chapter 9

True to his word, Adebayo arrived at the hospital the very next day, his heart in his throat as he rushed into the hospital. The hospital doors swung open as Adebayo rushed in, his heart pounding in his chest. His mother, who had been keeping vigil by Anjola's bedside, met him halfway, her face etched with worry. ''Adebayo, thank goodness you're here,'' she said, her voice trembling. ''The doctor has told us that Anjola has sickle cell anemia. That's why he's been in so much pain.'' Adebayo's breath caught in his throat, his mind reeling as he struggled to process the news. ''Sickle cell anemia? What does that mean?'' His mother took a deep breath, her voice steadier now. ''It's a blood disorder that affects the shape of the red blood cells. it can cause pain, fatigue, and other complications. But it's manageable, Adebayo. The doctor says that they've given Anjola some injections to help with the pain, and they'll need to keep him here for a while to monitor him.'' Adebayo's face contorted with worry as he absorbed his mother's words, his mind racing with a thousand questions, But amidst the fear and confusion, he felt a glimmer of hope at the news that Anjola was receiving the care he needed. '' Why hasn't Rose been calling?'' his mother asked, her voice tinged with worry and frustration. Adebayo flinched at the mention of Rose, his thoughts a chaotic whirlpool of anger and longing. '' I don't know, Mom, '' he said, his voice tight. '' She stopped calling me after a month in the UK. I haven't been able to get in touch with her.'' Adebayo's mother stared at him in shock, her eyes wide. '' What do you mean she stopped calling?'' she asked, her voice laced with disbelief. ''Did you two have a fight or something? What reason could she possibly have for not checking in on her son?'' Adebayo felt his chest tighten, his jaw clenched as he struggled to contain his emotions. ''I don't know,'' he repeated, his speech was hardly audible above a whisper. '' Things were good between us before she left, i don't know the reason behind her sudden change too.''

just as Adebayo was about to continue, the doctor walked in. '' Mr. Adebayo, I presume?'' he asked, his tone polite but serious. Adebayo stood up, extending his hand. '' Yes, that's me, he said trying to compose himself. The doctor nodded, shaking Adebayo's hand. '' I need to speak to you in private, if you don't mind, '' he said glancing at Adebayo's mother. Adebayo felt a surge of anxiety, but he nodded, following the doctor out of the room. As they walked down the hallway, Adebayo tried to steady his nerves, his mind racing with fear. Once they were alone in the doctor's office, the doctor turned to Adebayo, his expression stern. '' Sir, I must ask, why did you and your wife not undergo blood tests before getting married or conceiving a child?'' Adebayo felt his stomach twist with guilt and regret as he heard the question. '' It's a long story, doctor,'' he said, his voice heavy with emotion. The doctor sighed, his expression softening slightly. '' Where is your wife now sir?''  the doctor continued. The doctor's question caught Adebayo off guard, his mind racing as he struggled to decide how to respond. After moments of hesitation, he took a deep breath, his expression solemn. '' Anjola's mother is ......... she passed away, doctor,'' he said, the lie slipping from his lips with surprise ease. '' It's just me and Anjola now.'' The doctor's eyes widened in surprise and sympathy. '' I'm so sorry to hear that, he said, his voice softening with compassion. '' That must be incredibly difficult for both you and Anjola. But we must discuss his condition now. The doctor leaned forward, his expression grave. '' Sir, sickle cell anemia is a serious condition, '' he said. '' We can manage Anjola's symptoms, but there is no cure. ''You must understand that his condition may worsen over time, and he may experience more severe symptoms and complications.''  Adebayo felt a wave of despair wash over him, his heart heavy with worry. ''What can we do to help him, doctor?'' he asked, his voice trembling. The doctor reached out, placing a comforting hand on Adebayo's shoulder. '' The only thing we can do is manage his symptoms and prevent complications, '' he said. '' It will require regular doctor's visits, medications, and lifestyle adjustments. But with proper care, Anjola can still live a full and happy life.'' Adebayo nodded, struggling to maintain his composure. '' Thank you, doctor,'' he said, his voice choked with emotion. ''I'll do whatever it takes to make sure he gets the care he needs.''  Anjola remained in the hospital for two more days, the doctors and nurses monitoring his condition, his pain subsided, and his strength returned. And before long, he was ready to return to school. Anjola's return to school was bittersweet. Though he was grateful to be back among his friends and teachers, he soon realized that things had changed. His classmates, once so friendly and welcoming, now avoided him, their eyes filled with fear and suspicion. Rumors had begun to spread about illness, whispers of possession and darkness following him wherever he went. One day, as Anjola walked across the schoolyard, he heard a voice call out from behind him. '' Hey, sick boy!'' He turned to see a group of older students, their faces twisted into sneers. '' We heard you've got a demon inside you,'' one boy said, stepping forward. ''Is that why you're always in pain?'' Anjola felt his heart sink, his cheeks burning with shame and anger. '' Leave me alone,'' he said, his voice barely audible.

The boys only laughed harder, closing in around Anjola like wolves circling their prey, ''Aw, did we hurt your feelings?'' one taunted, reaching out to ruffle Anjola's hair. '' Come on, let's see what happens if we tap his head, '' another said raising his hand as if to strike. Anjola flinched away, his eyes filled with tears. '' Please, just leave me alone,'' he begged, his voice trembling. Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, the boys lost interest, walking away with a final jeer. Anjola watched them go, his heart pounding, and tears streaming down his face. As if that wasn't enough, the teachers, though sympathetic to Anjola's condition, felt that it was too risky to allow him to participate in any of the inter-house sports activities. They feared that another episode like the one that had landed him in the hospital could, and they didn't want to put his health at further risk. Anjola felt more lonely than ever before, his illness now like a heavy weight around his neck. The rest of Anjola's primary school years were marked by a bittersweet mix of joy and heartache. Though he had once been a lively and outgoing child among his friends, his illness had forced him to retreat into himself, to avoid the bullying and isolation that came with being different. And so, after five years in primary school and the day of his graduation finally arrived, Anjola felt a mix of relief and sadness. He was ready to move on to the next phase of his life, but he couldn't help but wonder what lay ahead.

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