Chapter 5

Screams ripped through the humid air. As the once vibrant Badagry Complex market is engulfed in acrid, choking smoke and chaos. Smoke billows from a seemingly distant source, but this acrid smell stung the eyes and makes breathing difficult. People ran,tripping over each other, their faces contorted in fear and desperation. Shouts pierced the air, Fire! Fire! echoing through the sprawling complex. Vendors frantically grab their wares, attempting to salvage what they can from their stalls. Some wept, others pray while many simply ran, their eyes wide with terror. The air was thick with the sounds of panic, the clatter of falling objects, the frantic barking of dogs and the cries of children lost in confusion. People scrambling for any source of water- plastic bottles, buckets, even their hands cupped together, desperate to extinguish the invisible enemy that threatened to consume everything in its path.

Chloe and Theo could see the smoke rising from the direction of the complex. Chloe clung to her dress, pressing down on her chest,hoping that whatever was burning was not consuming the entire market. Chloe ran frantically to the direction of her shop, hearing the sirens of fire truck in the distance. Vina! Vina!, she called moving through the crowds.

Mom! Vina shouted, hearing her mother's voice. Over here! Theo followed close behind.

Vina? Where you able to secure anything?

The goods at the warehouse? Chloe asked.

Vina's responds was not what Chloe was praying for.

No! No! No! Chloe fell down on her knees gasping for air.

'Mom!' Vina called.

'Mom?!' Theo shouted. 'Calm down. Breathe..... breathe..... breathe....

Chloe struggles to breath, her chest was so tight, as if her lungs were twisting itself inside, her tears were so hot that it could cook rice.

Mom, please calm down, Vina said.

But she could not hear any of them. Her mind was in disarray. I can't do this anymore. Let me just die, she said. Why do bad things keep happening to me? Did I do something wrong? Did I offend someone to cause this? She laughed hysterically.

Mom! Mom! Please calm down. That was all Theo and Vina could say, they didn't know how to console her, how to ease her from the pain she was feeling. For they undersood the level of pain she was going through but not how to ease her of it.

Chloe went silent, staring blankly at the flames for minutes, then stood up walking towards the flames.

Mom? Where are you going? Vina asked.

Mom, wait you can't go over there!

Chloe continued walking, she could not hear anyone or see anyone, all that was in her mind was getting into the flames.

No, no, no, no! Theo said, walking towards his mother. She can't be thinking of doing that right?

Chloe increases her pace, as if the flames were calling to her, as she reaches for them.

NO! Theo grabbed her,pulling her to his chest. Mom! You can't be thinking of going into the flames, right? He looked at his mother's face, he could see that there was no soul in her eyes, it was void and looked scary.

Mom! Vina shouted. Mom look at me.

She snapped her fingers. Mom, can you see me? Chloe's body trembled, shaking violently.

Theo, pick her up. I think she is convulsing.

Let's go to the hospital NOW!

Two hours later, Chloe opened her eyes.

Huh.... My head...

Mom,you're awake

Am I at the hospital?

Yes,you are. You were convulsing earlier.

Where is Vina?

She went home to take care of Ben and Xverna. Handing Chloe some water.

Okay.

Mom, what were you thinking? Were you trying to commit suicide? Walking towards the fire like that. Are you trying to die?

I'm sorry. I wasn't thinking.

Wasn't thinking. WASN'T THINKING? I know that this is hard and it's going to be harder, but how could you?

What about Ben... Xverna.... what would happen to them? If I was not there or if no one had saved you, what would have happened? Hmm?

I'm sorry, I'm sorry, she said crying.

It's okay. We will go through this together, okay? We will share your burden.

Thank you.

The next morning. Vina! Xverna! Mom and Theo are here, Ben said. Mom, why didnt you come home yesterday? Xverna asked.

Mom was busy yesterday, Chloe replied.

Mom, mom, how is Dad? Ben asked playfully.

Ben, mom need to rest now. She'll talk to you later, okay? Theo helped Chloe to her room. Vina, bring something for mom to eat.

Okay.

Later that day at the dining table.

Mom,how's Dad? Is he getting better? Xverna asked.

Yes,yes, when is Dad coming home, Ben added.

He's coming very soon,Chloe replied.

Mom, how are you feeling now? Are you okay? Vina asked, her voice filled with concern. Are you okay now?

I'm fine. Thank you for coming to take care of the kids.

No, it's okay. So, how did the visit to the hospital go?

His leg will be amputated.

What? What do you mean amputated?

Yes, that's what the doctor said.

What is the meaning of amputated,Xverna? Ben asked.

To cut off somthing, Xverna answered.

So Daddy will have only one leg, Ben said.

Wasn't Dad getting better.

I thought so too

Is there no other option?

No, if it's not amputated, it could lead to his death.

Oh God, when is the surgery?

It hasn't been decided yet,Theo responded.

So this was what Mom was going through yesterday...

I have to go to the shop today, Chloe said, snapping Vina from her thought.

What are you going there to do?

To see if anything was saved from the fire.

Mom, there's nothing there.

What do you mean by there's nothing there?

The flames consumed everything, mom.

No, somethings could have been saved.

Where are you going at this time. it'll get dark soon.

I have to go.

Mom wait. Why don't I go instead and see if there's anything that can be saved? And if there is, I'll tell you, Theo said.

Can you do that?

Yes,just stay at home while I go,okay?

Okay, thank you.

Night after night, the silence of the house became a heavy blanket, broken only by Chloe's quite sobs. They weren't just tears, they were a raw, aching release of the day's crushing weight. Each muffled cry was a lament for the lost market, the looming threat of Moses's surgery, and the fear for her children's future . She'd press a pillow to her face, trying to stifle the sound, but the despair would still escape, a broken whisper in the darkness.

At around 1 am, Ben was woken up by the sounds of someone crying, echoing in the room.

Mom, are you crying?

No, love. Go back to sleep.

Chloe continued to cry every night.

Two weeks later.

Xverna! Are you ready?

Yes, Mom.

Go wait for me downstairs

Okay.

Vina, assist me with Ben.

Okay.

What about the fruit we're taking to the hospital? Are they ready?

Yes,they're in the basket.

Okay, let's go.

Daddy! Ben and Xverna shouted,hugging Moses.

Hey,guys, how are you doing?

We're fine.

Dad, when are you coming home? Are you not fine yet? Xverna asked.

I'm coming very soon.

But Theo said your leg will be Ambutata, Ben said.

Ben! Chloe shouted, trying to silence him.

Don't worry, love. I will be fine even if my leg is amputated.

Then how are you going to walk? How are you going to pick us up from school? Xverna asked.

Don't worry, Dad will come pick you up, you will see.

Really?

Really.

Dad, how are you? Vina asked.

I'm fine. And how are you?

I'm fine too

How is your work going?

It's better now.

Good.

Moses turned, looking at Chloe. Babe, I heard what happened on the news. How are you coping? I'm so sorry this had to happen to you.

It's okay, I'm fine.

Chloe, come here. Come sit close to me. Moses opened his arms for a hug. Chloe walked to him, her steps hesitant, and then collapsed into his embrace, her shoulders shaking.

You've worked hard. You have done so well in holding on, Moses said tapping her back.

Chloe, who could no longer hold it in, began to cry.

It's okay to cry. Bring it all out.

I'm so tired. I don't know what to do. The business I was looking up to, to support the family, is no more, she said, lamenting.

It's okay. It's going to be fine.

Theo walked in. Good morning dad.

Good morning. How are you? Moses and Chloe asked.

I'm good. How is your health?

I'm fine.

Mom, how are you?

I'm fine too.

How are you guys too?

Xverna and Ben ran to hug Theo. We are fine. How are you?

I'm fine too.

While Theo and Vina shared a nod.

Since we are all here, I think we have to move to the most important part. Dad's surgery.

Yeah, Chloe said, as they all looked at Moses. What do you say? Will you agree to the surgery?

Yes, we don't have a choice anymore.

You are right. Since Mom's shops are gone and you're no longer working.

Our savings are all we have left, Chloe said.

The surgery has to be done since we can't afford the palliative care.

Yes, I have to take the surgery.

Okay, then. Theo and I will go see the doctor. Vina stay with your father and the kids, please.

I will.

Good morning, nurse.

Good morning, ma'am

Is Doctor Eden in his office?

Yes.

Is he busy?

Not at the moment.

Okay, thank you.

Theo and Chloe made their way to Eden's office.

Good morning, Doctor Eden.

Good morning, Theo, Mrs Black. It's been a while, how are you?

We're fine.

Please have a seat.

Doctor, concerning the surgery, how much is it, and how soon can it be done? Chloe asked.

I see that you all are now ready. I'll write you a note, containing all that is needed, and schedule the surgery with the doctor and get back to you.

Okay.

Eden handed them a note, directing them to the financial department.

Thank you Doc, Theo said.

No problem.

Hello.

Hello! How may I help you?

We were given this to give to you by Doctor Eden.

Okay, let me see. I can see that these are what the patient needs before and after the surgery.

Okay.

This will be a total of 150,000,000 Naira.

What?

Yes sir. The surgeon's fee, the materials used before and during the surgery, and the treatment after the surgery, like rehabilitation programs, prosthetic fittings and training, vascular health and pain management and wound care, etc.

Oh my God, this is expensive.

Are you settling it now?

No, we are coming back, Chloe said.

Mom, we have to go talk with Dad. This is so expensive.

Yes, let's do that.