A story of whispers left unspoken, unheard.
"I hate you!" He spat venomously through gritted teeth.
"Feelings are mutual." She replied back, smiled and walked away.
He didn't know who she was talking about...
A short story about her life. And ma...
"I'm going to make sure that everything is perfect! You are going to love it, believe me!"
Her laughter echoed in the room as she shook her head at his excited self. He was so eager to get married to her that he had already started planning everything.
"You don't believe me?" His incredulous look made her cackle more.
"I do. I'm just-" Catching her breath, she started before a fit of coughing interrupted her, making her cover her mouth with her hands instantly. Feeling something liquid and sticky, she rushed to the washroom quickly, afraid to witness what she already knew it could be.
Usman didn't know why she rushed to the washroom, nor did she plan on telling him.
Leaning on the washbasin, she coughed out more blood while turning on the faucet, watching in distress as it mixed with water and went down the drain.
While rinsing her mouth, she could still feel the taste of iron on her tongue, repulsing her. Washing her face, she stared at her moist pink orbs. Something was wrong, she just knew it! But what, she didn't know.
A knock on the door brought her out of her thoughts. Taking a deep breath, she left the washroom.
"What happened? Are you okay? Did you vomit again?" As soon as she opened the door, he bombarded her with questions, worried.
"I'm fine, Usman." Laila smiled, trying to assure him.
"But you vomited again, didn't you? I have been telling you to go to the hospital! You have been sick for almost a week now! Is this how you take care of yourself?" He frowned at her, disappointed.
She didn't bother to correct him. She didn't want to worry him anymore. She had already mentioned to him about her occasional chest pain and vomiting, but not about this too.
"Okay fine, I'll go tomorrow. But let me rest for now." She was suddenly feeling light-headed, weak. And she was worried he would insist on going there now, with her. She didn't want him to go there with her and get more worried.
"Why not now?"
"I feel tired." Sitting on her single bed, she replied.
She could see his shoulders slumping as he turned to face her. "Alright. Tomorrow at sharp 9 am. I'll drop you at the hospital myself. Be ready, okay?"
"Okay dad!" Laila gave him an amused smile although she knew he wasn't kidding.
The next day, he did drop her at the hospital, but unfortunately couldn't be there with her. And realizing the possibilities, she was grateful for his absence.
★★★
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