NORTON

Unwelcome Return

CHAPTER 4

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Mrs. Dulux unexpectedly showed up a few weeks later and Kim was ecstatic to see her mother. She had not seen or had a conversation with anyone but her child for close to two months. The visit was intentionally at the time when Aayan would be at work and Kim made sure not to correct her mother's assumption that Norton would be back in six hours. Kim wished to keep her mother for the night but Aayan might unexpectedly show up or she would have to lie about where her husband was. She decided to be thankful for the few hours of joy and let her mother leave thinking all was well. The visit was joyful. Pumla spent hours on her granny's lap and Kim spoke more than usual and realised how much she missed being talkative. Mrs. Dulux was full of contagious life and her presence filled the apartment with an abundance of love and happiness. When she left, Kim and Pumla stayed in high spirits and stayed up for half the night. In the morning, Kim couldn't go back to just being somber, so she took her daughter to the shopping complex around the corner and bought her two books, a pencil and colour pens. To extend the excitement Kim also bought chips and chocolates for later. Back at the house, the teaching session began with learning to write alphabets then followed by a snack break and finally, a change of hair style for Pumla. Three weeks later, Pumla could write her names, colour well on her drawing book and do basic mathematical additions. Kim was starting to enjoy being a single parent and living for only her and her child. Winnie also didn't pick up anything amiss when she visited her sister and niece on a Saturday afternoon and left in the evening without having seen Aayan. The landlord's wife, Rowe, had dropped off five grocery bags that morning and Kim enjoyed hosting her sister. Winnie even complimented the quality of food they bought and hinted that she might start liking Aayan for taking good care of her older sister. Kim looked healthy and bigger but showed no signs of pregnancy. The burqa hid her growing belly very well and Kim liked it that way. If Aayan unexpectedly showed up, he wouldn't have to see the unwelcome soon-to-be-member of the family. Kim wanted to make his return home easy and smooth so no matter how joyful her days without her husband were, she stayed prepared for his return.

The grocery bags continued coming and the rent became a non-issue. Pumla was growing and so was the little one on the way. Kim's movements lessened and the days started to blend into each other. Religion started to take a back seat especially because they had missed months of Jumu'ah. Mrs. Dulux's next visit happened when Kim was at her most relaxed state. She opened the door for her mother thinking it was Rowe. She was still in her night gown and her mother's shocked eyes stayed on Kim's big belly for a full minute. Kim spent the day resting while her mother took over the household duties. Mrs. Dulux prepared breakfast, lunch and dinner then took Pumla with her in the evening. Her intention was to lessen the burden of taking care of husband, child and pregnancy for Kim, still not knowing Aayan was away. Kim hated spending the night alone in the very clean and orderly apartment. There was nothing to do but eat and watch TV and for the first time in months, Kim missed her husband. She fell asleep in tears on the couch and woke up sore. She wasn't sure where the pain was coming from but it made her want to feel warm. She pulled a heater and a blanket and laid on the couch again, trying to nurse the pain away. The heat felt good as it started to penetrate her body. At first it seemed to increase the pain but quickly after that it warmed her enough to dose off for an hour. She woke up again feeling hot and sick. The pain seemed to have intensified so she thought about getting a second blanket. A sharp pain went through her abdomen when she attempted to rise, forcing her back to the sleeping position. Only then did she recognise the pain from the time she was about to deliver Pumla. She had rushed to the bedroom and dialled Winnie from their landline phone back then. She thought about walking there and calling her sister but she couldn't remember her number. She couldn't remember anybody's call number and this frustrated her to tears. She thought hard, trying to ignore the pain then remembered one number; 911. The agent on the other side of the line would know what to do so she rose again and was punished for that attempt with a pain, twice as harsh as the last one. She let out a very loud cry then allowed her body to face up and push.