Between two brothers

Chapter 3:unexpected visitor

The first thing David heard was her voice.

Soft. Shaky. Familiar. David can you hear me? His eyes opened slowly. The bright hospital light made him blink, but as his vision adjusted, he saw her.

Amina.Sitting close. Eyes tired. Face swollen like she hadn’t slept. But the moment she saw him awake Ahn, thank God she breathed out, her voice breaking with relief.

What happened? he asked weakly. You had an asthma attack, Amina said gently. It was bad really bad. He tried to sit up, but she quickly held him. Easy, she whispered. Don’t stress yourself. For a moment, he just looked at her.Really looked. You stayed? he asked quietly. Amina frowned a little. Where else would I go? He let out a small breath.

Not just from recovery, but from something deeper. Later that day, after the doctor confirmed he was stable, Amina helped him back home. She didn’t let him carry anything. Didn’t let him stress.Didn’t even let him argue. Sit down,” she said once they got inside. Amina, I’m fine, she repeated.He sat. She moved around the house as if she belonged there. Bringing him water, adjusting his pillow, and checking on him every few minutes. David watched her quietly. And something in his chest shifted.Thank you, he said softly. Amina turned. For what? For last night, he replied. For not giving up on me. Her eyes softened. You don’t have to thank me, she said. I was doing what anyone would do. David shook his head slowly.

No, he said. Not everyone would do that. Silence settled between them. But it wasn’t awkward. It was warm. You’re a sweet soul, he added, his voice low. Amina looked away slightly, shy. You’re just saying that because I saved your life, she teased lightly. I’m saying it because it’s true,he replied. That evening, Amina didn’t go back to her hostel.

I’ll stay, she said simply. To make sure you’re okay. You don’t have to. I want to, she cut in. And that was the end of that.She stayed. She made sure he ate. Made sure he took his medication.Checked his breathing like she was scared to blink too long. Even when he slept, she stayed awake for a while. Just watching and just making sure he is fine.

Later that night, David reached for his phone. I should call my brother, he said. Amina nodded. Yeah, you should.

The call connected after a few rings.Guy, what’s up? His brother’s voice came through. I had an asthma attack, David said to his brother . There was silence. Then What? His brother snapped. Are you serious? I’m fine now, David added quickly. I’m home.You’re sure? Yeah.

A pause.

Then his brother spoke again, his voice more serious this time. You know you’re my only brother, he said. Mum and Dad are not even in the country right now. I’m coming.

David sighed. You don’t have to stress yourself, I’m coming, he repeated firmly. David glanced at Amina. Then said, My girlfriend is here. She’s taking care of me. There was a brief silence on the other end. Then a lighter tone.

Ohh, girlfriend?his brother teased. So you’ve been hiding her? David smiled faintly. It’s not like that. Well, his brother said, all the more reason for me to come. I want to meet her.

David hesitated. Ahn , it’s not necessary. I’m already planning it. His brother cut in. I’ll be there soon. There was no point arguing. David sighed softly. Alright. After the call ended, Amina looked at him.

Your brother is coming?she asked. Yeah,he said. To see you? And to meet you, he added. Amina smile

I can’t wait to meet him, she said excitedly. He must be really protective of you. David chuckled lightly. Very.

Amina stood up almost immediately. I need to go to the market,she said. For what?David asked.

To cook, of course, she replied. Your brother is coming to meet me for the first time, so I can’t embarrass you.

Amina, you don’t have to. I want to, she insisted. And just like that, she left.

At the market, Amina moved with purpose. Fresh tomatoes.Pepper.Rice.Chicken.She even added extra things. I have to impress him, she smiled to herself.

Back home, she cooked with care.Tasting.Adjusting.Making sure everything was perfect. Every now and then, she would glance at the door.

Excited.Nervous.Happy.I hope he likes me, she said to David.

He will, David replied.

A knock came. Amina wiped her hands quickly on her apron. I’ll get it, she said, her heart beating fast with excitement.

She opened the door And froze. The world didn’t move. Didn’t breathe.Didn’t exist.Because standing right in front of her was Daniel.

Her Daniel. The same Daniel she once loved. The same Daniel who had disappeared from her life without explanation.

His eyes widened. Shock hit his face instantly. Amina ? he said, his voice barely above a whisper.

The plate in her hand slipped slightly. Her fingers trembled. Daniel? she whispered back.

Silence.

Heavy. Crushing. Unavoidable. From inside, David’s voice came. Bro, you’re here? Amina’s heart dropped.Completely.David walked toward the door, unaware.Smiling.Happy.

Guy, he said, reaching them. Come in. Then he stopped.

He looked at Amina. Then at his brother.Then back at Amina again.

Confusion settled on his face.

Wait, you two know each other? No one answered because no one knew where to begin. And just like that, the past didn’t just return. It collided with the present.