Chapter 47

The nurse seemed to remember something and decided to see if it could solve the puzzle that was going in her mind, "Ozo, is the man who brought you here."

Then, she paused and regarded him for a few seconds. He did not appear to be an outlaw or dangerous man but just an ordinary patient seeking medical help.

"Sorry, I seem to have forgotten you are not feeling well. You need a good rest. But let me give you another injection before you are taken into the theatre for the operation," she said.

Even as she spoke, she pushed the syringe into his flesh on his bum and injected him. Jacob closed his eyes for a while when he felt the needle sink into his flesh.

When he opened them again, she had already removed and returned it to the medical kit.

Jacob started feeling drowsy fifteen minutes later. He fell asleep almost immediately. He never knew how long he had been asleep, but when he woke up, he saw a man standing at his bedside.

"How are you feeling now?" the man, who was averagely built with short black hair, spoke as he sat down on the chair at his bedside.

"I'm a bit ok, but who are you?" Jacob wanted to know.

The man regarded him, then smiled. It was quite a warm and kind smile similar to kabwegyre's.

Then, still smiling, the man started talking to him, "I am Johnny Ozo. I brought you to this hospital. The soldiers were looking for you. They even came to my house, but I told them I had not seen anyone that night. I did that to save your life."

Ozo paused for a few seconds and then resumed talking: "Had I given you to them, you can be sure they would have shot you. You probarly know how our soldiers can be quite trigger-happy."

As Ozo spoke, Jacob immediately remembered his gold chain and realised Ozo was the man who had stolen the necklace and silver medal.

He was about to shout at him but checked himself in good time as he heard Ozo speak once more.

"I've come to find out how you are fairing on at the hospital and also bring back your necklace which I found on you. I kept it when I realised it seemed some valuable possession, and someone may be tempted to steal it from you." Ozo's hands went into his pocket even as he spoke.

His hand came out of his hip pocket and produced the chain. Still smiling, he gave it back to Jacob and said, "You see; I am a born again Christian and love Jesus. I thought I had the duty to bring you here and also take good care of you since you were seriously injured when I found you bleeding."

Jacob was silent. Ozo went on, "May I ask your name, please?"

"Jacob Musani."

"Well, Jacob. You'd better thank the Lord who loves you. Otherwise, you'd now be in the world of the dead."

"Thank you, Mr. Ozo," Jacob replied.

"No, don't thank me. But thank God for having made it possible for me to pay your hospital bill. It's only God who has been responsible for your survival." Ozo tried to explain and added, "For all good things which happen to you in this life, it is better always to give due honour and glory to God."

Then Ozo's hand again went into his trouser pockets and came out with a wallet. He fished out a roll of bills and stretched out his hand to give Jacob.

"Here, take these. These will assist you on your way home," Ozo said and paused briefly, then continued: "I like doing this because I can always testify about it in our fellowship meetings."

"Thanks again, Ozo," said Jacob as he accepted the roll of bills.

"Thank the Lord; I'll always keep on reminding you about that." Ozo said cheerfully and went on, "Well, I had better get going. I don't think I will see you again because I have so many things to do for the Lord. But I wish you a nice stay, speedy recovery, and safe journey back home wherever that is. Let me pray for your safe journey."

Ozo said a short prayer for Jacob and shook his hands at the end of the prayer. Once done, he began moving away towards the exit. Then he stopped and paused.

He turned his head, looked at Jacob, and smiled. Waving his hands, Ozo started moving slowly to his car parked outside. Jacob also waved his hand and watched him leave the hospital.

What a good man! Jacob began to reflect. Ozo had brought back the gold chain no other person would have done. Who could return a gold necklace to its owner unless the person had no attachment to material possessions? Jacob wondered.

When he was sure Ozo was gone, he took the roll of bills and put them under the pillow. The born-again Christian had been too kind to him.

The world would be a better place, he tried reasoning if the majority of the people were like Ozo. Unfortunately, the bad and evil ones outnumbered the good ones.

It started becoming hot in the room as his mind abruptly went back to the Marian medal and gold chain. Gently, he wore it again on his neck and felt happy he had it back, his key to the future life in Kenya with his grandfather.

The task of finding his grandfather still faced him. This time, he was sure it would be accomplished.

Satisfied and with a smile playing around his lips, he fell asleep and drifted into slumber land.