chapter 7

The days passed in a blur of medical appointments, late nights, and silent fears. As Anjola was discharged, from the hospital and returned home, Rose found herself lost in a sea of worry, the knowledge of her son's condition a leaden weight in her chest. As Adeyo slept beside her, his breathing and even, Rose lay awake, her mind racing with the thoughts of the future. How would Adebayo react when he found out the truth? How would his mother respond if she heard? With all these thoughts running through her mind, Rose, her resolve firm and unyielding decided to keep her son's diagnosis a secret. It was a choice borne of fear, but one that she believed would protect her from judgment and disappointment of others.

With Anjola now a spirited toddler, Rose sought to enroll him in '' Unique Nursery and Primary School,'' a school located within a comfortable distance from their home. In school, Anjola, his intellect blossoming with each passing day, quickly established himself as a favorite among his teachers. At home, Rose reveled in the pride she felt for her son, her heart brimming with love and hope for his future. It was against this backdrop that Adebayo surprised her one day, his face alight with excitement. ''Rose, my love,'' he said, his eyes dancing with delight. '' I have a surprise for you. You are going to the UK!'' Rose stared at her husband, her eyes widening in disbelief. '' The UK? Adebayo are you serious?'' Adebayo nodded, grinning broadly. '' It's all arranged. I've secured a work visa for you and you'll be leaving in a few weeks. Then after a while, I and anjola would come join you over there. Just imagine, Rose. You, me, and Anjola, starting a new life in London. isn't it amazing?''

Rose, overcome with a mix of shock and joy, launched herself into Adebayo's arms, her heart racing with excitement. '' Thank you! Thank you!'' she screamed as Adebayo handed over her passport to her. As the week wore on, Rose found herself lost in thought, her mind churning with the weight of the secret she harbored. On the one hand, she knew that Adebayo had a right to know about his son's condition and that keeping the truth from him was, in some ways, a betrayal of their marriage. But on the other hand, she feared his reaction and the potential repercussions for their family and their future. What if their son died from this condition? What if Adebayo turns his back on her after? The more Rose thought about it, the more she began to wrestle with the guilt and fear that had taken hold of her heart.

It was a dilemma, a battle between truth and protection, love and fear. As the hours ticked by. the clock counting down to her departure, Rose found herself paralyzed by indecision, unsure of what path to take. One night before she was to leave, She sat beside her sleeping husband, her eyes brimming with unshed tears. ''Adebayo,'' she whispered, her voice a tremulous plea. '' I have something to tell you...''

The words hung in the air, heavy with the weight of her secret, Rose watched Adebayo's face, his features soft in the flickering light of the lamp, and found herself unable to continue. '' It's nothing, darling,'' she stammered, her voice trembling. '' I was just thinking about the flight, that's all. I'm nervous about the journey, that's all.''Adebayo smiled, his hands reaching for hers, his fingers threading through hers. ''Don't worry, my love. Everything will be fine. I promise.''

The next day dawned bright and clear, the promise of a new beginning hanging in the air. Rose, her suitcase packed and her heart heavy, watched as Adebayo loaded her belongings into the car, her ticket to a new life nestled in his pocket. But before they left for the airport they had to drop Anjola at school. As they pulled into the school parking lot Rose felt her heart twist with a mixture of love and sadness. This might be the last time she would drop Anjola off at school, the last time she would see him in his classroom, surrounded by the faces of his friends.  Adebayo, oblivious to his wife's inner turmoil, waved goodbye to his son, his face beaming with pride, '' Have a good day, my boy,' he said, his voice thick with emotion. '' We'll see you when we get back.'' As Anjola disappeared into the school with her teacher, Rose turned away, hot tears stinging her eyes. She didn't want Adebayo to see her cry, didn't want to reveal the storm raging in her heart. The drive to the airport was a blur of silence and emotion. Rose stared out the window, her mind a tangle of memories and fears. The city, once so familiar, seemed foreign and distant as they sped past its streets, the airport looming in the distance. When they finally arrived, Adebayo turned to Rose, his face filled with concern. '' Are you okay, Rose? You've been so quiet. Is something wrong?'' Rose, her eyes fixed on the terminal shook her head. '' I'm, Adebayo.''

Adebayo, still unsure, took Rose's hand, his voice gentle. '' I know this is a big change for you, for us, Rose. But we're in this together, you and me and our son. Whatever comes our way, we'll face it as a family. I promise.'' Rose, her heart breaking with the weight of her secrets, forced a smile. '' I know, Adebayo. I'm just a bit nervous, that's all.'' Adebayo's lips curved into a soft smile, his eyes shining with love.  Rose, her heart heavy with despair, walked with Adebayo to the checkpoint, her luggage rolling behind her like a silent reminder of the lies she had told. As they passed through the checkpoint, the loudspeaker crackled to life, announcing her flight's imminent departure. With tears shimmering in her eyes, Rose turned to Adebayo, her voice a whisper in the chaos of the terminal. '' Goodbye baby, take good care of our son till you two come join me there. okay? I love you.'' '' I love you too baby,'' Adebayo responded. Rose turned, her shoulders weighed down with the burden of her lies and betrayal and headed towards her plane.

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