When Love Sprouts

Chapter 8: Trapped

"Mama," exclaimed Azania as she shot through the hospital corridors. She came to a halt when she saw a nurse by her mother's bedside. The nurse glanced at Azania briefly, then writing on the pink transparent clipboard. "Hey Azania," greeted the nurse lifting her head to catch a glimpse of her face.

"Do, I, know you," Azania asked.

"I'm the nurse, that took care of you the other day. Marna, is my name. Have you been okay, how have you been since Thursday," asked the nurse.

"Oh, nice to meet you. Well, I've been getting by," Azania said.

"That's good to hear, and that good piece of toast you were with the other day, where is he," Marna asked.

Azania kept quiet for sometime trying to sugar coat the incident she had dealt with earlier. She was trying by all means to avoid everything and anything, that had to do with Javas. Now, she had to play happy home, and spill tea that isn't even that hot anymore. "He's at his place," she stated bluntly.

"Ohh, that man of yours he sure is scrumptious, where exactly was he baked because my oh my," babbled Marna.

"Yeah, uhm, how is my mother doing? Is she okay," asked Azania.

"Well, she seems to be getting by and by. Quite the fighter," proclaimed Marna.

"I hope she'll be fine." Azania said looking at her frail mother who laid on the bed like a weak baby. She had become a shadow of her former self: the rosy cheeks, the suppleness, the golden glow, all gone.

"Mom. Hey. It's me," said Azania stroking Mrs Buvoir's soft hand. Marna made her final checks on Mrs Buvoir, then left mother and daughter to bond.
"Mom. I don't know if you can hear me or not, but I miss you, I miss Dad, I miss Danika. I miss your delicious food. Please don't leave me as well. I need you Mama, I need you to guide me into the light. You can't leave me, you need to see me in my graduation gown, busy securing the bag, Mom! The bag being my dreams, Mom," Azania said with bloodshot eyes.

She sat in her mother's room for some time, staring at her sweet mother's face. The beeping and booping of the heart monitor machines were the only thing keeping her company.

*Zung zung*

Azania's phone vibrated with a message.

"Aza, I'm really sorry," read one of the countless messages received from Javas.

She stared at it emotionless, not knowing how else to respond to the him. Time, she needed time, too much of it.
"Azania, hi, again visiting hours is nearly over, so finish up," Marna said.

"Wait, where's the ICU ward," asked Azania.

"Follow me," Marna said.

Azania wasted no time and did as Marna commanded. After passing by a lot of doors, they finally arrive at the ward.

"What's the patient's name," asked Marna.

"Danika Steenkamp." Azania confirmed.

Marna disappeared into a nearby room, then came back with the same blunt look she wore when she left. "Sorry, Azania, but you can't see her," stated Marna.

"What, why not? Don't they know she's as good as my sister," huffed Azania.

"I understand your pain, but, okay you promise not to tell a soul," questioned Marna.