The Blood That Hurts

The blood that hurts [by Juliet Abudei]

Chapter 7

"Mom! Cathy! where are you guys ?".

Mariam and Cathy were busy preparing lunch. Since it was the weekend, they decided to make different meals.

"I can hear Andy's voice from outside; he's back so early ".

Catherine was searching for her brother with her eyes since her hands were occupied.

After a few minutes, Andrew walked in with a smiling face.

" Good day mom, how are you all doing today? what are we having for dinner? I am so hungry".

Mariam noticed her son's smiling face.

"Looks like somebody wrote well because it's written all over you ".

Andrew was overly excited, he told his mom and sister how he didn't waste time in the exam hall because the questions were way easier than he imagined.

Catherine who was less busy with her hands quickly rinsed and dried her hands in other to focus on what her brother was saying.

" That's so cool Andy, I know you are going to gain admission; well-done brother".

"I'm glad you wrote well, you are a very intelligent and promising young man; I have always been proud of you son".

Upon hearing these words from his mother, Andrew thanked her with a kiss on the forehead because it meant a lot to him.

" Thanks, mom".

3 months later.

Andrew got admission into the University of Benin to study Political Science after passing his Post-UTME exams.

He was happy his name was on the first admission list. He was eager to tell his mom and sister about the great news.

On getting home, he announced the great news. Cathy was so proud to have a brother who is going to the university to study Political Science; at least she has something additional to brag about in school when her friends are talking about their older brothers.

A few weeks later at about 11 am.

Andrew had resumed school.

Mariam was at work when she suddenly started feeling weak and dizzy, she decided to sit and relax a bit if it would stop the way she was feeling. All her efforts were in vain. The feeling became more and more intense, and then she collapsed.

Mariam was unconscious when she was rushed to the hospital; she opened her eyes and found herself in the hospital bed.

"Look who is awake, how are you feeling now Mariam?".Doctor Albert said while smiling.

Mariam was surprised to see herself in the hospital.

"What.... am I doing here doctor?"

"You collapsed at work, so you were rushed here ". The doctor said confoundedly.

Mariam was confused, she tried not to overthink what the problem could be.

" Doctor, what exactly made me faint; I mean where did the dizziness and weakness come from?". The doctor smiled.

"I'm sure there's no need for an alarm since it's the first time that something like this has happened ever since the surgery. For now, try not to overthink and rest more often and you will be fine".

Mariam couldn't stop thinking, she hoped nothing serious was happening to her; she couldn't imagine coming back to the hospital, or being admitted for being sick.

" Thanks, doctor, I will heed your advice; I think I have been stressing myself too much lately".

Mariam headed home after leaving the hospital.

At home.

Catherine was worried about Mariam because it was way past her closing time and she wasn't home. She picked up her phone to call Andrew when she saw her mom driving in.

"Mom! I have been looking for you all over the place, I even dialed your number but it was switched off. Are you alright?".

Mariam tried to convince her daughter that there was no need to worry or be scared.

" I'm fine Cathy, I went to the hospital because I was feeling weak and dizzy, so I took permission at work; I am just stressed, I will be fine".

"In that case mom, you have to rest a lot; you work too hard, I also understand that you want to be able to provide for us, especially our education, but your health is way more valuable to us", Catherine showed concern.

Mariam smiled.

" Alright, Cathy I will rest more often before you start lecturing me. That reminds me, have you heard from your brother lately? His number hasn't been going through".

"Let me call him mom, it should be network".

Catherine brought out her phone from her pocket and dialed Andrew's number.

" Hello Andy, how are you? Please tell mom to rest more often, can you imagine she tried to hide the fact that she went to the hospital today because she was feeling weak and dizzy? Just because she doesn't want us to be worried".

Mariam quickly snatched the phone from Catherine who was busy reporting her to Andrew.

"Hey Andy, how are you and hope you are eating well?".

Andrew noticed that Mariam was trying to avoid questions relating to her health.

" How are you mom, how are you feeling now and what did the doctor say was wrong?".

" Don't trouble yourself, Andy, your sister is just exaggerating, the doctor only asked me to rest more, it's just stress; I will be fine ".

Mariam knew how worried her children could be over petty things. She tried to convince Andrew that she was fine even though he sounded unconvinced.

" Alright mom, please try to rest well, I have to go now; I will talk to you guys soon".

After the call, both mother and daughter had dinner and retired for the night.