Chapter-2
900 Words
“Doctor Omo, hope no problem? Can we see her now?”
“Of course,” he replied, his voice carrying the fatigue of a long day. He exhaled deeply and motioned for them to follow. The corridor smelled faintly of antiseptic and exhaustion, the kind of scent that held both life and loss.The two followed closely behind, curiosity and concern written all over their faces.
Dr. Omo gave a brief update, a successful cesarean section. He explained the complications, the blood loss, and how quickly they managed it. “We treat,” he added with a small, humble smile, “but God saves."
Soon, they arrived. The ward was calm painted in white, neat and bright. Two beds faced the walls, each with a drip stand and a small brown cupboard beside it to aid proper presentation of patient belongings. The sky-blue sheets were crisply laid. Light spilled softly from the center bulb, washing the room in quiet peace
There she lay, weak but alive, speaking yet not audible, her face swollen yet radiant. As the door creaked open, she turned her head toward the window light, almost as if she’d been waiting. infact she is.
“Howfa na?” Daddy K asked.
"I dey jare,” she replied faintly in Pidgin.
“The baby is fine too, sir,” Dr. Omo announced with a smile. “A healthy, bouncing boy.”
“Mama Kome ooo!” Daddy K shouted joyfully.
Mummy K's neighbor-- Mama, as she's fondly called, jumped to her feet, dancing around the room, wrapper flying in celebration.
“God is good! God is so good!” she sang, her laughter echoing softly against the sterile walls.
Daddy K tried to hide his excitement behind his traditional stoic look, but the joy still broke through his face, the kind that no mask could hold.
Then, almost suddenly, Daddy K remembered Avva had called earlier. The doctor’s report had pushed the thought away.
“Mama, please call Avva. She’s been trying to reach you since eight o’clock.”
She nodded, fumbling for her phone.
Phone rings...
“Hello!” Avva’s voice came, bright and excited. “My superwoman!”
“My pikin, no vex o,” her mother said in Pidgin, smiling through the phone.
“Migwo ma,” Avva greeted in her local dialect. “Vrendo, how your body? I just dey happy this morning. Why, Mummy? Wetin happen?” Avva responded in Nigeria pidgin English
“My mind just dey go round-round,” Mama said. “Your induction… and now Mama Kome don born a baby boy, "although e critical small, but what God cannot do..."
Avva finished the line with her: “Doesn’t exist.”
"And very soon I go carry your own." She teased, still in the celebration mood.
Her mother’s voice softened. “I miss your father. I wish he was here to share in this joy, to see you bearing a medical title, my Doctor Avva. 'Na two of us for mount Port Harcourt tomorrow."
Who for believe say after your papa die, I go fit still drink water drop cup but my expectations will never be cut short. Avva, thank you for your patience, your strength. We no struggle for waste.”; she spoke Nigerian pidgin
Tears filled Avva’s eyes, her heart loosening from hours of fear. What had felt like two hours and five minutes of anxiety now melted into laughter and joy.
So, everything is fine, Mummy?” Avva asked, glancing at Jasmine and giving her a thumbs-up.
Jasmine exhaled, muttering under her breath, “I told you, fish head.”
“Mummy, how’s Mama K?” Avva continued. “And please, hold your phone well next time... remember, you’re all I’ve got aside from my medical license.” she teased
Her mother chuckled. “Sorry o!”
“So, how preparation?” she asked.
“I’ll get my induction gown today,” Avva said, her voice bubbling again. “Book my photoshoot and makeup artist too. I already got a dress — a white gown. Mummy, it’s so fineeeee. You'll love it too.”
“I trust you!”
Wait, I thought you were supposed to come today?
Yes, but I’ll stay till Mummy K’s mother-in-law comes. I also want to see Rev before I travel, I've to tell him about your induction. That man don try.
“Abi o, Mummy,” Avva said warmly. “So, you’ll be coming to Port Harcourt tomorrow?”
“Of course.”
“Mummy… I had a dream, but it’s nothing to worry about.”
“Dream?"
“Don’t worry, Mummy.
Bye... see you tomorrow. My regards to Mummy K.”
The call ended.
Jasmine watched her, relieved but cautious. “You didn’t tell her? Avva, you know God doesn’t show signs for nothing. Maybe you should pray about it.”
Avva laughed lightly. “Jas, relax. God is not so cruel remember?
My induction is the game now, a dream come true.”
But deep down, a flicker of unease still lingered, like a whisper she couldn’t quite silence.
- Writer
