It's been five days since I got to know that we are moving.
Everyone is working, mom arranging her luggage and other things.
Theo and Vina are assisting the moving agents. Ben obviously playing around the house, and I am in my room,arranging the little of my stuff. Suddenly, I heard,Ben shouting across the hallway.
'MOM! Uncle Luke is here!' , Ben shouted, running up the stairs.
'Oh really?' Mom replied. Xverna go down and inform ur uncle that I will be with him shortly.
Yes, ma'am, responding like an automated machine.
Walking my way down the stairs, I noticed that most of the furniture has been carried out of the house, causing the once warm home to feel empty.
Good morning, uncle Luke, how are you?
Good morning, my angel. I'm fine and you?
Fine too. Mom said she will be with you shortly.
Okay, no problem, he said sitting on the couch while I sat close to him.
'What about Auntie? Is she not coming?'
'No, she is busy'.
'Busy with what?' , Ben asked him.
Mom walked in with Ben on her arms.
'Work',Luke chuckling.
Hello, Luke.
'Hello,Chloe, how are you? It's been a while since we last saw each other'.
Yeah, it been a while. Well I'm fine. How about your wife and kids? Hope they are fine?
Yes,they are all doing well.
How about Theo and Vina?
I believe they are with the moving agents.
And Moses? How is he? Has his condition improved? Any good news?
Mom looked at him with a blank expression.
Not really. His leg will be amputated and he was also diagnosed with COPD(Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease).
'What?! I thought it was just an ordinary sore that needed good treatments?'
It's not an ordinary sore. It happens to be venous leg ulcer.
Oh my God, COPD too.
Yeah,because of his frequent and heavy smoking habit.
'Then why are you moving?
The expense for transportation to the hospital and back home, is too much for me to handle.
'Yes! Why didn't you admit him to a hospital here instead of going all the way to another town?'
The treatment there is much more advanced in facilities, and access to specialized care is possible and better over there than here.
'Oh! Okay, you are right about that, but that should not have prompted you to move out'. You have the resources to buy a car,if it's about movement, don't you?
Chloe did not respond . She placed Ben in the space on the couch where she had been sitting, trying to regain her composure. She stared into the distance for minutes that felt like an eternity. The room went dead silent. The noise that could be heard was from Theo, Vina and the moving agents.
I sat looking at them both. Chloe broke the silence,saying,
It seems you are not aware of what has happened to my business. There was a hint of irritation in her voice.
I'm sorry if I've offended you by my question, Luke said defensively. But I'm not aware. If you can, please tell me, he said with concern etched on his face.
My warehouse and shops went down in flames,pain flashing across her face and in her voice.
'What? How? When? Trying to comprehend what had happened.
Last month, on a Tuesday, I went to the hospital to visit Moses and check his progress and discuss what we could do about his conditions.
***
Hi love, how are u today? Chloe said to Moses. Are you feeling any better?
Huh,well,I'm fine. The pains are not as intense as before since I was admitted, trying to sit up.
Let me assist with that. Good to know.
How are you, my love. And how are my princess and Prince charming? Moses said, cupping her face.
I'm fine. And so are the kids, she said as she held his hand, gently massaging it.
So have you eaten?
Yes, I was given beans, egg and fish.
Hmm, and your medications?
I have already taken them. He replied, with a funny look on his face.
Why is ur face like that?
May I know why this beautiful and loving wife of mine is treating me like a child,Hmm?
Oh! Was I doing that? When? Chloe said pretending not to understand what he is saying.
You just did, and now you are pretending not to be aware...
What a cry-baby.
Who? Hope you are not referring to me, because I'm not a baby.
Yes, you are. I hope u are not stressing the nurses like this?
No, I'm not! With all seriousness, crossing his arms on his chest.
With the sound of Chloe's laughter echoing in the room
Okay, okay. I'm sorry for teasing you so much. Don't be too serious, please.
Anyway,have you seen the doctor today? Chloe inquired.
Yeah, he just left a short while ago, before you came in, actually.
Ok, I'll be back shortly. I need to talk with the doctor, so don't get too bored without me, okay?!
Bored? Why will I be bored? As if, he thought to himself putting up a smug face. 'I'll be here waiting. Take ur time'.
Okay, she said as she walked out of the room into the hallway, heading for the doctor's office.
With the sound of a knock, the doctor told the person to come in, lifting his head to see who was knocking.
Good morning, Doctor Eden.
Good morning, Mrs Black. I've being expecting you. How are you today?
I'm fine.
Come,please, have a seat.
Thanks. walking towards the chair opposite the doctor and a desk, with a computer, files and some papers on it between them.
How is my husband's condition?
Concerning, Mrs Black, I'm afraid there's some bad news.
Chloe was tensed, her anxiety and fear surging as she heard what the doctor said.
Mrs Black, I need you to be calm as I explain, he began.
Ok,go on.
After carrying out the treatment for sometime now, we came to find out, that the treatment is not healing his leg. It's only helping to lessen his pain and slow down the condition, but not improve his health. The diameter of the venous leg ulcer on his right leg has increased while the COPD condition is improving. That's why I asked you to come, so you could be aware of these changes and know what has occurred.
Oh God. Tears welling in her eyes. But he said the pains have reduced and he is feeling better than before.
Yes, that's correct, but it's because of the pain reliever I administered to him and the other treatment.
If we do not address his leg soon, it will worsen, potentially leading to his death.
No, no, no, please he can't die. The doctor's words a death sentence, resonated in the sterile air. Her eyes, wide with disbelief, became pool of sorrows, so profound, draining the colours from the room. A choked sob escaped her lips, a sound of utter devastation, as the weight of his impending absence crashed over her like a tidal wave incapable of escaping the darkness.
Mrs Black, please calm down. In between her tears and sense of reality she asked, is there no other solution. I can't lose him, doc, I can't please she muttered.
There's another solution, he said.
What is it doc, she asked,her voice trembling.
His leg has to be amputated Mrs Black.
What? NO! Her body crumbled as the words landed, a silent scream trapped in her throat. Tears, hot and desperate streamed down her face, each one a testament of the life she was about to lose.
The news was a brutal hammer blow, which shattered the fragile hope she clung to, leaving only the raw, agonizing fear of a future alone and an uncertain future.
Amputated, she repeated. How will he work? What about our lives? Our children? What about our plans? The promise we have made together - has it all gone down the drain? My husband, one leg?
God, oh God is this really happening?
I understand this is incredibly difficult, and I know there are no words that can truly ease this pain. But we are here to support you. Please take your time. Would you like us to call a family member to be with you? He asked with concern etched on his face. All she could do was nod, unable to speak, as she continued to shake and sob.
Nurse, Doctor Eden called out, call the next guardian listed on Mr Black's admission file to come to the hospital.
Yes sir.