FOREVER WITH YOU

Her heart swelled with affection for the girl

In the private hospital

  VIP Suite..

Tasleem lay in the hospital bed, her face pale and drawn, yet still radiating a serene beauty. Her black hair cascaded across the pillow.
The swelling on her face had gone down after being treated with the best medicine. What remained was bruises, showcased the agony she had suffered even more clearly against the translucent skin of hers.

Mamie sat beside her, concern etched on her face.

Just then, Dr. Smith entered, his eyes    scanning the room before focusing on the patient. He checked the IV lines, nodded to himself, and began his examination.

"Doctor, how is she?" Mamie asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

Dr. Smith's expression remained neutral. "Let's discuss this in my office."

They stepped into Dr. Smith's office, the soft click of the door closing behind them.

Dr. Smith leaned against his desk, his hands clasped together. "Her condition is stable, but.." he paused, "we've found some concerning issues."

"Please, Doctor, tell me," Mamie urged, her eyes locked onto Dr. Smith's.

"She's severally dehydrated, and her blood count is alarming low. It appears she's been malnourished for some time. Additionally, her electrolyte levels are imbalanced. We're administering IV fluids and nutrients to stabilise her condition."

Mamie took a deep breath, "Thank you, Doctor, we'd make sure she gets the care she needs." She sadly replied.

Dr. Smith nodded and she left the office.

She sat beside Tasleem hospital bed deeply in thought.

Just then, Amira burst into the room followed by Abba behind her, a warm smile on her face and a food container in her hands. "My Mamie, I've brought your favourite food." she exclaimed. Mamie forced a smile at her.

Abba asked with concerned. "Halima are you alright?"

Mamie narrated what Dr. Smith told her, her voice laced with concern.

Amira's eyes landed on Tasleem's face, and in that moment, she thought of a perfect description - 'a gentle breeze that stirs the soul'.

Tasleem eyes slowly fluttered open, her gaze blurry and unfocused.

Amira's face lit up with excitement, "Mamie, Abba, look, she's awake!" She exclaimed.

Mamie looked over her eyes welled up with tears.

Abba nodded, "go and call the Doctor."

Amira rushed out of the room. It didn't take long as Dr. Smith hurried into the room, as Amira and two nurses followed behind him. He checked her condition and informed Abba that she's alright and left the room.

Tasleem lay in bed, her face ghastly pale. She was in a dizzy, dreamy state for a long time.

It took her a long while before she remembered what happened. She broke out in a cold sweat.

She felt pain all over her body, unsure whether it was the pain or something else, Tasleem's eyes suddenly got filled with moisture. Tears soon rolled unabatedly down her cheeks. She was so sad that she wept.

From a young age, she led a wondering life. Although she had a place to call home, but in reality that was a living hell. She was all ALONE.

Her deeply suppressed indignation finally burst out. The unforseen events over the past few days had mentally and physically taken a heavy toll on her, and she was already at her wits end of what she could endure. Her injury was fortunately not severe, but she was still weeping in grief.