February 28

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OCTOBER 2020

DEDA HOSPITAL

ABUJA, NIGERIA.

"Why didn't you tell me?" Ummi's voice trembled with anger as she confronted Aabaan and Auwal.

"Ummi, you need to rest. You just passed out a few moments ago. A good rest is what you need right now," Aabaan urged gently.

"Keep your mouth shut, Aabaan! I don't need any rest! How can I relax knowing the condition she's in?" Ummi cried, tears streaming down her face.

"Go and tell those nurses I don't need any bed rest! I'm leaving," Ummi said, struggling to get off the hospital bed.

"Where are you going, Ummi?" Aabaan asked, trying to steady her staggering frame.

"I'm going to Jaiyana. Where else would I go?"

"Ummi, you can't!" Aabaan protested.

"And who are you to stop me from doing what I intend to do?" she yelled, her voice breaking as more tears fell.

At that moment, Aabaan and Auwal knew Ummi had truly lost her composure. It was the first time in years that she had yelled.

"I'm sorry, Ummi, but think about the consequences. What will happen when you show up there? Everything we've spent years preventing will unravel. Think about it, please, Ummi," Aabaan pleaded. Ummi stared at him for a few moments before collapsing back onto the bed, letting out a heart-wrenching sob.

"I'm sorry, Ummi. This will pass one day, In Sha Allah."

"Didn't you hear what the nurses said? She'll never wake up! Jaiyana will never wake up from the coma," Ummi wailed, fresh tears pouring down her cheeks.

Aabaan pulled her into his chest, his own tears falling.

"We can't lose hope, Ummi. She will wake up, In Sha Allah."

"Why is life so unfair to us?" she sobbed.

"Everything will be fine again, Ummi, with time, In Sha Allah," Auwal said soothingly.

"Let's get you to a more comfortable place. You need rest, Ummi."

......
"How are you doing, my love? I'm sorry for coming in late," El-Kabir said, placing a tender kiss on Safna's lips, drawing a faint smile from her.

"It's okay, honey. I know what must have kept you was important," she replied.

El glanced at Jaiyana's lifeless form on the bed before returning his gaze to Safna.

"I've been working on yours and Jaiyana's visa. I want her out of this country as soon as possible. We've already discussed it with the head of this hospital. He recommended one of the best neurological hospitals in the world: Mayo Clinic in Rochester, USA."

"Mashaa Allah, may it be a success. I miss her so much, even though I haven't been the best mother to her these past two years. I'll never forgive myself for causing her misery."

El wrapped his arms around her, pulling her into his embrace.
"Stop crying, my love. Jaiyana will be fine again, In Sha Allah. Allah has already ordained what will happen, so stop blaming yourself."

"Remember, you have a baby inside you. Overthinking will only harm you and the baby. Leave everything in Allah's hands. He alone can solve our problems."

Safna placed her hand on her still-flat belly, clutching it tightly. It all started when Jaiyana confronted her about being pregnant, and now she lay bedridden. Such is life. If only she hadn't spoken harshly to her daughter.