CAMARADERIE TROUBLES

Florence wiped the tears that rolled down her cheek with her left hand as she bit hard on her shaking lips, almost drawing blood. She was on pins and needles, there at the waiting room of a family friend's hospital, waiting for word on her son's state. Florence wiped at her cheeks again as she stood up from the stiff hospital bench for the umpteenth time, feeling restless. She could hear the wild beating of her heart, she could see nothing but the tears that clouded her eyes; but when her gaze became clearer, all she could see was the image of her son lying painfully lifeless in her arms.

Florence blinked, allowing her tears to flow down her cheeks as she stared at the door ahead again, expecting the doctor to come through it but no one came. The scanty people sitting around the waiting room watched her with a sympathetic look on their faces, almost like they had already sentenced her son in their minds. Florence swallowed.

The hospital door flew open and bimbo came charging through like a man going to war. Slight relief washed over Florence as she rushed into his arms. "Oh bimbo..." she cried into his chest as he held her close. She had never been more happy to see him in all their years of marriage. She wanted his reassurance, the reassurance that everything would be okay... that she had nothing to worry about.

"I got here as fast as I could" bimbo pulled away slightly as he looked straight into her eyes. "What's going on? What is the doctor saying? Is IK okay?"

"I don't know" Florence wailed, throwing her hands in frustration as fresh tears rolled down her cheeks. "I... I have not heard anything... nothing" her voice shook furiously.

bimbo charged forward, covering the distance between him and the nurse's stand with his long strides. "Nurse" he called, facing the two nurses. He definitely knew them because he had visited the hospital several times, but now, he couldn't even remember their names. "My son, how is he?"

One of the nurses smiled softly at bimbo. "The doctor is with him now, I'm sure he is fine"

Her smile irritated him. How could anyone smile at a time like this? "Well, I need to know for sure how he is doing, I don't want your speculation. Can we see him or the doctor at least?" He asked impatiently. The other nurse took over with a sharp look. "Sorry Mr Onaje, we can't let you in. And I must say, disturbing the doctor now wouldn't do anything to help your son. Please be patient, sir"

bimbo scratched his head nervously as he turned to his wife. His loss of control had only helped to increase Florence's pensive state, but what could he do? A neighbour had rushed over to his office to tell him his first son had been rushed to the hospital. He had never been more rattled in his life. And now, his nerves were all over the place; how was he supposed to comfort Florence? He could see the shape of her teeth branded on her lower lip from excessive biting as she stared at him, hoping from one leg to the other. "What is going on, bimbo"

"Please calm down, Florence" he murmured.

"Don't tell me to calm down." Florence snapped. "I was the one who had to bring IK here, unconscious. I called him and he did not answer... He didn't answer me, bimbo. He laid limp in my arms" she bursted out, sobbing. She blinked. "He looked..." she couldn't finish it. "I... I am scared bimbo" her voice shook as her face streamed with tears. "I am so scared"

bimbo sighed as he pulled her into his arms. "Come here" he ran his fingers over her short hair. "Everything would be fine. IK would be fine."

Florence nodded against his chest several times, wanting to believe those words. Hoping against hope that bimbo was right. "The kids?" he asked. It was already dark outside.

"They are with Naomi" she answered. Naomi was their neighbour. While they stayed downstairs, Naomi and her husband occupied the apartment directly above theirs. There were two other co-tenants in the four flats compound but Naomi was by far the nicest and most trustworthy. A pity that the couple were still childless after many years of marriage.

Florence spotted the doctor and flew out of bimbo's hands instantly.

"Doctor... Doctor" she rushed as they got to the doctor in no time. "IK, how is he? How is my son?"

The doctor smiled gently. "He is fine, don't worry"

Florence sagged with relief and closed her eyes briefly. "Thank you God! Thank you!" bimbo let out a relieved sigh, holding Florence firmly to his side. "Can I see him now?" Florence asked anxiously. Doctor Dwayne nodded slowly. "he is asleep now but you can see him. I'm sure he would be awake soon" he motioned towards a nurse and gave her some instructions. "Follow her" he finally said to Florence. Without batting an eye, Florence fell in stride with the nurse.

"I'd join you soon" bimbo called after her. He stared at the doctor, knowing undoubtedly that there was more, he was just not sure he wanted to hear it. "Dwayne, what's wrong with IK?"

Doctor Dwayne sighed and turned in the direction of his office. "Come with me"

*****

Selena stared at her siblings and wondered how they could be so daft. They were both watching cartoon on the TV like nothing just happened some hours ago. Aunty Naomi had been able to talk Amanda and Solomon into believing that IK was just fine, that he was only acting drama earlier, when he fell down, gasping in pain. Of course, Selena hadn't believed a word she said. She might be a little girl but she surely wasn't dumb.

Selena walked to the veranda and looked down. Their apartment was still dark, the lights were still out, her parents and brother were not home yet. She wondered what was taking them so long... wondered if IK was okay... What if something bad had happened? What if?

Selena hugged her small frame as cold chill brought goosebumps to her skin. She heard footsteps and turned.

"Selena" Aunty Naomi approached and bent fractionally to talk to her. "Why don't you come and sleep with your siblings? They are dozing off already" she said softly.

Selena nodded. "I am waiting for IK"

Naomi sighed and squatted. "You didn't believe that story I framed up, did you"

Selena shrugged her tiny shoulder and Naomi smiled. She didn't think Selena would be that easily fooled. She was too bright and way too mature for that. Naomi put her hands on Selena's shoulders and pulled her closer. "But do you believe me when I say your brother is fine?"

Selena blinked. "How do you know?"

Naomi smiled carefully. "Because I also fainted once before, like your brother. I am fine now, right?"

"But he was just lying there, he did not say anything even when mummy shook him several times"

Naomi saw the small girl fight the tears that came to her eyes and almost broke down in tears. Such strength in someone so small! For her sake, Naomi kept her face straight. "I know my dear. But I promise he is fine. IK is a strong boy, right?" Selena nodded "Good. Now, I want you to come in now and sleep, okay? You'll see that when you wake, your brother would be back and bouncing"

A tiny ray of hope glittered in the girl's eye. "Are you sure, aunty Naomi?"

Naomi grinned. "Very sure" she stood and put her arm around Selena, "Come on" she said, walking with her back into the sitting room.000