TWIST IN THE WIND (RITA SONWU AND ELECTA ALEN)
Episode 4:
Eric sat on the lush grass of the field alone, whistling quietly when Anabel walked up to him.
'Hello, Eric!' she called out.
'Hey, Annie,' he said, soberly.
'You shouldn't be here.'
'I just want to be alone. That's why I am here, away from my friends.'
'Why? What's wrong? This is not the Eric I know.'
'Nothing. That's just what I want.'
'Hmm. Okay. Eric, I need your help.'
'With what?'
'Calculus.'
'Right now?'
'Well, I came ready to learn.'
'Anabel, I'm sorry but I can't teach you that now?'
'Why?'
'I... I...'
'I'm listening. You can tell me what's bothering you,' she said, taking her seat beside him.
'It's my dad, Anabel. He's seriously ill. I do not want to lose him,' he said in a broken voice.
Anabel placed a hand on his shoulder and said in her most soothing tone, 'It's all right, friend. Daddy will be fine.'
'Really? You're sure about that?'
'Yes, Eric. Don't sweat over this, okay? I used to be very worried and confused myself but I've decided to give myself peace.'
'How do you mean, Anabel?'
'Sometimes, I get really sick and feel like my life is ebbing away. They take me to the hospital and fill my closet with drugs. I wonder what exactly is wrong with me but my parents have left me clueless.'
'Hmm. Annie,' he said, staring at her.
'Eric, quit worrying. That's not what will get your dad to become healthy again. Go to him, and speak into his ears. I'm sure you know what to say.'
'Hmm. Thanks Annie dear.'
You're welcome, Eric,' she said with a pat on his back.
The doctor was checking for Mr Okon's pulse when Eric came in.
'Good morning, Eric,' he greeted with a calm smile.
'Good morning, Doctor,' Eric said with a forced grin.
'Your dad will be all right,' he said in an assuring tone. 'I'll excuse you now,' he told Eric as he walked away with his stethoscope over his neck.
Eric sat on the bedside chair and stared at his father. Mr Okon was sound asleep. He was hardly ever awake during the time he had spent at the hospital.
'Dad...' Eric called. 'How are you?' He reached for his Dad's hand and whilst fondling it, he said, 'Dad, you have to get well soon. I know you will be okay but please come around sooner than later.' He sighed as a trickle of tear flowed down his face. Quietly, he walked out of the room and onto the passage. Then, he saw them again. This time he was pretty close, close enough to hear the doctor say they should ensure their daughter takes her drugs religiously and that the brain tumour will be removed surgically in 3 months' time.
'Thank you doctor,' Anabel's mum said.
