FROM LONDON WITH PAINS

CHAPTER TEN AND THE LAST

'Thank God a good Samaritan came to their rescue just in the nick of time, if not, your daughter would have internally bled to death, especially when considering the other injuries she sustained.

'Why my daughter, Doctor? Why us?' Adaora's mother asked in tears.

'You see,' the doctor explained. 'The people of that community are very superstitious. They have a belief that one of their ancestors cursed their land and their women, hence making both underproductive. They believe they have to carry out blood a sacrifice to appease this ancestor.' The doctor adjusted his glasses.

'But that community is still backwards. They live in abject ignorance. Even their so called learned chiefs have little or no idea that the soil they live on is naturally unyielding. And due to poor hygiene and lack of health facilities, their women's chance of reproduction lessens. '

'I'm afraid your daughter was almost a victim of their barbaric ritual. Accept my sympathy.' The doctor tried to comfort Adaora's mother. Informing her that she could go and see her daughter if she wished.

Adaora was on her hospital bed in a private ward. She was admitted on drip. There were bandages all over her head, neck, arms, rib and her left foot.

Her mother came into the room and sat by her bed side. She stroked Adaora's hair, assuring her that all was going to be well.

Adaora was traumatized by all that had happened to her. Ever since a Good Samaritan had picked up her wet and unconscious body after she was raped and dumped by the road side with Friedrick, she rarely spoke to anyone. Not even often her mother.

'We're going back to London.' She stared at her mother.

'A friend of mine promised to help me get a job when we get there.'

Just then Friedrick came into the room, with a bandage on his right arm. He had bruises all over his face and was also limping. Adaora's mother removed a card from her hand bag and left it on Adaora's hospital table, excusing herself so the two could have their privacy.

'Oh look! Someone's got a get-well-soon card.' He teased. 'Can I read it?' she gave him a go ahead signal.

'As the sun shines

And is visible unto all,

So therefore;

Let your smile shine so bright,

And let your recovery be swifter than the wind.

Let your beauty over shadow the moon.

And may your health be refreshed

Like the morning dew.

Get well soon dear.

From Basi and girlfriend.

So he had a girlfriend after all, Adaora sighed. She felt different about Basi now. No more butterflies in her belly. She felt relieved not to have felt anything.

'Friedrick.' She softly called his name.

He inched closer so he could properly hear her.

'I know what I want to become in future... a medical doctor, so I can counsel and treat young girls like myself.' She spoke in a low voice.

That's excellent! No one can stop you.' Friedrick was overwhelmed with joy. He encouraged her. Holding her hand in his.

'Thank You for saving me.' She smiled weakly.

'No! Thank you for letting me know you.' He tried to hide the tears that were welling up in his eyes.

She garnered all the strength she could and squeezedFriedricks hand, still smiling at him. He smiled back.

'Friedrick, I think I see my daddy. He's calling me.'

'Who?' he asked, bemused.

With their hands still interlocked, she looked into his eyes and smiled, taking her last breath.

Slowly, her eyes shut.

'Addie?'

THE END.

AUTHOR'S NOTE.

You didn't want her to die? Well i told you from the starting point, that she was going to die. I hadn't expected her to die, things turned just turned out this way.

I like sad endings anyway, makes me happy (Laughs).

Tell your author how you feel about the story. Excellent? Lame? Crazy? You're entitled to your own opinion of this story :)