Chapter 4

How am I going to break this news to Dad? Theo asked himself, his step heavy as he walked. How is he going to take it? With all the struggles and challenges he is going through because of his condition, will he agree to this? Can his mental health handle this? Mom has been putting on a front and trying to be strong, since Dad was admitted, now this.

Meanwhile, in Moses's ward, a growing unease settled over him. He was worried as to why his wife's discussion with the doctor is taking too long.

Chloe was going to talk with the doctor. What is keeping her? It's been more than two hours now, what are they still discussing?

****

Mom! How are you feeling now? Theo's voice was strained.

I'm okay, she forced a smile.

Your discussion with the doctor how did it go?

It went well. Doctor Eden explained why the surgery is needed and how it will help dad's condition immensely.

How are we going to tell your father about this? Feeling a bit skeptical of how her husband would take the news.

Theo sighed heavily. I don't know.

We have to tell him before the hospital does, she said.

I know. Theo replied, trying to think of the most possible and easy way to inform his father. Let's get there first. When we do, we will decide on how to approach this.

You are right, Chloe nodded. Let's go to your father.

They walked in silence down the hallway, Chloe trying to mask her anxiety, her every moment betraying her inner turmoil.

As they entered into the room, Moses looked up, his expression mix of concern and anticipation.

Babe, what took you so long? I have been waiting. He then saw Theo.

Theo! How come you are here? Did something happened?

No! Nothing happened, Theo lied, his voice restrained. I just came to visit you, when I saw mom.

Oh, really? His gaze shifting between them. So, how are you?

I'm fine.

And work?

Work is fine. Theo said.

That's good to know. He glanced at his wife, who sat beside his bed, her composure rigid. Babe are you alright?

Yes. I'm fine, Chloe said, forcing a smile.

You don't look like you are fine to me, did something happen?

No, nothing happened. She repeated.

Then what took you so long? You were gone for almost three hours.

Dad! How are you? Theo trying to distract his father, as he could see the trace of discomfort flashing on his mother's face. I haven't, been able to come visit you because of work. How is your health?

Me? I'm fine. I think I'm getting better, the pains have reduced, and so has the swelling.

I see. Theo said, glancing at his mother, knowing the reality was far different.

Babe, so what did you and doctor Eden discuss about, that took almost three hours? Are there any good news?

Babe! Chloe took Moses' hands as she moves closer to him.

We have some news, we would like to share with you.

What is it? Why are both of you serious? What happened? Moses asked, his eyes filled with worry.

Theo and Chloe exchanged a look. Theo sighed heavily. During the discussion with Doctor Eden, we found out that your leg... is going..... to be amputated, he said, his voice breaking.

A heavy silence fell, broken only by the rhythmic beeping of the heart monitor. Moses' eyes remained fixed on Theo, his expression unreadable.

They searched his face for a reaction, but Moses's smile remained detached, a vacant expression that seemed utterly disconnected from the gravity of their words.

Moses... Chloe's voice was soft.

Dad, doctor Eden said.....

What do you mean, amputated? Moses interrupted. Why would my leg be amputated?

Dad! Dad, hear me out.

Babe, I know this will be hard, but no matter what happens, I will be right here with you.

Moses was numb.The thought of losing his leg caused a surge of emotions inside him. He couldn't speak, couldn't react. He laid back, as numerous thought flashed through his mind. Why would my leg be amputated? I thought I was getting better, I can feel it, my health is improving.

Babe, I think you are mistaken, Moses trembling slightly, a distant look in his eyes.

Babe look at me! Chloe said, holding his hands.

Chloe, he said softly. I think we should just go home. He looked at his leg, trying to wiggle his toes, as if to prove it's functionality. I'm fine now, I will just continue the usual treatment and all will be fine.

MOSES! Listen to me, Chloe cupped his face in her hands, her grip firm, her eyes locked on his, her voice firm, despite the tears threatening to spill.

I can't imagine how hard this is for you, but what matters to me the most, is that you stay alive.

But babe... What about the kids? What about work? If my leg should be amputated, how will I take care of the family, of the expenses we will be facing... Our lives..... everything we have built.... it will be different. He drift away in thought, his voice laced with despair.

I know, I know. Instead of crying in front of him, she gently holds him and reassures him with a soft smile, even though she is breaking inside. The doctor wouldn't have suggested this if there was another way. They want to save you, I want to save you.

He could see the pain in her eyes even as she was reassuring him.

Dad, mom is right. This would take a toll on you, but it's important that we do this. No matter what happens, we will be here for you.

Moses glanced at the both of them, what did the doctor say?

Moses listened intently as Theo explained everything the doctor had told him.

Moses could barely contain his trembling hands as the devastating news hit him. Oh, I see. When is the surgery?

We are yet to make a plan about that. We had to inform you first.

I see. I want to think about this.

Take your time, my love. Just know that whatever happens, we will face it together.

Chloe's phone rang

Hello?

Mom! Where are you? I've been trying to reach you, but I couldn't get through, Vina voice.

What is it? I'm at the hospital with your dad.

You have to come over to the shop now! It's urgent.

Chloe could hear the urgency in her voice.

I'm coming, did something happened?

Fire! Fire! Bring more water! Chloe overheard as the call ended.

Mom, what's wrong? Theo asked as he could see the distress in her face.

I think I have to go back.

Was that Vina? Moses asked.

Yes, she said I should come over to the shop and that it's urgent.

Did something happen? Theo asked.

I don't know. I think I heard someone shouting "fire". I have to go.

Yes please do.

Dad, I should go with mom.

***

Where are the fire department? When are they coming? They are taking too long.

Everything is going to burn to the ground, before they get here.

Oh,no! Mom won't take this well, Vina said.

Theo, what's the fastest means that can get us to Badagry? Chloe asked.

An Uber. We'll get there before 7 pm.

Start booking, please.

Theo booked an Uber to the market.

Hello? I need an Uber for two seats, from LECC Lekki to Complex trade fair market Badagry.

I'm on our way sir, I'll be at LECC in 5 minutes.

Be fast, it's urgent.

Yes sir,the driver responded.