Chapter Nine
Nora:( entering into her room) what are you doing!? ( Closes the door behind her)
Linda:( standing upright) I came here to take my earphones back
Nora: is that why you entered my room without my permission?
Linda: you did the same thing!! ( Pointing at her)
Nora:( shakes her head) I came to check up on you last night and noticed the earphones on your ears and you were fast asleep, so I decided to be a good friend by removing them before tomorrow morning I'll see you in a body bag
Linda: whatever( Rolling her eyes) where is it?
Nora: check the drawer close to my bed, right-hand side( sits on the chair facing the dressing mirror and brushing her hair)
(...Linda moves to the drawer, opens it, takes her earphones, and sees packets of drugs in there...)
Linda:( gasps) what...what are these!!!? ( Brings out the drugs)
Nora:( turns around) wha....what!! is wrong with you ( moves closer to her, takes the drugs from her, and puts them back in the drawer) please leave my room ( pointing at the door)
Linda: Am not leaving here until you tell me what those drugs are for ( folds her arms) are you sick?
Nora: Linda I'm not sick okay!! ( Sits down on the chair) those are just sleeping pills
Linda: no wonder you look pale ( walks closer to her) and without them, you can't sleep...
Nora:( continues to brush her hair) hmmm...
Linda: And I can see that you are taking it in excess, I mean there are up to ten...
Nora:( interrupts her) Linda please I don't have your time this morning, gently leave my room so that I can peacefully prepare for work and next time I won't come to check up on you. if you like make use of ear blasters to sleep I don't care so now please..(pointing at the door)
Linda: Too much of everything isn't good, you're slowly killing yourself, definitely these drugs have said effects and...
Nora: ugh!!!!
(...She gets up from the chair and drags Linda out of her room then shuts the door close...)
Linda:( knocking on the door) Nora!!, Come and open this door this instant
Nora: Go to work!!
(...She packs her black hair in a ponytail style, dressed in a multi-colored jumpsuit on a pair of white flat shoes, she grabs her bag with her doctor coat and walks downstairs, straight into her car, and zooms off...
...She arrives at the hospital, which seems busy as usual. Nurses and doctors moving here and there treating the patients and checking in on some of them. She walks to the nurse's counter and signs in then enters into her office...)
Nora:( drops her stuff on the table and sits on the chair, rolling in circles with the chair, just trying to clear her head)" some times I just wanna break myself and reshape it ( chuckles) stupid!!!"
(... just then ...)
*Nurse 2*: ( opens the door and enters inside) Doctor Nora are you in?
Nora:( sits upright) yes nurse come in
*Nurse 2*: good morning please your attention is needed in the emergency room doctor Nora
Nora: am right behind you (wears her doctor's coat and hangs her Stethoscope around her neck)
(... They both made their way to the emergency room on the third floor..)
Nora:( entering into the room) so what's the case?
*Nurse 2*: a five years child, raped by a thirty-four years old man
(...she enters the ER and sees a little girl in distress with the anxious-looking mother by her right-hand side.
The young woman moves closer to her and introduces herself as miss Kate...)
Miss Kate: This is my little daughter ( pointing at the little girl on the bed)
Nora:( slowly looking at her from her head to toes) yes...I figured
Miss Kate: doctor please my child needs medical attention urgently, she was raped by an old bastard earlier today but I thank God justice have been served ( sighs)
(...Nora just stands there, all frozen up staring at the little girl on the bed...)
Miss Kate: doctor!!? ( Touches her hand)
*Nurse 2*: miss Kate please calm down ( taps Nora on her shoulders) doctor Nora are you okay?
(... Nora starts receiving flashy images of a girl running and screaming at the top of her voice. She stands there and places her hand on her forehead, the nurse called her name but both her vision and hearing weren't clear, her vision becomes blurry...)
*Nurse 2*:( yells) doctor Nora!!!!?
Nora: ( shaking her head) sorry I just....wanted... to clear my head
Miss Kate: Doctor Nora are you sure you are okay?
Nora:( looking at her) hmm... nurse can...I..( takes a deep breath) nurse please can you give me the injection
Miss Kate: Do you wanna sedate her?
( No response)
Miss Kate:( yelling) please can someone tell me what's going on here? , I'm lost and why is this doctor acting so weird!!
(... Nora in a shaky state grabs the injection from the tray on the stroller and slowly walks to the little girl laying down on the bed but miss Kate stands in her way ...)
Miss Kate: ( yelling) nurse I can't allow this doctor to treat my daughter!!....
*Nurse 2*: ma'am please calm down. Doctor Nora!!? ( She calls out)
( No response)
Miss Kate: Oh no I won't allow you, do you even know what you are doing? ( staring at her)
(...Just then surgeon Steve walks into the room...)
Steve: what's happening here ( looking around)
*Nurse 2*: well...
Miss Kate:( quickly interrupts her) this doctor here with her shaky hands wants to sedate my daughter!!
( Steve looks at them although confused, he moves closer to them...)
Steve: can you please step aside let me talk to her.
Miss Kate: sure ( stands by the side)
(... Steve stands in front of Nora and holds her hands...)
Steve: doctor Nora!!, Please give me the injection ( tries to take it from her hands)
Nora: no!!, Please step aside.... and let me do...my job ( staggering a little)
Steve: Nora you are not in a good state and why is your palm so cold? ( touching her right hand)
Nora: I can't see well and my headaches but I'm fine!!
Steve: ( holds her shoulders and looks into her eyes) doctor Nora please don't do this
Nora: please am fine Okay!!
Steve:( sighs) ok very well then
Miss Kate: doc...
Steve: miss Kate please calm down
(... steve clears from her path, she moves closer to bed with the injection in her hand.
She looks straight into the little girl's eyes and she could see the pain, the screams increase in her head, trying to get herself back the injection falls from her hand to the ground creating a loud sound.
Then all of sudden everywhere becomes still, no movement whatsoever could be heard, she turns around only to find everyone in the room completely still, it was like time stopped and everyone was frozen.
She places both of her hands on the sides of her head, trying to calm it down because it was like it was been hit by a huge iceberg. Then she hears her name been whispered, she turns around and looks at the little girl who seems much alive...)
Nora: did..did you just call... my..name?
Girl: yes I did ( in a soft calm tone)
Nora:wh...what!( Looking around her) I don't understand
Girl: don't worry about them, they're all fine
Nora:( looking at her palms) my vision is clear now, ( stands upright) look I know...
Girl: ( interrupts her) don't worry, just save it ( sits up) I know you won't be able to treat me
Nora: hun?..
Girl: yes!! Cus between the both of us you're the one who needs the medical attention urgently
Nora: Very funny ( rolling her eyes)
Girl: yes it's funny but you're the one with a past and you're still the one trying to move forward with a huge load!!
( Slowly comes down from the bed and stands few steps away from her) imagine an old woman carrying a huge wood on her back with chains tied around both legs, do you think she will be able to move forward or even backward?
Nora: she will be able to move but it would be slow.
Girl: it would be a slow and painful movement, every step she attempts to make either forward or backward would be filled with screams, agony and she would be exhausted quickly then quits and slowly wait for death to come and take her but unfortunately it won't!!
Nora: what's your point?
Girl: let it go, Nora, the woman could have dropped the wood ( load) because her hands were free, it wasn't tied up like her legs then once the load is off her, she would have enough strength to break the chains off her legs and make a decision whether to move forward or backward definitely she would choose forward.
My point is in life there's no problem that doesn't have a solution except it doesn't exist. Most people are so overwhelmed by the challenges they face that it completely blinds them from seeing their way out. Nora, you have a past but a past doesn't have you, let go!!!
Nora: Easy for you to say, you're just a child!!! , what do you know?
Girl: I Am just a five years old girl but yet I was raped although I'm in pain and I won't be able to forget it but look at the bright side, I'm alive and I still have hope. So I'm gonna let it go ay move forward because I'm still very young.
Nora: well good for you
Girl: Nora for you to move forward you have to let it go, let it Go!!!
Nora:( yelling) let go of what! Ugh! Tell me?
I should let go of something that's already inside me, everytime I close my eyes I only see horrifying events, I hear screams, I see myself running from myself!! , when I stare at the mirror I see something else, something that looks like me a demon!!!!
Tell me what should I let go of!! Myself? , If that's the case then you should know something ( moves closer to her) I've let go of myself a long time ago ( laughing hysterically) I take pills to sleep, I barely eat, I'm living my life freely because I don't care anymore, I don't anymore!!! ( Kicks the stroller) I don't care about what happens to me anymore because this life's a mess, a huge fucked up mess!! ( Screams out loud)
Girl: ( walking closer to her with a melody in her tone)" I know a girl once, she was brave and full of joy...
Nora:( slowly moving backward) Get out of my head!!
Girl: remember the lyrics? , It's what your Mom used to sing for you back then ( smirking) and you loved it ( humming)
Nora: you're not here to help me!! You are here to torment me!! ( Screaming) get out of my head ...
Girl:( humming) like you said you can't run from it
Nora: get out!!! ( Screams and bends over)
(..She feels someone's hand on her back, gets up, and turns around...)
Steve: ( staring at her) Are you okay!!?
( ... She looks around, shocked and surprised like" what's happening"...)
Miss Kate: I... I don't think she's fine!!!
(... Nora holds her head with her hands like it was spinning, all of sudden she falls to the ground and goes unconscious...)
****
( Girl screaming...)
Nora: ( breathing heavily)
(..she looks around and slowly sits up on the bed..)
Nora: ouch!! My head ( using her right hand to rub her forehead)
Professor:( looks at her) you should go back to bed.
Nora: how long have you been sitting down there?
Professor:( gets up from the chair and walks closer to her) how long are you going to keep pretending you're okay whereas you ain't!!!
Nora: ( sighs) how's the girl?
Professor: she has been taken care of.
Nora: that's good ( uses the pillow to support her head), professor am fine, there's absolutely nothing to worry about...
Professor: I think there's a lot to worry about that's why you need to go on leave.
Nora: what!!!! ( quickly stands up from the bed) you... you're joking right!!?, please tell me you're joking
Professor: Am not joking, Nora, you haven't been yourself, you've been acting weird lately.
You lose your mental stability sometimes, the other day nurse Kelly saw you staring at yourself in the mirror for a long time like someone else was there. Then the same thing occurred in the lady's room but doctor Nicole saw you. And today you couldn't handle a patient properly, you started shaking, screaming, looking confused and then you fell unconscious...
Nora: I just had a little mental break down that's all
Professor: Not just that, yesterday when I held your palm it was cold. Doctor Nora, you're one of the best medical personnel I've come across but this can affect you badly
Nora: professor am fine, it's just stress that's it!!, I don't need to go on leave, I'll be fine so please can I go back to work now!?
Professor: ( walks to the door and locks it) Nora a medical doctor needs to be in perfect condition before he or she can treat a patient, don't forget a blind man can't lead another blind man, you can't be sick and treat another sick person.
Doctor Nora, you are like a daughter to me and all I want is the best for you, you going on leave would be the best for you so that you can come back fully recharged...
Nora: Am not sick okay!! ( Sits on the chair) Am just stressed out.
Professor: ( takes a deep breath) I've forgotten that you're the stubborn type
Nora:( chuckles softly) professor I appreciate but I'm fine, I'll just go home and get some rest.
Professor: well if you say so but know that I'll be watching you, I'm gonna keep a close eye on you.
Nora: That wouldn't be necessary, I'm not a child anymore!!...
Professor: Oh it is!!! , The last thing I want is for you to lose your certificate as medical personnel.
Nora: I understand ( standing up from the chair) I'll be going home now
Professor: I love what you did to your office ( looking around) it's well decorated with flowers and beautiful ornaments.
Nora: thank you so much, I'm a huge fan of nature
Professor: nature is beautiful!!! and colorful
Nora: Yes it is, ( whispering to herself) " I just wish life's like that!!"
Professor: what did you say? ( looks at her)
Nora: I'll be heading home now( moves closer to her table, grabs her bag and her doctor's coat)
Professor: are you sure you can drive? , I can tell Nelson to drop you off!!
Nora: Nah there's no need for that, I am stable enough to drive
Professor: I'll see you tomorrow then ( opening the door)
Nora: Definitely ( tries to smile)
Professor: You don't need to fake it, just take care of yourself for me, please
Nora: sure
( Professor walks out of her office and Nora walks behind him then to the nurse counter and sighs out.
She makes her out of the hospital straight to the car park then enters into her car, fixes her seat belt, hesitates a little then switches on the engine, and drives off...)
Nora: ( driving)" To be honest I need a break" ( talking to herself)
(... phone rings..)
Nora: ( picks the call and puts on loudspeaker) hi what's up?
Linda: ( on the phone) hi girlfriend, what are you doing?
Nora: ugh!! Am heading home
Linda: early for the first time! I hope all is well?
Nora: ( still driving) yes ma'am, so what do you want?
Linda: you're sounding rude!!!
Nora: Am gonna cut the call if you don't speak up...
Linda: ( on the phone) hmm it seems someone had a rough day but don't worry...
Nora: ( interrupts her) Linda!!!
Linda: ok! okay!!, Please can you stop by the supermarket and get me some sausage?
Nora: ugh!!!
Linda: please!!...
Nora: ok I've heard
Linda: thank you, see you in five
Nora: yeah!! yeah!! ( Cuts the call and continues driving)
(...she drives to a supermarket a few meters away from her house, parks her car, and enters the supermarket.
She quickly bought the sausages and as she was about to enter her car, she sights an angry mob across the road, she drops the stuff in her car, locks it and goes across the road to see things for herself...)
(.. on getting there, she forces her way through the crowd and sees a little boy being beaten up by an adult...)
Nora: hey!!! ( Standing in front of the little boy)
( Everyone present there started murmuring and staring at her)
*Man1*: excuse ma'am who are you?
Nora: why are you guys beating up this little child like a criminal ( pointing at the little boy sitting on the ground crying)
*Woman 1*: that's because he is one
The mob: ( all chorused)yes!!!!
*Woman 1*: this innocent-looking child is nothing but a petty thief, a pickpocket. This isn't his first time nor his second time but today he has caught red-handed!!
A voice from the mob: someone should call the police!!!
Nora: please calm down, if this little boy were to be your child, would you have him been arrested?
*Woman 2*: My child can never be a little criminal!!!
Nora: that's because your child isn't facing the same circumstances ...
*Woman 2*: what's your point ma'am? , Are you trying to say stealing is good and should be promoted because of the person's life circumstances?
Nora: no am not. Enough of the Long talk please, how much does it worth?
The mob:( all staring at her)
Nora: ugh!! ( Shaking her head) arresting him won't bring the stolen items or will it?
The mob: ( all chorused) no!!!
Nora: so please forgive and also The things that were stolen how much are they worth?
*Woman 1*: fifty box (50 dollars)
Nora: just fifty box and you all want to murder someone's child ( sighs)
(... opens her purse and brings out a hundred dollars..)
Nora: here ( giving it to her) use it to settle yourselves
(... She picks the little boy who seems to be in severe pain, holds his hands and they both walk back to her car parked at the other side of the road while the once angry mob breaks up and everyone goes their separate ways.
On getting to the car, she opens it and the little boy sits at the front seat, she grabs her first aid kit from the back seat and dresses his wound on his forehead and knee area ...)
Boy: thank you very much
Nora: ( clears throat) it's nothing
Nora: so tell me! What's your name?
Boy: Evan!! That's my name
Nora: nice name, well I'm Nora doctor Nora. How about you sit in the car and I'll go get you something to eat then maybe we could talk..
Evan: thank you but I think I'm good, I'm in pains and I've lost my appetite
Nora: tell me what could a little boy like you be doing all alone committing little crimes here and there?
Evan: That's how I'm able to feed my younger sister and me!!
Nora: WOW but that doesn't justify your actions...
Evan:( interrupts her) I know!!, Just that I've tried getting a job but they all said that I'm too young
Nora: how old are you?
Evan: I'm fifteen while my sister is ten years of age
Nora: wow you must be a smart kid then, so what about your mom, dad, or any other relatives?
Evan:( lowers his head) hmmm!
Nora: okay don't worry (rises his head up). How about I help you and your sister? I would give you guys a better life and you won't have to fend yourselves.
Evan: hmm... What's in it for you?
Nora: ( chuckles) why do you say that?
Evan: because the last time someone offered to help, my sister was almost taken away from me. I didn't know she was a human trafficker but luckily I and my sister were able to escape and ever since then I find it hard to trust anyone who offers to help...
Nora: there's a lesson learned but look at me, am Nora, not a human trafficker or anything of such, I work in a hospital and I try my best to lend a helping hand to those who needs it and there is nothing in it for me except that satisfaction that you get when you put a smile on someone face.
Evan: hmm
Nora: look my head is aching really bad and I've had a long day so would you please make a decision within the next one minute or get out of my car!!!
(...Evan looks at her then fixes his seat belt, she looks at him with a smile on her face then enters into the car, fixes her seat belt, starts the engine, and drives off...)
Nora:( driving) so where do you guys leave?
Evan: just take the next turn by your right
Nora: but that's the ghetto area!!!
Evan: yes ( nodding his head)
Nora: Ohh!!
(...After thirty minutes of driving they arrive there. She parks her car and they both step out...)
Nora: wow here looks kinda lonely ( looking around)
Evan: Yes it can be like this sometimes
Nora: ( checking her wristwatch) wow it's four already (whispering to herself)"the way time runs these days, it's like someone is chasing it ( chuckles).
Evan where is your sister?
Evan: just give me a second
(...he walks into a garbage site few meters away from Nora and began to whistle..)
Nora: what is he doing!!
(...he continues to whistle until a little girl in dirty clothes, looking very unkept walks out from her hiding spot behind a rock. The little girl moves closer to him and they both hugged each other...)
Nora:( talking to herself) "wow so that's their signal, pretty amazing!!
(..the both of them walk closer to Nora...)
Evan: This is doctor Nora ( pointing at her) and doctor Nora this is my little sister ( placing his hands around her shoulders) Lisa
Nora:( bends down) hey beautiful ( touching her dirty-looking brown colored long hair) how are you?
Lisa: Am okay. Evan ( looks at her brother) what is she doing here?
Evan: she's here to help us
Lisa: really?....
Nora: ( quickly interrupts) look am sorry but I've had a long day and my head is aching really bad so am just going to take you guys to the children's home.
Lisa: what's a children's home?
Nora: it's a home for the homeless especially for little kids like you guys, it's a non-governmental organization, and am one of the benefactors. There you would be given everything you need; food, shelter, good medical attention, quality education, and most importantly Love!!
Lisa: ( looking at her brother) bro!?
Evan: don't worry I won't let anything bad happen to you, life's a risk and you need a better life, so let's follow her!! ( Hugs her again)
Nora: ( smiling at both of them) don't worry about anything, you'll be fine I give you my word!
(...They both enter Into the car, little Lisa sits in the back seat while her brother sits at the front.
She drives them to the"Home for the homeless", after one hour of driving they finally arrive at the place.
Driving into the environment, the little kid's gasps at the view, the environment well decorated with six different buildings (a story building each) forming an arc shape and a small building settled in the middle. The environment very spacious and they see could children moving from one place to another, cheering and playing with each other.
They both made their way to the building in the middle of the compound, then enter one of the rooms...)
Nora: Hey! hey!! ( Entering into the office)... So sorry I didn't knock
( ... On entering the office, she finds Mrs. Kira, a young good looking American lady dressed in a white gown, who is the head of the organization...)
Mrs. Kira:( quickly stands up from the chair) wow!!, Doctor Nora ( walks closer to her and they both exchange kisses on the cheeks)
Nora: Am so sorry for the surprising visit...
Mrs. Kira: oh no, you're always welcome here anytime, any day
Nora:( chuckles softly) thanks
Mrs. Kira: I see you brought some guests
Nora:(pulls them closer to her) this is Evan and his sister Lisa, I brought them here so that you can register them and give them a home. I would have stayed to do all the necessary documentation but I'm exhausted and it's kinda late and the sky is cloudy, I have to reach home before the rain starts.
Mrs. Kira: Sure no prob, I'll do everything
Nora: thank you so much and guys ( looking at them) this is Mrs. Kira, she's the head of the organization, just listen to her and you'll be fine
Lisa: okay
Nora: hmm Evan come see me off!!
(..Both of them step out of the office to the hallway...)
Nora: I'll be on my way now, here's my card and some money ( places them in his hands) in case you need anything or in case there's any complaint
Evan: WOW thanks
Nora: sure, go back inside and give her all the necessary information
Evan: kk
(...Evan enters into the office then as she was about to walk away, Lisa runs up to her and hugs her from behind..)
Nora:( gasps) Lisa!! ( Turns around and bend down) you shouldn't sneak up on me like that (chuckles and hugs her tightly)
Lisa: Thank you!! ( Smiling at her)
Nora: you're welcome
( Lisa returns into the office while Nora enters into her car and zooms off...).