How did it go? What did the doctor say? Moses asked.
The total estimate for the surgery and aftercare is... huge. 150 million Naira, Theo said.
What? That's incredibly expensive. Can we pay in installments?
Yes, we can.
How much do you have saved up? Chloe asked.
Ninety million.
Okay, that's more than half the money. We can to pay and wait for Doctor Eden to schedule the surgery.
Mom, the money is still not complete.
I have enough to complete the bills in my account.
When are we paying? Vina asked.
Today. I don't want a situation where I'll have to spend it on something else.
Hello, we are back. Use this card, please.
Okay, give me a moment.
Chloe and Theo waited as the nurse processed the payment.
Here you go, I'll inform Doctor Eden, and we'll schedule the surgery.
Thank you. Is that all?
Yes sir.
Mom let's go.
Hello, Doctor Eden, this is Nurse Meg from administration, Mr Black's family has settled the bill. We can schedule the surgery.
Okay.
Four days later, at the hospital.
Hello, Moses.
Hello, Doctor Eden.
I came to inform you of the date for the surgery.
That's great news. When is it?
It's in two weeks, on Thursday.
Thanks you, Doctor Eden.
Just doing my job. Take care.
You too
<<<<°°°°PRESENT DAY °°°°°>>>>
That's everything that's happening.
W-why didn't you call me, when all of this was happening?
Hmm. What could you possibly have done?
Luke trailed off. When is the surgery?
This Thursday.
Where are you moving to?
Oto-Awori. It's closer to the hospital and has more cheaper apartments. Since this one is too expensive for us now.
Okay. Why don't you give me the new address.
Okay, I will send it to you.
I will come visit after the surgery, I will be going then.
Okay, take care. Send my regards to your wife.
I will. Send my regards to Theo and Vina.
No problem.
Bye, Uncle Luke.
Bye, children.
Hours later, at our new apartment, everyone is working from mom to Ben, moving boxes and arranging furniture from one room to another. By nightfall, Ben and I were asleep. In my sleep I could here mom,Vina and Theo discussing distinctly.
Now that we're settled, we need to prepare some supplies for your father.
I will gather somethings for him, when I go outside tomorrow, Theo said.
The day before the surgery at Moses's ward.
Honey, how are you feeling? Tomorrow is the day.
I don't know how to feel, right now. Dad sighed heavily
I can't imagine.
Dad don't worry too much, all will be fine. We're all here for you, Vina added.
Daddy, don't worry. I'll drive you and take you to anywhere you want to go to in my car, Ben said. Making everyone to laugh.
I hugged Dad. Daddy, you will be fine okay, Theo, Vina, Chloe and Ben joined to hug Moses.
The next day, Theo, Vina, and Xverna sat on the hallway bench leading to the operating room. Chloe paced, wringing her hands, while Ben played quietly on the floor, seemingly unaffected by the flurry of nurses moving about.
God, please let him be alright, Chloe whispered. I said a silent, Amen.
Mom, nothing will happen to Dad. He will be fine, Vina reassured her.
Doctor! Doctor! Chloe rushed forward, her face etched with worry. How did it go? Where is Moses?
Ma'am, your husband is fine. The surgery went well. He will be coming out any moment now.
Ohh, thank you! Thank you!
It's nothing. I'm just doing my job.
Nurses wheeled Moses into his ward.
Honey, can you hear me? How are you feeling?
Madam, he's still groggy, you have to let him rest, until he wakes up.
Okay, I'm sorry.
Moment later. Ben is sleeping in Vina arms, Theo on his phone, Mom, staring into space. Mom! Dad's awake, I alerted.
Honey!
Dad!
How are you feeling? Does it hurt a lot? Her voice thick with emotions.
Babe, he said softly. You are too loud. Calm down.
Oh,I'm sorry. Are you okay? She whispered.
Everyone laughed. What are you doing mom? Vina asked laughing.
What? Did I do something wrong?
No, it's fine, Vina still laughing, it okay, go on.
One week later, at the hospital. Uncle and his family came to visit.
Luke! It's been a while.
Moses, how are you? I should have come visit, but work. I truly sorry.
It's understandable. You are here now, anyway.
Uncle Moses, how are you?
I'm fine. How are you?
Moses, Luke, Luke's family and everyone exchanged pleasantries.
We brought this for you, as a recovery gift. Luke's wife janate handed it to mom.
Wow, thank you. Thank you for coming, I really appreciate it, Mom said.
Why would you thank me, we are family. How have you really been? I heard what happened. How are you holding on? Auntie janate asked.
I am getting better now.
I'm glad.
Hello auntie.
Xverna! How are you! It's been a while.
I'm fine.
As we were talking, Doctor Eden and some other doctor walked in.
Good afternoon, Doctor Eden said, his voice professional. We would like to do some routine checkups on Mr Black. Could you all wait outside for a few minutes?
Mom nodded, and we all filed out of the room. The door clicked shut behind us. I leaned against the wall, a slight unease settled in my stomach. Theo and uncle Luke were talking to each other.
Mom stood silently, her gaze fixed on the closed door. Vina sat on the nearby chair, nervously tapping her foot, Ben and Alex (uncle Luke's son), oblivious to the tension, were playing with a small toy car, making small quite vroom noises. When Alex said, " Mom, may I get an apple?"
No baby, there are no apples, auntie Janate replied.
"But, didn't we bring apples?"
The apples we brought are for your uncle, I will get you some when we get home.
Mom chuckles, I'm sure he can have one.
Can I've one too, Ben said.
No, you just ate.
When auntie janate moved towards mom, her expression soft concerning.
Chloe, how are you now coping? Auntie asked, her voice gentle.
I'm fine, mom replied, averting her gaze. She tried to smile, but it didn't quite reach her eyes.
Auntie's gaze held hers, unwavering. I know you are not fine, you don't have to pretend with me.
But, mom looked away, her lips pressed together. She didn't say anything.
Auntie place a hand on Mom's arm.
You can talk to me, you know. I've been there, with Luke's health scares. It's hard, carrying all that worry by yourself.
Mom's shoulders seemed to slumped slightly, a flicker of vulnerability crossing her face. Still she remained silent.
It's okay to not be strong all the time, auntie continued, her voice soothing. If you need anything, anything at all please don't hesitate to ask. Whether it's help with the children, errands, or just someone to listen, I'm here. You don't have to go through this alone.
Mom finally met auntie Janate eyes, a hint of tears glistening in them. She nods slowly, her voice barely a whisper, thank you Janate.
You're family, Chloe, auntie Janate said. Auntie gave her arms a gentle squeeze.
Minutes stretched out, each one feeling like an eternity. I watched the nurses pass by, their faces expressionless, and wondered what was happening inside. A knot tightened in my chest. What if something was wrong? What if the surgery hasn't been as successful as they had said?
Finally, the door opened. Doctor Eden stepped out, followed by the other doctor. He smiled, a reassuring smile.
Everything looks good, Doctor Eden said. We just wanted to make sure his vitals were stable. You can go back in now.
Everyone relieved by the news, returned to the room.