CAMARADERIE TROUBLES

Doctor Dwayne sighed. "Well, I did everything I could, ran series of tests but we couldn't diagnose the real cause of IK's breakdown. I suspect it is a reaction to stress or sleeping pattern, but that shouldn't have elicited such level of pain. You know this is a small hospital, I think you may have to take him to a bigger hospital, preferably a government hospital, since they have several machines at their disposal." he paused slightly as bimbo shifted in his chair. "But that may not be necessary. I'll prescribe some drugs. If he improves after using the drugs, then you have nothing to worry about."

bimbo took a deep breath and swallowed. "How much are we looking at?"

Doctor Dwayne smiled. He had known bimbo for a while and he was one of the pastors Dwayne had come to respect. "The drugs are all you need to pay for. I'll give you a note to give to the nurse, they'll give you the drugs at cost price"

bimbo let out a breath as a small smile crept up his face. "Thank you, Dwayne. God bless you"

*****

Florence opened her eyes heavily, feeling extreme fatigue like she had been grinding pepper throughout the night. She blinked severally and suddenly jerked out of bed as something flashed through her mind. "IK" she murmured as she rushed to the bathroom to wash sleep off her face. They had arrived home really late the previous night, it had taken some time for IK to wake up at the hospital and he had fallen right back to sleep when they got home. bimbo had carried the sleeping children from their neighbor's place into their beds, and after much prodding, bimbo had been able to lull her to sleep.

Florence pushed her legs into the first pair of slippers she sighted - her husband's - and quickly exited the room. It was just the crack of dawn. The night's darkness was yet to lift off the earth. Florence picked the lantern at the passage and turned it up, till the orange glow spread out opIKally.

Noiselessly, she opened the door her son's room and sighted him on the bed sleeping peacefully. For a moment, his lifeless form flashed through her mind, causing her heart to skip wildly. Taking a deep breath, she walked towards his bed and heaved a sigh when she saw the steady rise and fall of IK's chest.

Florence sat at the edge of the bed for God knows how long, deriving pleasure in watching her son sleep. He looked so innocent and peaceful. She couldn't imagine life without him - without any of her kids. Florence ran her fingers gently through IK's hair and bent fractionally to kiss the top of his head. "Be okay for me, IK" she whispered. "Be okay for mummy"

Florence felt eyes on her and turned to see bimbo watching her carefully from the entrance. She was surprised to find the room bright, she didn't know she had stayed so long there.

She stood up. "Good morning"

bimbo walked into the room slowly. His eyes rested on IK as he put his hand slightly against his neck to feel his temperature. Satisfied, he drew to his full height and peered at Florence. "You've been crying again"

She shook her head.

idea that she had tears

allowing her hands and mouth drive away her fears. As bimbo's kisses grew deeper, Florence suddenly imagined her children walking in on this sight and

"It's a relief

"There hasn't been much to smile about lately" she ran the tips of her fingers over his chest. "What... did the doctor say yesterday?" she hadn't had the boldness to ask last night, partly because she was scared of what the

may have to... take IK

Florence stared.

spun like a top at the sound of IK's voice. His

was at his side in an instant, sitting beside him on the bed. "IK my son, how are you? Bawo ni? How do you

mummy" he murmured as his eyes sobered up. He

at each other in confusion. "Sorry for what, IK?"

worry so much

of IK's head. "You

pain with

"I just feel a little tired. It would

Florence nodded grimly.

*****

Dark circles formed under their eyes as they barely slept at night; they were either praying or checking up on IK repeatedly. IK's siblings were always by his side and Selena's eyes were eagle sharp, looking out for even the slightest change. Happy times dropped, worry sheated their faces.

bimbo had always preached on faith, preached against fear and anxiety, but now, as they walked

They approached the nurses at the reception. "Good afternoon. We need to see doctor Johnson, we have an appointment for today"

nurses barely spared them a glance. "You have to wait like everyone else. We would call you when it is