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Ayogu Oluchi Eze Page, Onitsha (2025)

11/07/2025

🛑 BEFORE "YES, I DO," KNOW YOUR GENOTYPE! 🛑

Understanding your genotype before marriage isn't just advice – it's a LIFESAVING NECESSITY.

Love is powerful, but it's not enough to prevent the genetic reality of Sickle Cell Disease. The pain, financial burden, and emotional toll of caring for a child with Sickle Cell Disease can strain even the strongest relationships.

What you MUST do:

1. Get Tested EARLY: Know your genotype (AA, AS, AC, SS) and that of your partner before emotional attachments run too deep. This conversation is crucial, not awkward.

2. Make Informed Decisions: If both partners are AS, consider the 25% risk with every child. Explore options like adoption, or discuss alternatives with genetic counsellors.

3. Spread Awareness: Share this information! Many are still unaware of the critical importance of genotype compatibility.

AA+SS = can marry!
SS + AA = can marry!
AS + AA = can marry!
AS +AS = you are advised not to marry!!
SS + AS = you are advised not to marry!!
AS + SS = you are advised not to marry!!

Your responsible choice today can save a future generation from immense suffering. Let's build healthier families and a healthier Nigeria, one informed decision at a time.

Ayogu Oluchi Eze

11/07/2025

Immediately after Ifeoma's arrest, the police froze her account preventing her from moving any money there. However, a significant portion had already been withdrawn from there.

During her interrogation, she was initially rebellious, still claiming he didn't know what they were talking about, but after much torture and provision of evidence from Kelvin, she admitted the crime and began to cooperate with them.

Later on, she begged Kelvin to forgive her but Kelvin insisted she pay him back even with interest. On that note, she was remanded in custody and later charged to court.

On her hearing day, the prosecutor read out the charges and afterwards, Ifeoma pleaded not guilty.

Her lawyer immediately shifts into the defence phase of the legal process but after all said and done, the judge found that the prosecution had proven the case beyond a reasonable doubt.

She was then convicted and sentenced to a few months' imprisonment and ordered to pay back the 3 million naira with a fine.

Kelvin, alongside Esther and Kachi, was there as the court pronounced the sentence. They were happy with the outcome.

After that, Ifeoma was escorted to the prison to begin serving her time.

Esther and others left afterwards.

Later on, Kelvin informed Nedu of all that had happened concerning Ifeoma.
Nedu didn't say much about it but he wasn't against what they did.

The following month, with Kelvin's help, Nedu was called back to his work at their office. Nedu was grateful and appreciated him for his kind gesture.

They all continued being good friends.

One faithful Friday evening, Nedu got back from work, took a quick shower, dressed up and left for Kachi's place.
He has something very important to discuss with him and he wouldn't mind sleeping over.

Some minutes later, he got into Kachi's compound and headed to his apartment.

He knocked and waited for him to come and open for him.

Then the door was opened and as he walked in, he saw Esther standing by the door.

He didn't know he was going to meet her there that time.

He stood there looking lost.

Esther greeted him.

He replied nervously.

Esther stood there deliberately.

Nedu smiled warmly while focusing his gaze on her.

Kachi peeped through the curtain and went back into the apartment unnoticed by the two.

After, Esther walked into the living room quietly.

Kachi was already seated there, engrossed in whatever that's showing on the television screen.

"My guy!" Nedu hailed as he walked in.

"Hey! You are here!" Kachi reciprocated surprisedly.

They both shook hands and Nedu sat down.

"I say make I come see you naw," Nedu continued.

"You are welcome, bro. How is work?"

"Fine and yours?"

"Great."

Soon after, Kachi offered him a chilled beer.

He appreciated him for the drink and began to sip as they discussed.

A few minutes later, Kachi stood up.

"Excuse me, make I check something for my neighbour's room. I'll be right back."

"Ok."

Kachi left.

As soon as he left, there was comfortable silence there.

Nedu felt an inexplicable pull, a magnetic force that defied the shame and regret that had kept them apart.

He opened his mouth, but no words came. Instead, he drew closer to where Esther sat and extended a hand.

Esther looked at his outstretched hand, then back into his eyes, reading the sincerity in his eyes.
She suddenly began to let go of the pains she felt from his betrayal.

Slowly, deliberately, she reached out, her fingers brushing his, like two separate currents finally finding their way back to the same river. They held their hands tight and warmly, reviving the bond that was once there.

"I'm sorry for everything that happened. I want you back," Nedu whispered softly.

Esther didn't say a word, rather she held his hand firmer and drew closer.

"Thank you so much. I love you."

"I love you too," Esther replied shyly.

After that, they started conversing freely.

When it was getting late, Esther was set to leave. She called Kachi and informed him that she wants to go.

In no time he got back into his apartment.

When he saw both of them smiling ear to ear, he smiled too.

"Nedu, are you also leaving," Kachi asked.

"No oo, I'll pass the night."

"Sharp!"

Both of them saw Esther off and later got back to the house.

"I actually came to beg you to help me speak to Esther to accept me back but God has done it," Nedu said.

"I suspected that. I'm happy for both of you."

"Thank you."

They continued catching up with other things afterwards.

As time went on, Nedu and Esther's love waxed stronger than ever and they decided to get married. They informed both their parents about their decisions and they supported them.

A couple of months later, they did both traditional and church wedding.

The following month, Ifeoma was released from prison. With the help of her lawyer, the items in her shop were sold and the proceeds added to the remaining amount in her bank account and Kelvin's money was paid.

Without a dime with her, Ifeoma borrowed transport fare and travelled back to the village.

Later on, on one occasion, Nedu travelled to the village and went to Ifeoma's father's house. He called her parents and spilt all that had happened between him and their daughter in the city. He also told them that the child she abandoned with him later d*ied, presenting them with proof of his claim.

After stating that, Nedu left.

Ifeoma never came back into his life ever again.

Nedu and Esther built a peaceful marriage and were blessed with children free from sickle cell disease, and they continued to live happily ever after.

THE END....

I hope you learnt from this story.
I love you all 😍😍😍

10/07/2025

"Sis, you aren't saying anything. Is it because of her betrayal? I thought you'd gotten over that?" Kachi said to Esther, looking inquisitive.

"Which betrayal? I'm just realising why she chose the outskirts of the city."

"What do you mean by that?"

"She stays at Uka Street."

"Are you serious? Your own Uka Street."

"Yes."

"What are you both talking about?" Kelvin cut in.

"She said that Ifeoma stays on the same street where her parents live," Kachi answered.

"For real?"

"Yes, I've seen her more than once when I visited my parents. But I was careful not to get her to notice me because we are not on good terms," Esther continued.

"Local fowl, for her mind, she don hide," Kachi taunted.

"I bet she didn't know that any of us knew her hiding place. It's obvious she doesn't want to go back to the village."

"Exactly. I wish there were a way to get her and punish her for what she did. If Nedu permits, we can make a case about child abandonment against her," Kachi suggested.

"I don't think Nedu wants to go that far. He just wanted her out of the way; her leaving was a good riddance. So he wouldn't want anything that would bring her back to his life," Kelvin explained.

"Abi."

"Yes."

"We can just go there and beat her up for messing with our friend, Nedu wouldn't be aware of it."

"No, we won't do that. I know exactly how to get her."

"What do you want to do to her. I want to help you achieve that."

Kelvin laughed.

"I'm serious."

"OK."

They continued discussing, and afterwards arrived at a conclusion to meet again the following day.

Some minutes later, they got to that particular bus stop and stopped. Esther and Kachi alighted. They waved at Kelvin as he drove off.

Esther and Kachi trekked home from there.

That same night, Ifeoma was seen coming out of a room inside an open public compound. She was carrying a small pot of food. A cooking stove was on the floor in the corridor.

Ifeoma took out her lighter and was trying to light up the stove when a young lady walked up to her.

"Neighbour! Please give me small salt. I forgot to buy it from the market," the lady requested.

"OK."

Ifeoma went into the house, brought out a small plastic container, and gave it to her neighbour.

The lady collected the container, opened it, took some quantity and returned it to Ifeoma.

"Thank you, neighbour."

"You are welcome."

The lady left.

Ifeoma then lit up the stove, put the pot of food on it and left for her next room.

She lived her life freely believing that nobody knew her there, after all, it was at the outskirts of the city. At that moment, her life revolved just around that location.

She had stopped going to her shop nor do anything that would take her back to the metropolis.

She alone knows her next purpose and plans after staying at that location.

The following day, around 5:20 pm, at that same compound, Ifeoma had just got back from a nearby mini market where she bought a few things she would use to cook that evening.

She dropped the things she bought in her room, came out and took an empty gallon in the corridor and left.

A few minutes later, Ifeoma was seen with a gallon filled with water. She clutched the handle firmly as she struggled with the weight while walking down the path leading to their compound.

All of a sudden, a car drove past and stopped at a distance. She didn't take cognisance of the car; she just continued moving with her gallon.

In no time, a black Hilux van began to approach the compound and suddenly stopped.

Ifeoma became suspicious but continued moving with her gallon of water.

Esther, with Kachi and Kelvin, got out of the first car.

"Ifeoma!" Kachi called out, as if he wanted to confirm whether she was the one.

Ifeoma stopped and turned. She was startled as she saw familiar faces that weren't smiling.

By then, two men in m***i got down from the Hilux van.

Ifeoma, on sighting the men from the Hilux, became confused and started drawing back gradually.

As they started walking towards her, she threw the gallon of water away and took to her heels.

Kachi quickly ran after her immediately, followed by the men from the Hilux.

In no time, Kachi closed in on her and grabbed her arm. She stumbled and struggled to leave. One of the men got there and quickly held her other arm firmly.

"Help!! Help!!! Leave me alone!! What did I do? Who are you? Help!! Ifeoma shouted, panting.

The men began to pull her back towards the waiting van.

"Leave me alone!! Help!!!"

They began to draw the attention of people around, but nobody was bold enough to come close.

The other man from the Hilux then took out an ID card from his pocket.

"We are officers from the state CID, you are under arrest for defrauding Mr Kelvin," showing her the ID card.

Ifeoma was shocked but refused to accept his claim.

"I don't know what you are talking about. I don't know him!"

"I advise you to remain silent and gently follow us to the station. Because anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law."

Ifeoma continued to deny and struggle to leave.

The second officer then grabbed her both arms, pulled them behind her back and handcuffed them.

They dragged her to the vehicle and pushed her in. The men entered and drove off.

Kachi, while panting walked up to Kelvin and Esther. They entered their vehicle and drove off.

TO BE CONTINUED TOMORROW UNFAILINGLY...

Written by Ayogu Oluchi Eze Page

05/07/2025

Some days later, Kachi was all alone in his living room. He sat on the couch with his phone in his hand pressing against his ears. He was engrossed in a conversation with Esther, his cousin. It was already late in the evening and he had just gotten into the house not too long ago.

"I heard that he lost his child," Kachi said looking moody.

"Seriously?! Eh yah!!.... It's well. May God console them," Esther responded over the phone.

"I want us to go and see Nedu."

"See him as what? Bro I don't want to go there."

"Let's just go for old times' sake, forget about what happened in the past."

Esther was mute.

"I know we've boycotted him but not this time around. It's the demise of an innocent child we are talking about here. Just to sympathise with him, that's all. I'm not saying you should go and start making friends with Ifeoma again."

Esther remained mute.

"Sis, abeg, forget what happened. We won't even waste much time there."

Esther breathed out deeply.

"They have relocated, right?" She asked.

"No, they still live there."

"Are you sure?" She asked sounding doubtful.

"Yes, I'm sure."

"Hmm, OK when are we going?"

"Now you are talking, we will go tomorrow evening."

"Ok, until then."

"I'll give you a call when I'm ready."

"Alright, good night."

"Good night."

Kachi then ended the call.

The following day, in the evening, just after the close of work, Kelvin drove by and stopped at Nedu's place.
The devastating news of Junior's passing had deeply affected him, and ever since then, he had made it a point of duty to visit Nedu, offering his little support.
After work each day, he would stop by to spend a little time with Nedu.

Some minutes later, that evening, Kelvin was with Nedu in Nedu's living room.
They were catching up on some office activities that Nedu had missed.

Soon after, they heard a knock at the entrance door.

"The door is open, come in!" Nedu said audibly.
He left his door wide open as empathisers still come to see him.

In no time, Kachi and Esther walked in.

Nedu was shocked to see them.

"You are welcome," Nedu managed to say.

"Thank you," Kachi and Esther chorused and sat down.

After that, they all exchanged pleasantries lightly.

"We heard about what happened, take heart bro. God knows why it happened that way," Kachi condoned.

"I'm so sorry for your loss," Esther added.

"Thank you," Nedu accepted with a sad smile.

"The children who would stay would surely come," Kachi continued.

Nedu was quiet.

Afterwards, they started a conversation on a general topic.
The men spoke freely but Esther didn't say much. With mixed thoughts, she just sat there waiting for the time to leave.

About an hour later, Kelvin announced he was ready to leave.

"I guess we also be leaving now too," Kachi said.

"Ok, thanks for coming around," Nedu managed to say, even though he wished they could stay longer.

After that, Nedu saw them out of his apartment.

And while they were outside, Kevin offered to drop Kachi and Esther off at a particular bus stop. They accepted and hopped into the car. They all left the compound together while Nedu went back to his apartment.

The trio continued discussing in the car as Kelvin drove on.

"It's like you people didn't notice something. I didn't see Nedu's wife. Did she travel or something?" Esther complained.

"I noticed that too. Maybe she was avoiding us," Kachi added in confirmation.

"She's not there. Ifeoma left Nedu while their child was still at the hospital."

"What?!" .."Are you serious?"

"Yes, their child was a sickler. She abandoned him for Nedu to take care of."

Kachi and Esther were both shocked at the revelation.

"Did Nedu not look for her or didn't he want her back.," Esther continued.

"I don't think he wants her back because according to him, he was the one who refused to look for her when she left," Kevin said.

"That lady get mind oo," Kachi added

"She's evil, if I find her. I will make her pay for what she did to my friend."

"Honestly, that lady is bad."

Esther listened attentively, pondering on what they were saying.

TO BE CONTINUED......

Written by Ayogu Oluchi Eze Page

03/07/2025

As Nedu stepped out of the hospital, he flagged down a tricycle and rode quietly back to his apartment. When he got home, he dropped off a few items there and briefly explained the situation to some of his neighbours. Without wasting much time, he got back into the same tricycle and made his way to the park.

Later, they got to the park after some minutes and from there, Nedu boarded a taxi that took just him and his baby and they headed to his home town.

About an hour later, the taxi stopped in front of Nedu's father's compound.

Meanwhile, his mother was outside checking her small garden for weeds. When she heard the sound of the vehicle approaching her compound, she stopped what she was doing and decided to see who it was.

She got out of her garden and walked up to the compound entrance and she saw her son coming down from the taxi looking weary and downcast.

As Nedu got out, he carried his bag and the box and headed to his father's compound while the driver zoomed off.

His mother stood there worriedly, waiting for him.

As Nedu got to where his mother stood, they both exchanged greetings but Nedu was looking moody.
His mother was confused and scared, and many questions popped into her head.

"Nna aa, welcome," she managed to say.

"Thank you, Mama," Nedu muttered.

"Is everything alright?"

"Mama, let's go inside."

His mother became terrified.

Nedu walked into the house and his mother followed him without hesitating.

Soon after, they both sat down on the bench there.

"Mama, I'm sorry that I didn't carry you along."

"Along what?" Mama asked, looking impatient.

"Mama, Junior had been sick all this while..."

His mother was surprised but attentive to hear more.

"He had sickle cell disease."

"Eeh!?"

"Yes, his mother abandoned him for me maybe because of his frequent crises."

"Ah ah, you mean Ifeoma abandoned her child for you?"

"Yes, it's been months since she left but that's by the way. I had to continue taking care of him because the crisis continued. We were always at the hospital for him to be well but he couldn't survive the last crisis."

Mama listened to understand what his son was saying because he was sounding like gibberish at that moment.

"Mama, Junior di*ed at the hospital today."

"Chinedu!! What are you saying!?"

Nedu got up, brought the box closer to where his mother sat and opened it.

"Mama, that's him, I came home to bu*ry him."

His mother bravely went and peeped.

"Chineke, so this is true. Chai! Junior!! Ewoo!! Chineke meeh!!" She exclaimed.

"Mama, please stop."

"Stop what?"

"OK, reduce your voice. Remember, nobody is aware of all these."

"Hei! Chai! (She exclaimed in a lower tone) I wish I had carried him when he was alive," Mama said in regret as tears rolled down her cheek.

"Mama it's ok," he tried consoling her but joined her in crying.

Later, they held their tears.

"I need to inform your uncle about this. What about Ifeoma's people?" Mama asked while wiping her tears.

"Mama, I don't want to hear anything about Ifeoma, please. I only brought him here because I don't wish to bur*y him in the city."

His mother was calm, she tried to hold back her tears so Nedu wouldn't join her.

After that, Nedu's uncle was called. Nedu explained to him what had happened, just the same way he had explained to his mother, but his uncle didn't have much to say about the matter.
The child was then laid to rest in Nedu's father's compound.

The following day, Nedu was set to go back to the city but his mother stopped him.

"My son, you have really suffered. Why didn't you tell me about this earlier," Mama said.

"Mama, I didn't want to disturb anyone with my problems. I wanted to suffer it alone."

"Chai, see what that girl has done to you and she even has the mind to abandon the child with you. Ajo nwa! She came to ste*al and to destroy. You see why you people were told not to marry."

"Yes, Mama. I learnt the hard way."

"Where is she now?"

"I don't know and I don't care to know."

"She's not in this village, that one I know. But how were you managing with your work?"

"I resigned."

Mama felt bad for a moment but remained strong for him.

"Don't worry my son, you will get another job. And as for that girl, she will surely pay for her sins. The God I serve will expose her and make sure she pays for what she did to you."

Nedu was nonchalant.

After that, he took his bag, bade his mother goodbye and left for the city.

When he got back to his apartment in the city, people began to come to sympathise with him even those he hardly spoke to. That was when he knew that the information about his child's demise had spread across his neighbourhood.

Some of his compound neighbours even stayed with him to keep him company but later in the evening, they all went back to their various apartments.

When his neighbours were gone, Nedu sat alone, feeling a deep emptiness inside him. It was more than just being by himself, it felt like a part of him was missing. Junior had become more than just his son he looked after; he had become his friend and his little companion.

He had built a strong bond with Junior, one that brought warmth and meaning to his life. Now that Junior was gone, the silence felt heavy.

TO BE CONTINUED.....

Written by Ayogu Oluchi Eze Page

03/07/2025

The following day, Junior was still under intensive care without any improvement. He was placed in a monitor to keep a close watch on his health. Nedu continued praying and keeping a close watch on him.

Later in the day, while Nedu was watching over his son and keeping hope alive, a man walked up to Junior's bedside and stood.

Nedu thought he was one of the doctors who came to check on his son earlier. The man stood without saying a word.

Nedu looked up and was shocked to see Kelvin his former friend and colleague. He held a fancy nylon bag.

"Ke- kelvin, wh-at are you doing here?" Nedu managed to ask.

Kelvin smiled.

Nedu looked expectant and confused.

"I came to see you and your child," Kelvin answered smiling.

Nedu became mute.

"How is he doing?" Kelvin continued.

"He.. he... he's fine. Why are you here? I thought you were angry with me."

"You are still my friend."

Nedu's eyes were suddenly filled with regret and guilt.

"I was worried about the news making the round in the office and I decided to check up on you. I went to your house but your apartment was locked. It was one of your neighbours who directed me to this place."

"What are they saying at the office please," Nedu asked worriedly.

"That your wife abandoned a sick child for you to take care of."

Nedu was shocked and disappointed.

"I wonder how information is disseminated these days, I tried as much as I could not to involve anyone in this," Nedu complained.

"My friend, walls have ears. I'm sorry for not informing you before coming. I decided not to call because I heard you don't pick up calls from the office."

"That's true. Thank you so much for remembering me but I would have picked if it were yours."

Kelvin smiled, feeling welcomed. He then handed the fancy bag to Nedu. Nedu collected, opened it and saw some provisions in it. He appreciated his friend and kept the bag aside.

"Thanks for standing by your son but I'm surprised that you are here all alone. Don't you have people around who would help you out?"

"I don't have anyone. I have lost friends and good relationships because of my stupidity. I blame myself for everything happening now. I feel I'm suffering for my sins."

"Please don't say that. Everything happens for a reason."

"What's the reason for this one now?"

Kelvin was quiet.

After a moment, Kelvin switched to another topic and they continued discussing freely like they hadn't quarrelled before.

About an hour later, Kelvin was set to leave. He gave Nedu some money to use and take care of his son.

"Thank you so much, I really appreciate," Nedu said.

"You are welcome, everything will be fine, ok?"

"OK."

"I will call you to keep in touch."

"Thanks, my friend."

After that, Kelvin left.

The following day, Junior's condition was still not getting better, it became worse each passing day.

This latest crisis had been a brutal assault on his tiny body, leaving him weak, pale, and struggling for every breath.

That morning, nurses alongside a doctor came to check on him, their faces etched with concern, as they whispered medical terms that Nedu no longer understood.

After that, they administered some medications and left.

Nedu was worried but all that mattered to him was that his son was breathing.

"Daddy's here. Just keep fighting, son," he muttered to his son in assurance.

Later in the day, the fight seemed to be fading slowly.

The monitor, which was given a reassuring rhythm, then beeped irregularly and fast. Junior's body began to shake involuntarily, his eyes widened and were turning slowly.

Nedu rushed to the nurses' station and met a nurse there, luckily the doctor was still around.
He informed them about the development of his son's health and they followed him immediately.

When they got to Junior's bedside, the doctor and the nurse started attending to him at once.

Nedu's heart started skipping.
He watched them do their job on his son though their voices were low and urgent.

As they were attending to Junior, he gasped faintly, followed by another weaker gasp. His little hands clenched into fists and slowly relaxed. The involuntary movements in his body became less frequent and then stopped altogether.

Then came a distinct, continuous tone from the monitor and the screen showed a flatline.

The doctor stopped checking and looked up, his eyes meeting those of Nedu who had been there watching them. The nurse stepped aside.

"Mr Chinedu, I'm sorry, we tried our best," the doctor said.

Nedu's eyes widened, and he couldn't utter a word. He pushed the doctor aside to reach his son.

He held his tiny body.

Then, Junior's skin was still warm, but the light had gone out of his eyes. His tiny chest was still.
There was no more struggle, no more pain, no more suffering that had tormented his short life.

All of a sudden, tears streamed down Nedu's face and he wailed like a child.

Later on, after the necessary protocols were completed, Junior's body was wrapped up and put in a box and given to Nedu.

With a broken heart, he received the box and left the hospital premises.

TO BE CONTINUED....

Written by Ayogu Oluchi Eze Page

28/06/2025

It was when they got home that Nedu realised how stressful it was to take care of his child even though he felt more peaceful with him.

Nedu's days had become a relentless cycle dictated by Junior's needs.

He bathed and fed him, burped, changed diapers and clothes and even rocked him. They sleep together in the same bed.

He learned to visit the grocery store with him strapped to his chest, as he shopped for the basic provisions.

He learned to differentiate between a hunger cry, a tired cry and a just-wants-to-be-held cry.

Nedu tried his possible best to provide all his needs and be available to him at all times.

He had thought of enrolling his son into a daycare or employing a nanny for him but he felt involving others would be to expose himself more to the public, and inviting scrutiny he might not be able to bear.

The shame of having a sickler after several warnings and even having to care for him alone was a bitter taste in his mouth.

One afternoon, while Nedu was in the living room feeding Junior, his phone began to ring from a nearby couch.

He gently kept the feeder aside, stretched his hand and picked up the phone and saw it was his mother.

He breathed out deeply and allowed it to ring without picking.

After that, he called her number back and she picked up at once.

They both exchanged greetings.

"Chinedu my son, I have not heard from you for some time now. I hope all is well with you?"

"Yes, Mama."

"How is Ifeoma and the baby?"

Nedu was quiet for a little moment before he spoke.

"They are fine," he replied audibly.

"Your work, nko?"

"Ummh, fine! I'm at my workplace now."

"OK."

"You said everything is fine, eh?"

"Yes, Mama. I'll call you back later, I'm busy now."

"OK, take good care of yourself, ooh?"

"OK, mama."

"Don't hesitate to let me know if you need my help."

"OK, mama. Bye."

"Bye bye nwam."

Nedu ended the call and was thoughtful.

"Why is Mama sounding as if she knows something.... (Pause) I think it's just her usual way of showing concern. She knows nothing and I won't tell her now."

Nedu refused to involve even his family in his current situation, believing also that the situation was a personal burden he must bear. He perceived those events as a consequence of his past actions.

A few days later, the time that Nedu's office gave him had elapsed.

He had told his head that he had an emergency in the village that required his attention.
This time around, he wants to stay at home and take care of his son but didn't know a tangible lie to tell his head in order to extend his stay.

Besides, he didn't know when that his stay was going to end and he wasn't ready to ask for help. So he stopped going to work without any excuses.

Because of that, he avoided social media groups he had in common with his colleagues, and he let messages and calls from concerned individuals go unanswered. He didn't want to explain his situation to anyone.

In all these, he couldn't hide from the prying eyes of his neighbours.
Even though he avoided them like the plague, it seemed they already knew his story. He had once encountered some of them discussing in a low tone but suddenly went silent when they saw him approaching.

As time went on, Junior had two different crises in two months and Nedu took care of him single-handedly.

One week after their return from the last hospital visitation, in the morning, Junior began to show serious signs of crisis. This time around, it was severe, worse than the previous ones he had been experiencing.

Nedu rushed him to the hospital immediately.

When they got there, he was admitted at once and the usual medication was administered to him which slowly dripped into his tiny veins.

Nedu sat by his bedside, his hands clasped as he watched his shallow breath and painful whimpering. The pain was so overwhelming for such a little body, that Nedu wished it could be transferred to him.

He prayed and waited patiently for the medication to take effect as usual but it was slow.

As his nurse came to check his vital signs, Nedu called her attention.

"Nurse, I don't understand my son's health lately. His usual crisis comes on a monthly basis but this one came barely a week after we left here. Is it still his usual crisis or something else?"

"Yes, sickle cell disease is characterised by its inconsistent nature. A person with sickle cell can feel fine today and be in a severe crisis the next day."

"Hmmm, ok. Why is he not responding to treatment yet?"

"He's coming to that, you know this one escalated suddenly. Don't worry, it's a common experience among sickle cell patients."

"Ok,"

When the nurse was done checking his vital signs, she left.

Nedu continued praying and hoping that the medication would take effect on his son soon.

TO BE CONTINUED.

Written by Ayogu Oluchi Eze Page

Ayogu Oluchi Eze Page

11/07/2025

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