Shalom

Chapter Thirteen

Frederick Jesujuwonlo slowly opened his eyes to have a look at his surroundings. He thought he was still in his room but what he saw made him puzzled and began to ask his mind questions.

Then he remembered when he was in his room with Dr. Philip and Samuel, his son and then just like a flash, he began to gasp for breath and slipped into the unconscious state. And right now, he was on the hospital bed.

Eunice, his wife, and Samuel were with him. Eunice sat next to him on the bed while his son sat close to him on the plastic chair muttering prayers to God for the safe recovery of his father.

His wife was bothered. She looked at her husband with so much worry on her face. A million thoughts ran across her mind of how long would Frederick continue like this. A tear cascaded down her face and Samuel noticed it.

"Mum," Samuel called out, his voice lowered so as not to disturb his dad. He knew he was the one who caused him to be on the hospital bed now and he didn't want to try anything silly again.

"Yes, my son," Eunice's tear-smeared face turned to him.

"I want you to stop crying. Dad's health will get better. He will recover soon. God will give him a speedy recovery in the name of Jesus," Samuel prayed.

"Okay, my son. Thank you very much," Eunice appreciated him.

Frederick was attentive to their discussion. His eyes were closed now because he didn't want them to know that he was already awake. He pretended to be asleep.

"Please, wipe your tears and have faith in God that Daddy will be well soon," Samuel continued.

Eunice obeyed and Samuel's lips curled up in a satisfactory smile.

Just then, the door to the hospital ward creaked open and Dr. Philip entered. He looked so dashing and handsome in his white coat and stethoscope around his neck. He wore a striped shirt and black trousers with pairs of black shoes. He was so loving to behold.

"Good morning, everyone. How are you guys doing?" His sonorous voice echoed in the room. Frederick's eyes peeked open.

"Good morning, doc," He was the first to reply. His weak voice was evident.

Eunice's, Samuel's, and Dr. Philip's eyes turned sharply to where he lay.

"My dear, you are awake?" Eunice squealed and touched his almost wrinkled face tenderly.

"Dad!" Samuel was happy. "I'm sorry for causing this to you again. I didn't know that the news would cause you to land in the hospital," he apologized.

Dr. Philip turned to him. "It's fine, Samuel. We should be grateful to God now that he is awake."

Samuel nodded.

Dr. Philip turned to Frederick. "Good morning, sir. How was your night?"

Frederick hesitated before answering. "My night was fine. But the issue remains the same. I want my daughter back to me. I want her back," his eyes were teary.

In anger mixed with confusion plastered on Eunice's face, she asked, "What daughter are you talking about?"

Samuel intercepted. "Mummy, I want you to calm down. At least, let's hear what Dad has to say first."

Eunice's eyes turned red. "Are you talking about your sister? Like, I don't understand. Are you talking about Shalom? That cheap and useless prostitute. The girl who left her family in the cold is who your daddy wants back to himself? Samuel, are you daft?" She screamed.

Samuel wasn't speechless. "Mum, Shalom is not a prostitute. She is not cheap. You made her one. You never forgave her. You threw her into the cold. You never showered her with love. You rejected and neglected her. God Himself allows forgiveness because He knows offense will come. But to you, it is a deadly sin to make a mistake," he spat.

"What!" Eunice was shocked to her bones. "How dare you speak nonsense to me? Have you gone mad?" She advanced towards him. Her hand, stretched forward to reset his brain with a resounding slap but Dr. Philip intervened.

"Madam, please, calm down."

Eunice turned to him, visibly shaken. "Did you hear the rubbish Samuel spewed out?"

"I heard it, but I want you to be calm," Dr. Philip insisted.

"Okay, I hear you. You know what, I'm out of here. Good riddance to bad rubbish," She slammed the door.

Dr. Philip exhaled in frustration.

Frederick coughed. The doctor and Samuel rushed to his side.

"Please, find my daughter for me. I want to see her," he said amid stifled coughs and with teary eyes.

"Okay, Dad," Samuel said unsure of how to carry out the task.

"Sir, I want to you rest. Your health is important to us more than ever. The nurse is coming to check your vitals,"

Frederick nodded and closed his eyes.

Samuel turned to look at Dr. Philip. "Thank you so much, doctor, for your care and concern," he was grateful.

The doctor smiled. "It's nothing. So please, take care of yourself," he patted his shoulder and left the room while Samuel sat quietly on the chair next to his father.

~~~

An empty plate that was filled with rice and a boiled egg was in front of Shalom on the tiled floor of the room. Rhoda was beside her. She just finished eating too. The room served as the living room, dining room, and bedroom.

"What a delicious meal!" Shalom confessed.

"Thank you so much for eating it," Rhoda said and they both laughed.

"Alright," Rhoda cleared her throat. She wore a more serious look this time. "Back to business. Do you mind sharing with me what transpired to you that night that I saved you?" She looked into her eyes.

"Okay?" Rhoda couldn't decipher Shalom's expression. She was at least comfortable talking with her - sharing her dark past with her.

"I'm all ears."

"I am a pastor's daughter. My dad is a founder of a church. And right in his church, I gave my life to Jesus at 15. I was a good Christian. I loved the Lord with the whole of my heart. I was always praying and studying the Scriptures. My parents would advise me and all that until something happened that took away my salvation and that was the biggest mistake I've ever made in my entire life. I still regret it till this day," she said as tears were streaming down her face.

"Oh!" Rhoda wrapped her arm across her shoulder. "Shalom, it's well with you. Stop crying ehn. What exactly happened?"

To be continued.