The Blood That Hurts

The blood that hurts [Juliet Abudei]

Chapter 8

One month later.

At 2 am, Mariam found it hard to sleep, she knew something was wrong with her; she had collapsed more than three times in the week.

It was gradually becoming a norm, she was so scared of what the outcome could be.

In the hospital.

"Mariam, it's nice to see you again, how have you been?" Doctor Albert smiled.

"I am..... fine, ...i...think; what's going on doctor? Mariam stuttered.

" Well, you were rushed here because you collapsed at your workplace ". The doctor spoke calmly.

" The thing is doctor, it is gradually becoming a norm, the fainting, dizziness, and weakness. I am so tired of the whole drama". Mariam felt so despondent.

"You don't have to lose hope, It shouldn't be that serious, you will be fine Mariam". The doctor tried to console her.

" I don't know anymore doctor but whatever it is, I don't want to leave my kids all alone in this world", Mariam sobs.

"Be positive Mariam, nothing is going to happen to you, you have been through so much", The Doctor tried to console her.

" Thank you so much doctor, you have been a good doctor; please whatever happens to me, try to look after my kids so that they don't feel alone". Mariam thanked the doctor and left.

Mariam was deep in thought on her way home, she didn't know that life could be so cruel, after all, she had been through; she tried not to believe that her time here on earth was gradually coming to an end. She prayed and hoped that the test result comes out good; even though she was tired of doing a series of tests.

The first semester was soon over and Andrew came home for the holidays.

"I miss you guys so much, I have been in school for a few months and it looks like it has been for a few years", Andrew said excitedly.

" We have missed you so much as well, and we are glad you are here ", Mariam coughed.

" Mom, this cough is something else; don't you think we should visit the hospital? You are not getting better at all". Andrew showed concern.

"I told her the same thing countless times Andy, but she has refused to visit the hospital", Catherine chimed in.

" We would visit the hospital together, first thing tomorrow morning". Andrew resolved.

Mariam hasn't gone to the hospital since her last visit, she was scared of what the result would be despite the countless calls from Doctor Albert. She waited patiently for Doctor Albert to see her.

The doctor walked in and beckoned them to come to his office. He handed the test result to Mariam.

" This is your test result Mariam".

Mariam felt so congested, she couldn't get herself to open the test result.

"You can tell us, Doctor, what the test result says, I mean; it can't be so bad, it's just a cough". Catherine said calmly.

Seeing their faces, the doctor decided to say something.

"Well, your mom's heartbeat is irregular, which is the reason for her constant fainting and dizziness, it's a heart condition that can cause sudden cardiac death because her ventricles have stopped pumping blood to all parts of her body".

" What are you saying doctor, I thought she had an open heart surgery and everything was fine the surgery was successful; why has everything suddenly changed, please explain because I don't understand anything you are saying".Andrew was infuriated.

Catherine's eyes grew misty.

Mariam was so mute, she was so tired of talking and wondering why this has to happen.

Andrew and Catherine were so angry that they didn't let the doctor speak.

"Let's go home mom, Cathy I can't stand this hospital, they are full of lies".

Catherine and Andrew assisted Mariam who was now very weak to stand after the news as they left the hospital.

At home.

Mariam had slept after taking medication.

" We have to take mom to another hospital, I don't understand what doctor Albert was saying, does it mean mom is going to die? I hate to think of such talk more of imagining it", Catherine whispered.

"We will do just that Cathy, even though we don't have much money left because we still have to buy her medications, and we can't allow mom to hear or know about this, Andrew whispered back.

Amid the discussion, Mariam walked in on them.

" When did you wake up mom? You should be in bed ". Catherine got up to assist Mariam to sit down.

"Long enough to overhear your plans of taking me to another hospital. Listen, guys, sometimes life takes away our plans, it doesn't give us what we deserve but that doesn't mean we have to give up or stop living. You have each other, don't ever let anything come between both of you; no matter what the reason may be, friends may come and go but your blood stays with you ".

She turns to look at Andrew who was already trying so hard to choke back his tears.

" It's okay son, I have accepted my fate, I mean; who am I to question God? He created me anyway, so if it's for His glory then so be it; I'm tired of asking God questions ".Mariam was weak and tired.

" You can't give up now mom, we can't lose you too, we can't be orphans for goodness sake, please let's just keep trying you never can tell, the test results might be wrong". Catherine's tears were so uncontrollable as she hugged Mariam tightly.

With teary eyes, Mariam hugged both her children.

"Don't ever forget what I have said. When am gone, it's going to be just both of you; value yourselves and never let anything, I mean anything causes a problem between the both of you, and whatever you do will prosper. God will always protect you and see you through, it's going to be alright".