“…Your daughter’s illness is psychological. Her brain is really over working, she is simply not settled.” The doctor looked at us suspiciously after analyzing what was wrong with Kamsi. Neche obviously gave him a clue with her gestures that we weren’t having a peaceful home.
“…Our daughter is in this condition because of us. What don’t you understand baby, I’m a changed man. I swear with everything I am that I am truly! Believe me, please!...” I was talking right behind her as she walking as fast as she could in tears to the car. I was still talking when we got to where I parked. As soon as we got to the car, she pulled out the hook on her hair and pierced my left wrist with it. It was so painful that a sharp painful shout escaped my throat and then I gnashed my teeth as I watched how blood began to flow out. Everything happened within a blink of an eye. The whole of my body vibrated in fear after a cold vibe ran through it.
“Apart from this instant pain, there will be a scar. This scar is what I see when I see you, and I feel the pains the more when you ask for a come-back!” She screamed at the top of her voice in tears. ”Buchi, I hate you! And nothing will ever make me stay with you!”
Those were the words that broke the camel’s back. I stood brainwashed, frustrated, demoralized and condemned at a time coupled with the pain on my bloody wrist. Before my brain started analyzing what just happened, she was gone. I admitted that she didn’t just leave the clinic; she had also left my life. That was when I started feeling the real pain on my wrist. I looked around to check if anyone saw what happened. It was almost cleared but then I saw an old woman at a corner behind some flowers that pulled her eyes away when my gaze met hers. It was too late; she already saw the tears in my eyes. I zoomed off immediately I ignited the car engine.
Two days later, we signed the divorce document, and three days later, Kamsi was discharged from the hospital. I wasn’t a good father obviously, so we agreed that she would stay with Neche, her mother.
The sudden twist of life pushed me to hell. My house became a very large world that deep within my heart, a word thought of could echo. I had to face my fate. We all make mistakes; some are fatal like mine, while some could even be over-looked.
The tears in my daughter’s eyes brought me back to sanity, but wasn’t strong enough to erase the scars I crested in her mother’s heart. I actually repented too late. I became a single again; the worst thing that could have ever happened to me.
My promotion was due after a month. I called Neche almost immediately the letter was given to me. She showed less concern unlike her usual self I used to know who would be so happy for my progress. Her act alone drained everything positive in me. My daughter became the only source of my happiness especially when we had the time to spend together. During one of the days when we should spend time together, she was moody as she stepped out of Neche’s apartment. I was confused and anxious at a time to know what was wrong.
“Is it true that you and mum have divorced?” Kamsi asked as she approached me.
I was speechless because I failed to fulfill my promise. I promised her that I was going to fix everything up so we would live happily again. But obviously, I had failed. She was disappointed; she nodded her head to prove that right before running back inside the house. She ran even past Neche who was at the door watching. That was what she always did whenever I came around to pick Kamsi. Neche and I stood where we were staring at each other for about a minute.
“I’m sorry.” That was all she said before closing the door.
I was shattered and bartered. Few weeks later, I started having traits of brain losses. This effect continued until I started becoming unconscious for days. And before I knew what was happening I saw Neche in tears close to where I was laid. I was shocked and confused. My head ached terribly as I tried to sit up.
“Doctor, he is awake now!...” I heard a voice distinctly, which wasn’t Neche’s, screaming; maybe a nurse.
My eyes were so weak to remain open that I felt like fainting. I noticed a nurse led weeping Neche out of the ward I was. I felt a sharp pain at the back of my palm; that was the last thing I knew happened to me before I became unconscious again.
Kamsi’s beautiful smile was the first I saw when I opened my eyes again. I smiled, although I didn’t know if the smile showed on my face. Before I asked her about Neche, I felt a warm touch on my shoulder.
“Buchi, I still love you. Please get well soon.” I knew that was Neche’s voice, but I didn’t believe she could say those words to me. That was the healing power which got me well faster than the doctors and nurses believed.
Some days later when I could at least sit and talk, Neche and Kamsi walked into my ward with lots of goodies.
“Dad, I chose this for you.” Kamsi pointed her favorite happy hour drink towards me.
“Thank you.” An uplifting smile grazed my face. I took a sip and returned the pack to her but she refused to collect it. She opened her little bag and brought out one and told me the one with me was mine. I laughed loudly but was careful enough not to make my head ache. I felt a soft tight but warm touch on my palm as I laughed. It was Neche’s.
For the first time in years, Neche kissed me. She started with a pecked before making it passionate. That was the peak of revival within me. Everything happened so fast, it was like someone pressed the reset button. I couldn’t believe it, but it happened.
I was stronger the next day which was this morning. Neche walked in alone in the morning. Kamsi had gone to school no doubt. She told me that I was laid from my work place due to my sickness but we are a family now. She has a new job and all their property are back in my house. I was so happy how everything finally turned out good so fast: so fast I thought not until she told me that I had been unconscious for several weeks. It was strange but I had to believe it because it came from her. When I asked her what happened to me, she told me not to worry about it, and that she would tell me when she comes back with my lunch.
I’ve written this story quickly before my wife comes back with my lunch, although I don’t know why, how or when I got to the hospital, but she will tell me when she comes like she promised. When she does, I will include it in this diary. R. kelly’s “When a woman loves” has been on repeat since I started writing this story till now.
I swear the last the last thing I will ever think of in this life again is to raise my hand on my wife when I'm not crazy. Once bitten, twice shy.
THE END…
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