THE DAY EVERYTHING CHANGE
359 Words
Jamal sat alone in the hospital corridor long after the doctor had left. The sounds of medical equipment, hurried footsteps, and distant conversations seemed to fade into the background. His mind was trapped in a storm of fear and uncertainty.
Five million naira for Aisha and the twins.
Ten million naira for his mother and younger sister.
Fifteen million naira.
The figure kept repeating itself in his head like a curse.
Jamal had spent years working at construction sites, carrying blocks beneath the scorching sun. Yet everything he had earned barely covered rent, food, and hospital visits during Aisha's pregnancy. He had no savings, no land, and no valuable property to sell.
For the first time in his life, he felt completely powerless.
His thoughts were interrupted when a nurse informed him that Aisha had regained consciousness and was asking for him.
Immediately, Jamal wiped the tears from his face and forced himself to appear calm.
When he entered the ward, Aisha looked weak and exhausted, but she managed a faint smile. Her first question was about the babies.
Jamal reassured her that the doctors were doing everything possible and that she needed to focus on resting. He carefully avoided mentioning the kidnapping or the money the hospital was demanding.
Aisha then asked about his mother and sister.
The question struck him like a knife.
Jamal hesitated before telling her that they were still on their way and would arrive soon.
It was the first lie he had ever told his wife.
As Aisha drifted back to sleep, Jamal quietly left the room and returned to the corridor.
His phone suddenly vibrated.
Another message from the kidnappers.
This time it contained a photograph.
Jamal's hands trembled as he opened it.
The image showed his mother and Zainab sitting on the floor of a dark room. Their hands were tied, and fear was written across their faces.
Below the photograph was a single message:
"Time is running out."
Jamal felt the ground shift beneath him.
The threat was real.
His family was truly in danger.
And somewhere beyond the walls of the hospital, the clock had already started counting down.
- Writer
