The promise between us

Chapter 8

St. Mary's Specialist Hospital, Lagos

Samantha's POV

The beeping of the heart monitor had become my new alarm clock.

Three days.

That was how long I had been lying in the hospital bed.

I hated hospitals, not because of the injection

Or the bitter medicines.

But because every time I ended up here, my family left carrying a heavier burden than they came with.

I stared at the ceiling as the door creaked open.

Mummy walked in with a smile that didn't reach her eyes.

Good morning, my princess.

Morning, Mum.

She sat beside me and gently brushed my hair away from my face.

How are you feeling?

A little better.

It was a lie.

Breathing still felt like hard work.

Every few minutes, the oxygen tube reminded me that my lungs had once again betrayed me.

The doctor had insisted I remain under observation.

Outside my room…

I could hear Daddy talking quietly with someone.

"...I'll pay.’

His voice sounded tired.

I just need a little more time.

There was a pause.

"I'm sorry, sir, but the hospital has already carried over the balance from Samantha's last admission."

Silence.

We've tried to be patient.

I understand.

I promise I'll pay.

My chest tightened.

Not because of my illness.

Because of guilt.

Again.

Always because of me.

Later that afternoon…

Dr. Daniel Okafor walked in carrying my file.

He greeted my parents before turning to me.

"Samantha..."

I've reviewed your latest test results.

His face was unusually serious.

"We need to reduce anything that places unnecessary stress on your body.

I nodded quietly.

For now…

"...I don't want you returning to school."

I looked up immediately.

"What?"

My mother's hand tightened around mine.

It's only temporary, the doctor continued gently.

Your body needs time to recover.

I sit up quickly, But my exams.. I asked looking from mother and the doctor.

They can wait, mother said her voice shaking with each word.

Tears gathered in my eyes, No.. I've already missed so much, I continue trying to convince them.

I know…. My dear mother said as she slowly took my hands between hers, But if you continue pushing yourself…

"...the attacks may become even more severe."

The room became silent.

For the first time…

I wasn't thinking about graduation, my classmates or even thinking about my dream, I was thinking my parents.

How much more would they have to sacrifice because of me?

That night…

I heard Daddy praying in the hospital corridor.

His voice cracked with every word.

God...

I don't know what else to do…please, help my daughter, protect her, heal her o God for you are the creator of life…

His voice continue silently in the late hours of the night, he would have been asleep if not because of me. I buried my face in the pillow.

And cried silently.

Chapter 9

Hospital Waiting Area

Michael Ifeanyi's POV

I stared at the hospital bill until the numbers became a blur.

Previous admission.

Outstanding balance.

Current admission.

Medication.

Tests.

Everything added together was more money than I had ever held in my life.

Mary sat beside me, Neither of us spoke, What was there left to say?

We had borrowed from family…Sold my wife's jewelry. Taken loans.

Even my savings for Richard's education had disappeared.

Still…

It wasn't enough, I lowered my head into my hands. I've failed her.

No…Mary reached for my hand, You haven't.

Before I could answer, a gentle voice interrupted us

Excuse me…

We both looked up.

A well-dressed woman stood before us.

She wore an elegant hijab, and there was kindness in her eyes.

My name is Aisha Maikudi.

Something about her face felt familiar.

Then I remembered.

The woman from the corridor, She offered a small smile.

I hope you don't mind me approaching you.

I stood immediately.

No, ma.

She glanced toward Samantha's room before looking back at us.

I couldn't help overhearing part of your conversation with the doctor a few days ago.

Embarrassment washed over me.

I'm sorry.

She shook her head…You have nothing to apologize for, She sat opposite us.

I've spent the last few days thinking about your family.

Mary frowned slightly.

Aisha took a slow breath.

I believe I may have a way to help your daughter.

Both of us looked at her…What do you mean Mary asked her as she quickly sit up.

She hesitated.

This isn't an easy conversation, She folded her hands neatly in her lap.

I have a son.

I exchanged a confused glance with my wife.

He's a good man.

But…

...he has refused every woman we've introduced to him.

I didn't understand where this was going.

Then she continued.

If…your daughter agrees to marry my son…

...my family will take full responsibility for her medical treatment, including the outstanding hospital bills and every expense going forward.

The world seemed to stop.

Mary stared at her. I couldn't even breathe.

I know how this sounds.. Aisha's voice remained calm. I'm not asking for an answer today.

She reached into her handbag and placed a simple card on the table.

Talk to your daughter. Talk to each other. Pray about it.

She stood.

I'll give your family one week, If your answer is no… She smiled softly. I'll respect your decision completely.

She turned to leave.

Then paused.

And one more thing…My son knows nothing about this.

With that…

She walked away.

Leaving the two of us staring at the card on the table.

As though our future had just been placed in front of us…

...and none of us knew whether to pick it up.