The Blood That Hurts

The blood that hurts [by Juliet Abudei]

Chapter 9

6 am.

It was a beautiful Saturday morning in Asaba. The house was unusually quiet, Mariam was still sleeping but Catherine and Andrew were in the sitting room.

"I think we should try to convince mom again, I mean; we have to put in more effort, we can't just fold our hands and watch her die just like that", Catherine whispered.

"I am thinking the same thing too, but mom keeps insisting that we shouldn't bother taking her to another hospital. I am so confused right now, I think we should try and talk her into it again when she wakes up", Andrew whispers back. They both agreed to talk to Mariam immediately after she wakes up.

A few hours later.

Catherine and Andrew walked into Mariam's room.

" Hey mom, you are awake; how are you feeling? ". Catherine showed concern.

" Much better Cathy". Mariam smiled.

"Mom, please we would like to discuss something with you; if you don't mind". Andrew said while scratching his head.

"Okay.... what's going on; talk to me".Mariam gave a staid look.

Andrew continued.

" Mom, we were thinking that it would be best if we tried different hospitals, at least about 2 or 3 for an accurate result; we can't just rely on that result, it may not be accurate". Catherine nods in support.

Mariam smiled as she clears her throat.

"We have been through this before, Doctor Albert has been our family doctor and friend for years, even before both of you were born. He used to be a very close friend of your father before he passed on; besides I don't want you guys to meddle with the money that is meant for your education because it's not even going to be enough in the first place. Moreover, I feel stronger today".

" Let's give it a try mom, even if it's one hospital, you can never tell; please mom, do it for us", Catherine chimed in.

"Okay fine, we will go to another hospital on Monday morning, just one. Can I rest now?".

" You can rest now mom", Andrew smiled.

Shortly after.

Catherine's phone rang; Kim was calling.

"Hi, Kim what's up".

" I got your text Cathy, are you guys home? Because I am coming over". Kimberly was worried.

"Yes we are, I will be expecting you ", Catherine responded as she ended the call.

Catherine wanted so much to talk to Kim because the whole issue was weighing her down.

A few hours later, Kim knocked on the door. Catherine opened the door for Kim and they hugged each other.

"Hey Cathy, I am so sorry for your mom", Kim showed concern.

" Thanks, Kim".

"So, is there no cure for this thing?". Kimberly was full of pity for her friend.

" Well, we will be going to another hospital on Monday to confirm if it's true". Catherine continued to explain.

Kimberly stayed for hours before leaving.

9 am on Monday.

Mariam and her children ran some tests at another hospital but surprisingly the results were the same as the previous.

"It's best we leave things as they were. I'm so tired of going to hospitals; let's go home guys, and you Andy prepare to go back to school, I will be here when you return for your next holiday; don't argue with me".

Mariam was exhausted and had already given up; she was ready for death if matters come to the worst.

A few months later.

Andrew was back home for the holiday.

After dinner, Mariam and her children talked about some funny events in the past, they all laughed and went to bed.

The next day.

Catherine prepared breakfast for Mariam, she decided to take it to her bedroom.

" Wakey! Wakey! It's time for breakfast mom, you have to take your drugs". Catherine smiled as she placed the tray of food on the table and sat on the bed to wake Mariam.

She shook Mariam, but no response.

"Mom! Mom! Wake up, don't do this; it's me, Cathy, talk to me; Andy! mom is not breathing

Andrew overheard her sister's voice and ran to Mariam's room only to find out that Mariam wasn't breathing, he quickly carried her and rushed to the hospital.

In the hospital.

Mariam was rushed to the emergency unit while her children waited impatiently for the doctor.

A few minutes later, the doctor walked toward them with a downcast look.

"How is she doing, speak doctor!". Andrew asked inquisitively.

" I'm sorry son, we tried our best but she was half dead when she was brought in; your mom didn't make it".The doctor tried to console them but Catherine was already rolling on the floor with her teary eyes.

" I can't believe my mom is dead". She kept echoing the same words all over and over again.

Andrew who was already full of tears, bent over to lift Catherine as they hugged themselves and wept together.

"It's going to be fine Cathy, we have each other now".

A few months later, Mariam was buried.

Catherine and Andrew were having a private discussion outside.

" Cathy, your WAEC exam is around the corner, you have to make mom proud and put yourself together. I think we should live with Aunt Martha as mom said before she died. As for me, I will continue with my education, I will do some menial jobs to support myself; we will figure it out". Andrew held his sister.

"It hurts so badly, can't believe that mom is gone. Well, after my exams, I will look for a job to save money for my university education because we have little or no money left.

Aunt Martha was Mariam's elder sister, she wasn't so close to Mariam. Before Mariam died, she pleaded with Martha to let her children stay with her.

Andrew cleared his throat as he continued to speak.

" We realized a little money from the funeral, I will give some to you whilst I take the rest since I am going back to school in 2 days".

They hugged each other and went inside.