” The doctor nodded then glanced at the couple before her. She squeezed Bola’s hand and smiled at George. “Your son would be fine” she whispered with a smile then walked away with Mrs Pascal. George left Bola for a while to fill some paperwork. Nurse Abigail stepped forward. “I should be leaving now” Bola blinked back tears. She had almost forgotten that Nurse Abigail was with them. How could she forget such a sweet person. Completely stunning Abigail, Bola hugged her. It was the only thing Bola could think of. She had no money, nothing to reward Abigail with, Bola only hoped her thanks and prayers were enough. “I can’t thank you enough, Abigail. God knows I can’t thank you enough for all you did for my son” Abigail blinked. For a second, she almost seemed tongue-tied. “I know what you’re going through” she blinked, looking down briefly. “my daughter, she…” Abigail shook her head. “It was the least I could do” Bola blinked. She had been so blinded by her own pain, she had forgotten that some people must have experienced exactly what she was experiencing. “I’m so sorry” Abigail smiled softly. “It’s been two years” “May God reward you, wipe your tears and make you smile again, Abigail. I don’t have money to give you, but God who sees my heart would repay all your good deeds.” “Amen” Abigail muttered. “Take care of him” Bola watched Abigail leave with a heavy heart, full of gratitude. The general hospital wasn’t all bad after all. ***** Bola and George sat on either sides of the bed, watching Timothy as his eyes slowly opened up. Bola’s mouth shook as she summoned her brightest smile. Damn, she shouldn’t be crying at a time like this. “Tim, sweetie” she managed as she bent and kissed Tim’s forehead. “How are you, son?” George asked with a soothing smile on his face. Tim looked around briefly. “The room is different” Bola smiled. “Yes, honey, we are in another hospital, a very big hospital” Instead of Tim looking happy, he looked really sad as he stared from George to Bola with tears in his eyes. “Thank you daddy, thank you mummy… thank you for taking care of me” his voice was weak as he smiled shakily. “I never wanted you to go through this” Bola smiled tightly. “C’mon, don’t say that, Tim. You didn’t do anything, I’ve told you to stop saying that” she warned subtly. George cut in and he stood. “I want you to meet someone, Tim” George rushed out of the room and came back in with Mrs Pascal. “Tim, this is Mrs Pascal” George introduced with a smile. “She bought these for you” George raised a big bag of provisions for Tim to see. “She also brought us to this hospital and paid the bills” “Say thank you to her, Tim” Bola urged. “Oh c’mon” Mrs Pascal muttered as she rolled her eyes before smiling down at Tim. “You are such a strong lad, Tim, your mummy has told me so much about you. How do you feel now?” Tim smiled. “Much better, ma’am” he said. “Thank you so much, ma” his eyes grew slightly intense. “May God reward you in multiple folds” Mrs Pascal looked taken aback. She hadn’t expected such words from a thirteen years old boy. Simple as the prayer sounded, something about those words seemed surreal. Tim didn’t say much after that before he fell asleep but even as Mrs Pascal left the hospital, Tim’s words echoed after her. ***** Teju Pascal sat in her office two days after her encounter with Tim. She owned one of the largest malls in the state, thanks to her entrepreneural skills and the influence of her husband who was a politician. Thoughts of Tim remained constant in her mind just as his words replayed in her mind. Teju sighed and stood. Maybe it would be better to visit the family again. Something about Tim drew her in ways she couldn’t explain. As she stood to leave, she felt a strange unease. ‘Beware… Beware’ a gentle voice repeated. Something wasn’t right. The warning came again and her unease increased. She stood and moved towards the window. Just then, a knock startled her and she stared at the door with fright. The warning came the third time and she swallowed. Why didn’t her secretary tell her she had guests. Something was wrong. Taking a deep breath, she moved back to her seat and sat pensively. She put her small phone inside her dress and put her hands on the table. “Come in” she muttered. The door opened and two men walked in, dressed in black. Their appearance wasn’t half as unnerving as their unsmiling faces. They closed the door firmly behind them. Teju took a deep breath and tried to smile. “Yes? Please have your seat, gentlemen” she said. The two men sat, unsmiling. “How may I help you?” The two men exchanged looks, then one of them spoke up. “We’re looking for Mrs Teju Pascal” Teju smiled shakily. “She’s not in” The taller of the two men frowned. “But you look like her” Teju chuckled freely. “I get that a lot. Actually, we are sisters, so, we look alike” “I see, so where is she?” Teju blinked, thinking fast. “She had to attend a business meeting with a client so she asked me to fill in for her” she lied. “She should be here in an hour. If you want, I can attend to you or you can wait for her” The two men shared a look then the first guy put a small scary smile on his face. “We’ll wait” Teju smiled shakily. “Good. Refreshments?” Before they could answer, Teju stood up, walked to the small office fridge and pulled out a pack of juice with two glasses. Her heart raced as she moved closer to the guys, serving them. As she filled the second cup, her eyes caught sight of the hilt of a gun poking out of the taller guy’s trouser. Her heart nearly stopped right there. Her legs shook as she walked back to the fridge. I don’t want to die, God, not today!. To be continued.

the story is hot and sweet.....plz hope we will get an update tomoro

Wow good job,am speechless ca'nt stop the tears

Please o bring more update

I pray for Tim and doc pascal to be saved

Mrs Pascal your good heart will save you

hmmm what did she do na

EPISODE 11 Loveth watched her siblings talk excitedly on the phone and smiled secretly to herself as she waved the hand fan in her hand, blowing breeze on Mr Peters. Mr Peters was a heavy sweater and the heat had him sweating so much, water beats rolled down his exposed chest, down his stomach and disappearing into his trouser. Sweat beads formed on Loveth’s brow and her hands ached as she fanned Mr Peters but that was the least on her mind. Loveth watched her siblings with keen interest as they passed the mobile phone around talking to none other than Timothy. Oh how she longed to hear his voice again. It had been so long. It was nothing but three weeks but it sure did seem like three years to her. Tessy and Jerry laughed from time to time and Loveth felt jealous. She should be at the receiving end of her brother’s words and jokes, oh, what she’d give to see her brother again… Tessy walked up to Loveth suddenly and propped the phone before her. Loveth blinked. “Timothy wants to talk to you” Loveth froze, staring at the phone in Tessy’s hand with confusion and fright. Mr Peters looked up at her. “Loveth? Are you not going to speak with your brother?” Loveth stared for some seconds then shook her head. “You don’t want to talk to him?” Mr Peters looked as shocked as Tessy. Jerry didn’t understand much of what was going on but Loveth was sure. She wasn’t going to speak with her brother. It was the price she was willing to pay to see her brother again. Loveth shook her head stiffly. “I don’t want to speak with him” she muttered with a sober look. Mr Peters collected the phone, looking confused and put it against his ear. Loveth couldn’t listen, she dropped the hand fan and walked out of the sitting room. She really wanted to speak with her brother but she knew that beyond hearing his voice, she also wanted to see his face so badly. And weirdly, she had the feeling that starving him of her voice would make him stay alive long enough to not only hear her voice but see her as well. She only hoped that she wouldn’t regret it… she prayed that the time wouldn’t come when she wished she had savoured the sound of his voice while she had the chance. ***** Teju Pascal sat in her seat, her fingers shook violently where they lay on her laps as she smiled tightly at the men seated across from her. The silence was so deafening and Teju couldn’t begin to imagine just how silent the graveyard would be. “I’m sorry, I didn’t get your names” she muttered, breaking the silence with a smile frozen on her face. “Our names are unimportant” one of the guys dropped stonily. He was the taller of the two guys, the one with the most frightening look and also the one Teju spotted a gun on. “We prefer the anonymousity.” he finished with a small frightening smile. Teju swallowed, keeping her frozen smile on her face. “Oh… Well, be my guest, sirs, I am Peju, by the way. Would you like me to… call my sister for you?” she said, stretching her hand across the table to pick her big phone. The eyes of the second guy snapped. “No, don’t. We’d just wait for her. We want to… surprise her” he smiled, revealing smoke coloured teeth. Teju dropped her phone, making sure that they saw her do that. She relaxed somewhat nonchalantly against the backrest of her chair, then snapped up, with an audible sigh. “Please excuse me guys”, Teju’s heart raced wildly as she noticed the fastening of their eyes on her, watching her like a hawk. “I have to visit the convenience” she quickly explained, looking as casual as possible, “but do make yourself comfortable, I’ll be back in a bit” She turned her back on them, walking towards the bathroom with her heart in her mouth. Her hands were shaking beyond control and she carefully kept them in front of her in order not to give herself away. Finally, she opened the door of the bathroom and entered, closing the door firmly behind her. She leaned against the door, breathing heavily with her eyes closed. Snapping her eyes open, Teju searched the inner part of her skirt and grabbed the small phone she hid before those men walked in. She knew who those men were. She needed no one to tell her before she knew that she was face to face with assassins. What had she ever done to anyone to warrant this? Teju swallowed as her shivering hands punched in her husband’s number. She dialed and placed the phone agaibst her ear, turning to stare at the door as though she could see the assassins through it. She hopped nervously as she waited. “Oh Cal” she whispered immediately she heard her husband’s voice on the other end. “What’s wrong, baby?” “Cal, you have to come back here with your bodyguards, police, army, anything” she ranted as she started pacing the bathroom nervously. “Calm down and tell me what’s wrong” her husband snapped. “There are two men in my office now, Cal. They look like assassins and I saw one of them with a gun, I am so scared Cal” “Turn the car around” Mr Pascal bellowed, obviously to his driver. “We’ll be there soon, baby, we are not so far from the plaza. Where are you now?” “In the toilet” she muttered. “I lied to them, they don’t really know I’m me” “I don’t understand that but stay in the toilet there, lock yourself up there. Don’t get out, do you hear me?” “I’ve been here for a while. If I stay longer, they’ll suspect a thing, I’ll go back in. Hurry up” she whispered. “No, Teju don’t-” Before her husband could argue, she hung up. She made sure the phone was silenced before hiding it perfectly in the folds of her skirt. She knew her husband wouldn’t agree to her going back in there but she had to go back. On one hand, staying back could alert the assassins that she knew something; the could break the bathroom door and kill her anyways or flee out of danger of being caught. She couldn’t allow any. If anything, she needed to know who hated her so much that he wanted her dead. She pushed down the flush button of the toilet, took a calming breath and exited the toilet. “Sorry for keeping you waiting” she murmured, smiling awkwardly. The faces of the men, if anything, looked more ferocious than before. Teju turned white. They couldn’t have found her out, could they? Her stiff legs carried her to her seat just as shorter of the two guys asked her bluntly. “Are you sure you are the sister? I never knew Mrs Pascal had a sister” he was looking so impatient, angry even. “I told you already, I am Peju, my sister is Teju. Why do you need her anyways? Whatever you want to discuss with her, you can also discuss with me” Teju tried to convey bold seriousness but she knew she was failing and they were disbelieving her words more by the minute. Suddenly, the door of the office opened and the men jumped out of their seats. Teju looked up, surprised that her husband arrived do fast but discovered with horror that it was her secretary. Why was she earlier? “Madam”, the secretary – Nike – stared into the office, Teju tried her best to communicate with her eyes but her secretary was just too unobservant. She looked surprised to see people in the office. “I’m sorry ma, I didn’t know you had guests, someone is here to see you” she muttered, looking uncomfortable. Teju jumped out of her seat as the men looked from Teju’s secretary to Teju, looking furious. “She is Teju Pascal” one of them barked. “Yes” “No” Teju and Nike chorused. Oh no! I’m dead. Pascal, where are you? Teju yelled internally. “I told you Mac, I told you she’s lying.” The shorter guy snapped as the other guy brought out his gun. The secretary shrieked and tried to escape. Immediately, Mac fired a shot in her direction, connecting with her upper arm. Teju’s scream merged with Nike’s as she fell on her face, kneeling before the guys. “Please… please don’t… don’t shoot… don’t kill me, pleeease” she cried guarding her head with her hands. “Lift your head” Mac snapped and Teju obeyed without a second thought. “Ehen, so you had the guts to lie to us abi?” “Nooo… Please…” “You thought you are smart, but you cannot be smarter than death” he hissed through clenched teeth. “I would have given you the chance to say your last prayers before but you don’t have that grace now. Say hi to the devil when you get there” he said smiling devilishly. “No… Nooooooo…” He pulled the trigger. ***** Timothy stared at his parents with a sober look on his face. “Loveth refused to talk to me” he muttered with a frown. Bola and George were equally as stunned as Tim was. Now that they thought of it, Loveth hadn’t spoken to Tim ever since they left for the hospital. Could something be wrong? Loveth was always weird, she always thought and acted older than her age demanded. “I’m sure she was upset over something. Maybe Tessy or Jerry got her angry.” Bola tried to pacify Tim. She didn’t want anything to upset Tim again, not now. “We’ll call again in the evening, I’m sure she would talk to you then” George added. Tim shook his head. “She won’t” Bola and George frowned. “Why? Do you have a quarrel with her?” Tim shook his head. He knew what she was doing. He knew Loveth so well and he could tell the reason why she didn’t want to speak with him. Many times, Loveth had stunned him with her actions and this was definitely one of those times. But why on earth was she freaking wise? ***** It took Teju almost a full minute to realise that she was still breathing. She wasn’t dead! In fact, she couldn’t remember hearing a gun shot. She raised her pale face, staring at the shocked faces of the assassins. Mac pulled the trigger again and yet, nothing happened. His companion brought out his gun, trained it on Teju and pulled the trigger, all to no avail. Their faces registered fright as they stared at Teju. Teju still couldn’t process what was going on. As the assassins started backtracking, the door busted open and policemen filled the office, guns in hand. “Freeze” they yelled at they stumbled over Nike who had obviously passed out. Teju was too frozen to even move a finger. Mr Pascal rushed into the room, grabbing Teju off the floor and holding her against him. “Oh, thank God…” he murmured breathing heavily like he had been running a marathon race. “Thank God you are alive” He pulled away from her slightly. “Are you okay, baby?” Teju stared blankly at him. Her brain was too frozen to even process an answer. ‘What just happened?’. To be continued.

Episode 12 George left his brother’s house a little more lightened than he initially was. He dug his hand into his pocket, feeling the Naira notes brushing against the back of his hand. He pushed away the fact that his brother could do more than this. Surely thirty thousand Naira was nothing where his brother was, but he refused to think about that. He was grateful for the money he was given and knew that the God that brought this would bring the remaining. There was that nagging thought though. This was just thirty thousand Naira, where was he going to get the remaining two hundred and seventy thousand Naira? George’s tired legs moved methodically by the side of the road, he barely felt them beneath him. His feet were sore and achy, emitting enough heat to roast a chicken. The sole of his shoe announced the level of his tracking louder than words but George couldn’t care less. A bitter taste eroded his mouth as he remembered Fred. George had preached about forgiveness more times than he could count, but this? No! George didn’t think he could forgive Fred for what he did. He couldn’t forgive Fred for adding to his pain and sorrow. He couldn’t forgive Fred for being the cause of his current misery. He just couldn’t. That was one of the many downsides to being a pastor. How could he be seen to be contradicting what he always preached about? George pushed that thought aside and tried to think of another place he could get money. He had been to five people before he put aside his pride to visit his brother; where could he go from here. He surely wasn’t going to ask money from any church member, but the days were running out. He had just three days left, three days to give Mr Haruna his money back. Yet, Timothy was still in the hospital. He needed money. He needed money especially now that they had taken him to a very expensive hospital. Money was needed now more than ever. Yes, Mrs Pascal had asked them not to worry about anything but George couldn’t just sit back while someone else took charge of what was his responsibility. Nothing frustrates a man more than his inability to help those he love. A car horn blared and George jerked out of his reverie, letting out a loud yelp as his leg slipped into the deep gutter by the road side, causing him to lose balance and tilt dangerously towards the gutter. A passerby grabbed his hand almost instantly, pulling him out of the gutter before he fell face first into it. “Are you okay, Sir?” he asked bewildered, looking at George with concern. George nodded. His leg hurt so much, it was almost unbearable. “Thank you” George murmured as the guy turned to leave. He stared down at his leg and saw a small dash by the side of his leg. George moved away from the road and leaned against the fence of a building to recoup his strength. His phone rang and he quickly removed it from his pocket. “Hello” he murmured. “Hello Pastor, It is Brother Isaac, please where are you, sir?” “Hope there’s no problem sir” George asked. God just healed Brother Isaac’s daughter, surely she was fine now.” “Yes sir, everything is fine. I just want to give you something.” George reminisced on it briefly. “Okay. I’m not so far from your house, I’d just come there” he said finally. “Oh, thank you sir; I’ll be waiting” George dropped his phone in his pocket and took a cleansing breath. His foot, though sore, felt better now. Pushing away from the fence, he made for Brother Isaac’s house. ***** Mrs Pascal stared at the DPO in stunned disbelief. Her husband, seated right next to her was also shocked beyond words. “No, I’m sure there’s a mistake somewhere” she murmured. “I mean… You can’t be serious” She muttered, looking stunned. The DPO shrugged his shoulder. “Unfortunately, I am ma’am” he looked towards the door and yelled. “Bring her in” Teju stared at her husband, still finding it hard to believe that Cynthia wanted her dead. It had been four days since the incident at her office and yet Teju couldn’t get the incident off her head. After waiting in stunned silence for about a minute, the door of the office opened and Teju turned as a police officer pushed Cynthia into the office. Teju stood up slowly, her mouth slightly agape as she stared in shock at Cynthia. Cynthia had been Teju’s friend for so long. They were so close, even got married in the same church… But where Teju was rich, Cynthia was poor. While Teju got married to a wealthy politician, Cynthia married a struggling entrepreneur. Teju – as always – took it upon herself to change this, by setting Cynthia up in a business. She initially wanted them to work together in her plaza with Cynthia as her assistant, but her husband had warned her against it. She never knew a day would come when she would be eternally grateful for not doing that. Teju had instead opened a boutique for Cynthia and furnished it perfectly; even at that, Cynthia still always asked her for money every now and then and Teju never hesitated in giving her until… “Cynthia” Teju gasped out, staring at the battered face of her friend. Her face was swollen from severe beating and torture. “Cynthia, you? You sent assassins to kill me?” Cynthia couldn’t meet her eyes as she looked at the ground. “How could you? How could you, Cynthia?” Teju yelled. “I’m sorry” Cynthia said unevenly, the swell in her mouth muffled her voice as she winced painfully. “Oh, you’re sorry ehn? If you had succeeded in killing me, I’m sure you’d be passing your ‘sorry’ condolences to my family by now, isn’t it?” Teju yelled. “Calm down, baby” Mr Pascal said calmly. Teju ignored him. “I’ve dedicated my life to making you better; what did I not do for you? Yet, you sent assassins to kill me…” Teju shook her head. “Is it because of our little fight? Because you asked me for money some weeks back and I refused?” “She asked you for money?” Comprehension dawned on the DPO as he stared at the scene in front of him. Teju turned to the DPO furiously. “She came to me about three weeks ago and asked for five hundred thousand Naira. I refused. How could I? I don’t pluck money from trees, do I? I opened a boutique from her but despite that, she’d always come to me for money.” “Interesting” The DPO said, running his fingers around his stubble. “I always gave it to her but that last time, I refused because I expect her to be financially stable by now.” Teju continued. “How was I to know that she’d go as far as hiring people to take my life?” Teju’s eyes were ablaze as she glared at Cynthia. “I… I am sorry… Teju… Please forgive me” Cynthia fell on her knees, crawling towards Teju. Teju scrambled out of reach. “Please get her out of here” Mr Pascal said forcefully and the DPO nodded at the policeman standing by. Cynthia was dragged out of the office pleading and crying. Teju could hear the furious undertone in Pascal’s voice when he spoke. He could keep calm in the face of a storm and that was what Teju loved most about her husband. “Come here, baby” Teju stared at the closed door and exhaled deeply, wishing she could release all the anger she was feeling as she moved closer to Pascal, sitting beside him again. He squeezed her lap lightly, in a comforting manner as he looked directly at the DPO. “I want this case charged to court as soon as possible. She has to pay dearly for this.” “She can’t escape it. I am just glad she is being charged for attempted murder and not murder.” the DPO smiled at Teju. “You really handled the situation well before the police arrived.” Teju shook her head as her eyes turned thoughtful. “Believe me sir, I am not the one who deserves the credit” ***** Timothy looked up as the doctor approached him. It hasn’t taken anything to like this woman, she was just so likeable. Her smiles made him feel less pain and gave him hope of one day leaving the confines of a hospital. Timothy received the doctors big smile with a smile on his own. “How is my favorite patient doing?” Doctor Kemi asked, smiling at Tim like he was the sweetest thing she had ever seen. Tim smiled. “I am better, Doctor, I always feel better when you come around” Doctor Kemi raised her brow with an amused smile on her face. “Oh, a flirtatious lil boy, eh?” she muttered and Timothy grinned slightly. She noticed the slight wince of pain Timothy quickly hid but she made no comment. “Okay, if you are flirting with me, I think that’s a good sign; it means you are getting better” Timothy suddenly turned serious. “Am I?” he looked so hopeful, Doctor Kemi already used to this kept her face straight, with her smile not faltering. “I want to go home” Doctor Kemi feigned a sad look. “You want to leave me so soon?” “It’s not that… It’s just…” he looked away. “I miss my siblings” Doctor Kemi stared at Timothy’s sweet face and felt an unfamiliar emotion. In this profession, it was always advised not to get too personal or attached with patients. Doctor Kemi often succeeded in being perfectly professional without getting emotionally attached to her patients, but where Timothy was concerned, she seemed to be failing woefully. She lowered herself, sitting at the edge of the bed. “What are their names?” “Loveth, Tessy and Jerry” he answered automatically. Doctor Kemi smiled. “You’ll see them again, I promise you” Timothy’s eyes flashed with hope. “Soon?” Doctor Kemi nodded. She couldn’t remember ever seeing Timothy so enthusiastic. “Why haven’t they visited you?” “No” Tim said almost instantly. “I don’t want them to see me like this.” he looked away, feeling sad. “I don’t want to see them cry for me again” Doctor Kemi blinked then smiled forcefully. “Well, I guess I’m happy I have you to myself now” she got what she wanted because Tim smiled. “Your mum?” “She went out to get something to eat” Tim explained. Doctor Kemi nodded. “I noticed you hide what you feel, Tim. I don’t want you to do that; whatever it is that you feel, I want you to tell me or anyone around, do you understand? That way we can treat you faster and you can go home faster, how about that?” Timothy nodded. “Okay ma” Doctor Kemi straightened, did a few routine checks and left, promising to return soon. ***** George still couldn’t believe that Brother Isaac had actually given him a hundred thousand Naira. It had taken all his willpower not to burst into tears right there in Brother Isaac’s sitting room. God always had a way of pulling him out of whatever mess the devil had in store. And to think that Brother Isaac didn’t even know that he was in financial crisis… didn’t even know that his son was hospitalized. George knew that one hundred and thirty thousand Naira was not even halfway through what he was expected to pay but he had faith Mr Haruna just might give him more time; probably wait till Timothy was out of the hospital before demanding the rest. He couldn’t be going around, searching for money to pay off money he didn’t spend while his son was in the hospital. George felt the throbbing pain from his injured leg as he walked towards his office. He had called Mr Haruna to meet him there. On getting there, he met Mr Haruna already waiting for him. “Good afternoon sir”. George was certain that Mr Haruna was way younger than he but that wasn’t important. Mr Haruna had that hostile look in his eyes. He didn’t come with his wife and George knew it was a deliberate act just so his wife wouldn’t interfere with his decisions. “Do you have my money?” Mr Haruna ignored George’s greeting and asked without preamble. “I have part of it” George brought out the One hundred and thirty thousand Naira. Mr Haruna scowled. “I didn’t give you part of the money, I gave you three hundred thousand Naira” he stated emphatically. “Excuse me sir, but you gave Fred, not me” George pointed out. “You asked me to pay to Fred when I was ready didn’t you? How sure am I that this is not part of the money? Besides, how could you have gotten the money so fast if you didn’t get your share from your accomplice cousin?” George swallowed and took a calming breath. He stretched the money wordlessly. “This is one hundred and thirty thousand Naira, it’s all I could raise. Please give me more time to get the rest; my son is hospitalized and I have to be with him now. I promise to pay you back every penny once my son is out.” Mr Haruna looked at him like he had gone mad, still not collecting the money. “I should wait for your son to get better? Mr man, I don’t think you know who you are dealing with. If I collect this, I need the balance tomorrow” “I can’t. It was a struggle getting this money, please understand me.” George had been hoping that Mr Haruna would at least be understanding but now, it seemed that was an impossible task for the man. “Does it look like I care?” Mr Haruna’s voice rose. George wasn’t ready for another embarrassing scene. His name was smeared enough as it is. He took a deep breath. It was decided! He was going to do it. “Can I give you my car?” George asked suddenly. “What?” ***** The mechanic stared at George like he had gone completely crazy, then stared at Mr Haruna. “Pastor, don’t do this” he finally said when George was done explaining the situation. “Someone promised to come get this car next week for four hundred thousand Naira” he explained. “I need my money now” Mr Haruna said stiffly. His eyes brimmed with concealed delight as he gave the car a thorough look. George sighed. He was tired of this. He had his name to protect and if he had to forfeit his car to free himself from this mess, he was ready. “Mr Haruna, I believe this car is enough payment. This car is worth four hundred thousand Naira but I’m willing to let it go as payment for the money my brother took from you.” Mr Haruna walked around the car, feigning a look of indifference when they all knew for a fact that he was probably jumping for joy internally. The car was worth much more than the mechanic wanted to sell it, George had bought the car when he was financially buoyant, he knew the value of what he was giving away. Mr Haruna finally turned. “I’d take this car under one condition” he looked directly at George. “I’d take the money also” “What?” Baba Sodiq yelled. “Ah! Eeyan ma nika o” People are wicked. “How can you be so heartless?” Mr Haruna ignored the mechanic. He was a business man, he was used to being called names. “I already have a car, this is more or less, a liability. If I am taking the car, I am taking the money, or no deal” George smiled painfully. He just wanted this over. “I can only give you hundred thousand because I have to pay the mechanic. He repaired the faults and has been the one marketing the car, I’d give him the rest” Baba Sodiq just stood, looking stupefied. “Alright.” Mr Haruna conceded. George counted a hundred thousand Naira and gave Mr Haruna. They signed undertaking stating that George had paid Mr Haruna back fully and with that, George watched Mr Haruna drive away in his car until the shiny black car disappeared from view. George closed his eyes briefly and turned to the mechanic. He was supposed to pay the mechanic about twenty thousand Naira but Baba Sodiq collected only five thousand and told him to forget the rest. George thanked him for all he did and left. That chapter was closed. ***** “I want to know what can be done about Timothy’s health, Kemi” Teju Pascal sat facing her doctor friend. “I know cancer is a serious disease, but tell me categorically, Kemi; what are his chances?” Doctor Kemi sighed and leaned forward, bracing her hands on the table. “Honestly, Teju, his case is a peculiar one. His best chance at survival would be get a bone marrow transplant. I say it is peculiar because the rate at which the cancer cells spread is way above the normal, making me feel, despite my medical ethics, that there’s something above the ordinary at work here. However, the good news is that he is responding very well to the chemotherapy treatment. I’m actually very impressed.” Doctor Kemi took a deep breath and looked straight at Teju. “I have some doctor friends abroad who have been successful with similar cases. I forwarded his case to them and they are positive that he can be cured. I’m sure, Teju, if Timothy is flown abroad, with lots of prayers, he’d survive this” Teju let out a breath she had unconsciously been holding. “What you are telling me now, Kemi, is that there’s hope” Kemi smiled. “Yes, Teju. There’s hope”. To be continued.

Episode 13 Mr Pascal stared incredulously at his wife. “One would think you already learnt your lesson, but you haven’t” Teju sighed and sat beside him on the couch of their large sitting room. “It’s not that, darling” “It is what then?” he turned to face his wife. “You almost got lynched by someone you’ve been helping all your life. Someone you’ve spent so much money on, and barely a week after, you still want to help some… boy in the hospital?” Mr Pascal’s voice rose fractionally. He was clearly displeased with her. Teju sighed and drew closer to Mr Pascal on the chair, putting her arm slightly around him. A wife always knows the way around her husband’s temper. “Cal” she called gently; he always loved her calling him that with her sonorous voice. “I know I just got out of a really sticky situation, but Cal, that doesn’t mean I should stop helping people because of one bad person” her husband pretended not to listen as he fastened his eyes on the flat screen television ahead but Teju knew he was listening to her every word. “Besides” she continued, “this is a young boy battling with his life… a young boy that truly deserves to live” Teju sighed as Cal fastened his eyes on the television. She put her hands on his cheeks and turned his face to her. “Cal, listen to me” she said earnestly, looking into his eyes and compelling him to look into hers. “That boy could be our John” “Don’t bring our son into this” Pascal snapped. “He could be our son, Pascal” Teju insisted as her husband pulled out of her arms gently. “You need to see his face, he looks so innocent and sweet, all smiles despite his condition. Why should we food our arms when we have the ability to help that sweet child and his family?” Teju saw the straight face of her husband and caressed his lap gently. “You always supported my charities and even encouraged me, why are you saying something else now?” Mr Pascal shook his head. “You know how to twist a situation in your favour, right?” he grounded out. “I almost died thinking I had lost you, just last week. I was screaming like a lunatic on the road, I couldn’t get to you fast enough…” he shifted uncomfortably on the chair, “… and all because of an ingrate…” Teju swallowed. She had known it would be hard to convince her husband. Since she discussed Timothy’s state of health with the doctor, two days back, she had been looking for an opportunity to broach this topic. She understood her husband’s reactions, appreciated it in fact, but she really had to see Tim recover. Maybe it was time to tell her husband what really happened the day she hosted assassins. “Do you know that I was actually shot that day” she blurted out. Mr Pascal turned his eyes to her slowly. “What do you mean?” Teju Pascal’s eyes turned dreamy as she envisioned the incident of the past week. “The assassins actually trained their guns on me and pulled the trigger” she explained, “but nothing happened.” she stared into her husband’s disbelieving eyes. “The first guy had already shot my secretary, but when he shot at me, nothing happened. The other guy shot at me, yet, nothing happened, it was then you came in with the police” Mr Pascal looked frozen in time as he stared at his wife. “When I found Timothy’s parents at the general hospital, Timothy was in coma and I had to rush him to Wickins. When he became conscious, Timothy prayed for me that God will pay me back in multiple folds. That prayer kept replaying in my mind until that day; I got a warning in my spirit which made me give the assassins false information” Teju stood. “It was after the whole episode that Timothy’s prayer became clear to me. In my little way, God used me to save him from death and I was in turn saved from death.” Mr Pascal took a deep breath as his wife squatted before him. “You see why I am so passionate about this? That boy is special; I can’t not do something” Teju sat on her husband’s lap, playing with his hair with her fingertips. “I need your support…” she paused with a sly smile, weighing her words. “… and your funds” Mr Pascal’s mouth twitched as he shook his head. “I knew there was more to this than my support” Teju grinned, adjusting herself provocatively on her husband’s lap. Pascal’s breath caught slightly and his eyes thinned. “You know what you’re doing, right?” “Damn right, I do” she kissed his ear gently, enjoying the catch in her husband’s voice, glad that she still had so much effect on him despite their years of togetherness. She needed no answer from him, she already knew he’d do her bidding; it was for a just cause, and despite his initial reluctance, Pascal wasn’t one to turn down a good deed. ***** Doctor Kemi looked up with a smile as Teju Pascal entered her office. “Teju” Kemi dropped the file in her hand. “I’m sure seeing you today means good news” Teju smiled, pulling out a chair for herself. “I wanted everything to be ready before I come back here, so we can tell Rogers the good news together” Doctor Kemi smiled wholeheartedly. “You have the money” Teju nodded. “Most of it” Kemi leaned forward. “I was also able to rustle up something with a few coworkers. It’s not much though” Teju smiled. “You always amaze me. There’s something about that boy, right?” Kemi nodded, looking thoughtful. “There is” I know the feeling, Teju thought with a smile. “Why don’t we break the good news?” Kemi stood instantly. “I can only imagine their happiness” ***** “Loveth didn’t talk to you still?” Bola asked, looking concerned. Timothy shook his head with a soft pained smile. Bola could see in his eyes just how much he wanted to hear from his sister. It broke her heart to see him like this… it broke her heart that Loveth wouldn’t want to speak with her brother, knowing his condition. “You want me to speak with her?” Timothy thought for a second, then shook his head. Bola couldn’t understand anything. Loveth was the closest to Timothy, Bola couldn’t get why she wouldn’t speak with him. There was no quarrel between them, so why… Bola’s eyes widened as comprehension dawned on her. Oh God! That explains the pained look in Timothy’s eyes. God! When would she understand the reasoning of her eldest daughter? “Mummy” Tim called. “Uhn?” Bola pulled closer to her son. He had been in pains for two days now, she had told him countless stories, in her bid to ease his pain and divert his attention from it. She had sang to him and with him, and with George. They had tried their best to create a good atmosphere around him to make the pain a bit bearable. But Bola wanted it all over, she didn’t want to see her boy in some much pain. “Can you tell me about heaven?” Tim muttered suddenly. Bola’s heart skipped several beats and for a moment, Bola became tongue-tied. Bola stared at her son for a while, biting her inner cheek nervously. “Why… Why do you ask?” Timothy smiled drily. “I just want to know” Bola blinked back tears. She wished George was here now. She should have gone to buy the food instead of him. How was she to deal with this? Bola drew closer to the bed, running her fingers on Tim’s bald head. Softly, she spoke to her son about God and the angels, about the elders, the gold streets of heaven, the mansions, the music… Slowly, she watched a smile seep through Tim’s face. Bola didn’t know what to make of this. Fear ravaged her heart and mind as she watched her son’s face earnestly. Answering his questions the best way she could. “You’ve been thinking about heaven a lot” she commented. Tim paused slightly, then nodded. As a Christian and the wife of a pastor, heaven should be one of her hot topics, but now, she wanted to talk about anything but heaven. “Are you hungry?” Bola frowned. “Tim?” Bola jumped to her feet as Timothy started gasping for breath. “Tim… What’s wrong?” Tears of fear sprang to Bola’s eyes as she watched her son struggle to breathe. Tim pointed towards the door, struggling to breathe as he mouthed ‘doctor’. “Doctor” Bola screamed, scared of leaving her son. “Tim… Tim, please stay with me” Bola didn’t bother wipe the tears in her eyes as she ran to the door. “Doctor… Nurse…” she screamed on top of her lungs. “Anybody…” she ran back to Tim as his chest heaved fervently. “Tim please… Please breathe honey… Please…” she sobbed as she watched her son struggle with life. It was like a living nightmare. Bola was sure she’d go crazy very soon. Doctor Kemi dashed into the room with two nurses, moving Bola out of the way immediately. “Get two doctors in here.” he shot at a nurse then looked at Teju, nodding at Bola. “Get her out of here” she snapped as she tried to stabilize Tim. “No! No, I won’t leave my son” she yelled. “Tim” Bola ran to the other side of the bed, trying to stabilize her son with her hands. Timothy continued gasping, his chest heaving heavily. Goosebumps scaled Bola’s skin as she sobbed, seeing through the film of tears covering her eyes. Teju couldn’t get her to leave as three doctors entered the room. “Bola… Bola” Bola’s face turned around as George’s arms enveloped her, dragging her forcefully out of the room. “George… no! Tim” Bola cried. Just before the door slammed shut, Bola saw Tim go still on the bed. Bola froze in George’s arms as the door slammed shut as Teju came out. Cold ravaged Bola’s being as she stared hypnotized at the closed door. No! No! ***** “No” Loveth jerked up from the bed, breathing heavily. “T.boy” she muttered into the empty room. Sweat covered her forehead, slipping down her face as she blinked continuously. She never dreamt during the day, this would be the first. She almost never dreamt to start with. “No, Tim” she muttered as tears sprung to her eyes. No. She wasn’t going to cry because her brother was surely not dying. Loveth climbed down from the bed, her small feet making contact with the cold floor. She shivered, feeling intense fear in her heart for the first time. Loveth had heard several times in church that God hears the prayers of children. And though she was the daughter of a pastor, she never really prayed a serious prayer on her own. It was time to test that theory. She bent her knees and knelt by her bed, bracing her hands on the soft mattress and for the first time, Loveth really prayed. To be continued.

Please God let nothing happen to Tim

God will surely ans ur prayers Loveth

GOD WILL ANSWER YOUR PRAYER JUST KEEP PRAYING

God will never forsake you

Episode 14 Seconds turned to minutes, minutes to hours, hours to days, days to weeks… Loveth knew the sound of silence. It is the loud echo of nothingness which deafens the ears even when there are voices all around. There was a stabbing pain in her little heart that wouldn’t go away, no matter how hard she tried. She should have talked to him when she had the chance. She should have told him how much he meant to her; definitely should have told him that she loved him so much. She should have been there, been there with him in the hospital, holding his hand as he grabbed ferociously onto the reins keeping him alive. She should have been the cord that held him together; she should have been his anchor… like he had been to her, her whole life. Tim was the one who always understood her. Even when others misunderstood her and probably thought her a bit weird, Tim was the one person who could tell what she was thinking. He defended her even against their parents when she was about to be punished for doing something wrong. Still… she wasn’t there for him when he needed her the most. She wasn’t with him, and when he begged to speak with her, she had refused. Her reasons for not speaking to him seemed senseless now. He had begged, God knows he begged to hear her voice, and yet… and yet… Loveth bit hard on her lips, as she filled herself from crying. That unconscious act probably runs in the family. She blinked severally times as she watched Tessy and Jerry play a bit sluggishly in the compound. If only she could be as young and as naive as them, Loveth thought, feeling way older than her nine years old self. She was growing up but maybe that wasn’t a good thing. If she was to be granted one wish, she will she’d be as young and naive as Jerry was, maybe that way, she won’t feel this pain anymore. “You’re doing it again” Loveth jerked out of her reverie and turned to the watchful gaze of Mrs Peters. The beans they were obviously picking was poised between them, in a fairly round tray. A bit was suspended in her small palm, only God knows how long it had been there. “Sorry ma” Loveth said shortly. Mrs Peters let out an exasperated breath as she dropped a palm full of picked beans into a bowl. She fastened her eyes on Loveth who had her eyes on her palm, picking out chaff from the beans. “Loveth, you are too young for this. You need to stop worrying so much” Loveth blinked, pouring the beans into the bowl without a word. Mrs Peters sighed, put her hand under Loveth’s chin and raised her head till the girl was looking at her. “I’m sure your brother is fine” Loveth pulled her head away gently as she fastened her eyes on the beans, obviously to hide the pain in her eyes. “No, he’s not” Mrs Peters gasped. “Don’t say that, Loveth” This was the first time Loveth was actually saying that. Loveth’s eyes snapped up. “You know it is true” her eyes watered. “You know it. We have not heard from him or my parents for several weeks now. No calls, daddy hasn’t even come visiting like he used to.” she dropped the beans in her hand, her eyes flashing. “Obviously… Tim…” she bloke off, unable to continue. “… it has happened and they don’t know how to tell us” Mrs Peters stared at the little girl with compassion. “Nothing has happened” still she couldn’t deny that not hearing from the Rogers for so long was really weird. Loveth stared into the older woman’s eyes, reading it as surely as she’d read a book. “You don’t believe it yourself” It’s no use lying to Loveth, Mrs Peters had learnt this quickly. The girl might be so young but she surely had a mature mind. The only thing that could work is tact, a child would always be a child. “Okay, Loveth… I admit I am also very worried” she leaned forward, coming at level head with Loveth, “but we can’t afford to give our hopes up. We have to merge our faith if Tim would be fine again, I have told you this, right?” Loveth’s eyes watered so much, Mrs Peters thought she’d actually cry for the first time. “I’m so scared… What if… What if he…” Mrs Peters watched Loveth struggle with tears, feeling bad for the girl. She so wanted the tears to win, Loveth badly needed to let the tears out, it might help sooth the pain she was feeling. “You can cry, Loveth” Loveth froze, seeming to realise that she was actually on the verge of tears. She blinked back furiously, rubbing the moisture that managed to slip past her steel lashes. “No, I can’t cry.” she cleared her throat, picking the beans again. “Crying means something bad has truly happened” she choked out Oh, so there’s hope there after all. “Come. Come give me a hug” Loveth hesitated for a brief moment, then went ahead to hug the older woman. Who would have thought she and Mrs Peters would actually get along after all that happened. But it seemed people are not averse to change. Mrs Peters had changed drastically since her husband reprimanded her, and slowly, she had tried her best to work her way back to the hearts of the children. For Tessy and Jerry, it was pretty easy. A few gifts here and there and she was the queen of the world in their hearts. Loveth had required a lot more but Mrs Peters, ready to .make up for her mistakes had been patient. Loveth loved cooking, Mrs Peters had realised and harnessed that, teaching her how to cook and creating a motherly atmosphere around her. It had kept Loveth’s mind busy – which was a good thing – and also won her the little girl’s heart. Mrs Peters and Loveth were inseparable now as Mrs Peters became a mother and a friend. Loveth was just pulling out of the much needed hug when she heard the shrill. “Daddy” Loveth spun so fast as her siblings ran towards the towering figure of her father, seeing as he scooped up Tessy and Jerry into .his strong arms. Loveth blinked severally. “Dad?” she ran forward, as she also gave her father a hug. Her heart was pounding wildly in her chest. She was so happy to see her father after several weeks but she was also scared, really scared. She couldn’t tell if this was a good development of a bad one… a very bad one. Loveth tried her best to hide her anxiety and put a smile on her face as her father squatted before them but for the first time, her feelings were not easily masked. George saw the anxiety in the face of his children and his heart broke. Tears were not an easy thing for a man but George has been doing a lot of that this past few days and weeks. “How are you children? I’ve missed you all so much” he put a big smile on his face for the sake of his children. “You didn’t come to visit us” Tessy accused instantly as Jerry stayed poised in his father’s arms. Mr and Mrs Peters watched the children silently from a distance. George rubbed his hand on Tessy’s cheek, smiling softly at them all. “I’m sorry, but now, we are going together” Everyone’s eyes flashed with delight. “I’ll see mummy?” Jerry mouthed. George grinned at the baby of the house. “Yes, Jerry, you’d all she mummy” “And Tim?” Loveth asked pensively. Everything depended on this question. George stared at his eldest daughter for a second, then nodded. “Yes, Loveth, and Tim” Loveth stared at her father. She couldn’t read his face the racing of her heart had pretty much engulfed her senses. Tim is alive! “He is better now?” she mouthed again. There was something she couldn’t read in her father’s face. Surely, she was imagining it and over thinking things like Mrs Peters said she does. But why was he much quieter than his usually quiet self? George smiled widely. “He is alright now” Undiluted happiness filled Loveth. Surely her instincts were wrong. Her father couldn’t lie; he had never lied to her before. “Alright kids, why don’t you go pack some we can get going” In a flash, Loveth and her siblings dashed into the house. Mrs Peters turned. “I’d help them pack” she mouthed, leaving the two men alone. They surely had much to talk about. Weirdly, Mrs Peters was sad thinking she’d not be seeing the children again. Despite her initial reception, the children had grown on her till she developed deep affection and love for them; she was probably missing her own children too much. Mrs Peters helped the children pack and watched them fuse their clothes into bags carelessly, too impatient to worry about folding them. Loveth had never looked to do excited and enthusiastic. Mrs Peters hoped to God that their hopes were not bashed. She hoped George told the children the truth. ***** The taxi wasn’t moving fast enough. It didn’t look like they were going to their house. George had told them that they were going to another house but it seemed so far away. As long as Tim and their mother was there, the children couldn’t ask for anything more. Loveth took her eyes from the road, turning away from the window. Her large eyes met her dad’s as she asked for the umpteenth time. “How much longer?” George smiled and repeated what he had been saying over and over again. “We would be there soon” Loveth sighed lightly, turning back to the window. She continued her daydream of what she’d tell Tim. And what he’d tell her. She just wanted to see his face and hear his voice. He’d be so shocked when she told him that she could cook now… that she could cook so many things. Loveth smiled to herself in anticipation, already envisioning his stunned face. She doubted she’d be able to catch a whim of sleep tonight. She stared at the road again, it never seemed to end, she thought with a frown. Patience. Patience! Finally, after a few prolonged minutes, the taxi pulled off the road and into a large compound, with tall buildings. The place was beautiful. Way more beautiful than their former apartment, this place looked like it’s meant only for the rich. Loveth started towards the first staircase she saw. “Loveth, won’t you carry your bags?” George called. Loveth nodded and backtracked hastily. She grabbed two small bags from the trunk of the taxi as George handled the rest. George led the way, followed closely by Tessy and Jerry. Loveth trailed behind them. Suddenly, she became apprehensive. What would she say to Tim first. She had never premeditated words with her brother, but now, she was suddenly feeling shy. It’s been months. What if her brother wasn’t how she remembered him to be? What if he had changed? Loveth sighed. Well, she’d just have to see for herself, wouldn’t she? They arrived at a door and George put down the bags on one hand to push open the door. The children stared at the door as it pushed open, unconsciously holding their breaths for whatever laid ahead. ***** “Mummy!!!” The children ran into the waiting arms of their mother. Bola knelt down on the rug of the moderately large sitting room, enfolding her children in her arms. Tears filled her eyes and spilled over as she felt extreme happiness. “Oh… My babies” It was like nothing she had ever felt before. It was pure bliss. The distance could have pulled them apart but instead, it brought them closer than they were before. Bola pulled back, inspecting them to see if they held up well. She never wanted them away from her again, not even for a minute. “Mummy missed all of you, so much… so so much” she muttered. “I missed you too, mummy”, the children murmured simultaneously. Tessy and Jerry wiped at the tears in their mother’s eyes as Bola wiped at their. The children’s eyes started going round almost instantly. Something wasn’t right. Someone was missing… “Where is Tim?” Loveth mouthed the unspoken question as she shrugged out of her mother’s arms, looking around, wildly. Her heart raced fast. “Loveth…” George began. “Where is T.boy?” she cried, her voice rang out in the room as she stared at every corner, only seeing walls and doors. “You said he is here!” she screamed at her father. “you said he is here with mummy” this time, Loveth couldn’t control the tears that filled her eyes and spilled over for the very first time. “Loveth… honey, calm down” Bola gasped out. Tessy and Jerry looked on in confusion as they started tearing up also. “No!” Loveth yelled. “I want to see Tim! I want-” “Love” Loveth froze in place as that voice that she knew so well beckoned. The voice that belonged to only one person. “Tim!” Tessy and Jerry squealed as they ran in one direction. Loveth turned around slowly as her eyes connected with the one person she really wanted to see. He was smiling in that familiar way she knew so well as he bent fractionally, lifting Jerry into his arms, while holding Tessy by the side. They were all smiles and less words, as they reminisced in the reunion of the family. Tim lifted his smiling gaze till it connected with Loveth’s. “T.boy” she gasped out. And for a weirdly unknown reason, Loveth started crying. And once the tears started, they never seemed to stop. It wasn’t what she had imagined their reunion to be, she surely hadn’t thought she’d be crying like Jerry – like a kid. But she was ‘still’ a kid and for once, she was glad about it. ***** After the storm comes the calm. The wind normalizes, blowing gently across the earth, swaying trees and grasses as they dance seductively to celebrate the return of normalcy. The dark clouds shift, revealing clear skies, a mockery of its former state. Still, the havoc the storm wrecked remains fresh in the minds of all. The grounds are wet and water flows in torrents in gutters and canals. Loveth looked at the darkened sky from the veranda of their new apartment. Stars littered the sky, some bright, some dim. She exhaled. A movement behind her made her turn. Tim smiled at Loveth as he joined her at the railings. He brushed aside her hand gently so he could see her face. “You shouldn’t be out here alone” “I know” Loveth answered shortly, staring at nothing in particular. Then she looked up at her brother. “I was scared, T.boy… I thought I’d never see you again” Timothy was silent for a while, seeming lost in thought. “Me too, Love” “I should have been with you” “Maybe I wouldn’t be here if you were” Tim countered. Loveth blinked, looking away. “I should have spoken to you” “Maybe I wouldn’t be here if you had” Loveth opened her mouth and closed it. “What happened Tim? Everyone stopped calling, we thought…” Timothy breathed. “I was flown out of the country” Loveth’s eyes flashed with curiosity. “You went to America?” Tim nodded, grinning. “With mummy and daddy” He hadn’t felt the thrill of it then though, he had spent all the time in the hospital. It was a terribly painful time, thinking he was alive now was nothing short of a miracle. “Mrs Pascal paid all the expenses” “Who is Mrs Pascal?” Tim smiled. “You’d meet her soon, and Doctor Kemi” Loveth frowned, she hated not knowing something. “But you are okay now?” Tim nodded with a sincere smile. “Yes, Love, I am fine now” Bola stood a few paces away, concealed by the curtain as she watched her two eldest children. She wiped at her tears, her heart bubbling over with joy and gratitude to God. She had missed sights like these – her children together, happy and without fears. She watched Loveth launch into tales of the past weeks. She watched their laughter, feeling bubbles of happiness envelope her insides. She had thought it impossible to have this again, she had thought her son couldn’t live again, she had thought their family couldn’t be complete and happy again, but here they stood, the storm had passed and they were still standing, their bond even stronger than before. They had learnt to be grateful for the challenges life brought their way because it made them stronger. Bola stepped into the veranda. “Okay kids, time for bed” For once, Bola noted that Loveth didn’t argue about not being a kid. She smiled. “Let’s go, Love” Tim held his sister’s hand and together, they walked into the house. Bola smiled, her heart full of happiness as she walked in behind them. They never heard of Fred again. No one saw him, heard from him or even knew what happened to him. George and the family were forced to forgive Fred in their hearts because unforgiveness has a way of turning around to hurt the offended. Ironically, Mr Haruna grew to be a really wealthy businessman but he lost what was more important and couldn’t be bought with money – family. But after all said and done, the Rogers were grateful for the journey they’d been through, they were grateful for the flowers found amongst thorns, the ones who made life a bit more bearable as they journeyed through the wilderness. And they knew that whenever life brings a starless nights, they’d fight through together, knowing that afterwards comes the dawn of a bright new day. THE END

I love this story

wow..! a very lovely story. kudus to you the writer and tje updator

Wow at last.thank God and thanks to the writer

I pray nothing bad should happen to Tim

Nice write up Thank God for Tim's life Thumbs up

wonderful!

wow!!! what a nice an interesting story