Half life

Hot As Hell

The door of the ward flew open with all eyes eagerly turning toward the door in anticipation, distracting us in the process. Immediately, Dad appeared in front of the entrance. There he was in a well starched and ironed brown shirt tucked into a pair of black trousers with his black tie hanging loosely around his neck in an awkward manner. He moved slowly but gracefully as his gaze kept swiveling the entire ward obviously in search of my bedside. Not sure of where I was, he took to his left ambling slowly.

Doc Henry took out his phone and began to punch abruptly at his keypad. After some seconds, he sighed and placed it on the left side of his face.

“Look up here” he said gesticulating with his right hand. With that he slowly took it from his face absentmindedly.

Perhaps he was talking to dad on the phone. I was still wondering briefly when dad walked to my bedside.

“How are you sweetie?” he asked almost trailing off in a hoarse whisper.

I didn’t respond but heaved a sigh. Turning to Doc Henry, he continued.

“How is she now?’’ he asked this time feigning a deep concern.

“Well… Mr. Edward we are doing our best and we assure you, she will be fine hopefully sooner than you’d expect’’. He rattled on breathlessly beaming with smiles as though a tout that won a lottery. Dad looked on, nodding like a wall gecko at intervals to signify understanding.

“Notwithstanding I will like to see you briefly in my office” He added, adjusting the stethoscope on his neck and made to leave.

“Ok, thank you Doc. I will join you in a moment’’. Dad said with a glint in his eyes.

“My pleasure, Mr. Edward” he answered. “Excuse me if you don’t mind.” He added sharply and walked away.

Dad motioned to touch my head but refrained when I winced in pain. He stared blankly at me for a couple of seconds thus causing silence to rule over us for a while.

“See baby girl daddy is so so sorry for all that have happened and wants you to forgive him” he said coolly after he found his voice. I turned toward the babbling emanating meters away from the far right side of the ward. A white kid perhaps aged 7 or so with a stitched arm was wailing loudly as a nurse was dressing her arm and most have caused the uproar.

“I brought you favorite” dad said in attempt to gain my attention.

“It’s right in the car. I’ll go get it for you right away” he added and disappeared into the exit door. Damn… thank God he at least brought something. And it’s even my favorite, I half yelled. He came back few minutes later this time with a customized plastic bag dangling to and fro on his right hand.

“Here it is my princess” he said obviously grinning from ear to ear like a 7 year old.

I collected the bag reluctantly and glared intently at the contents inside it.

“Go on, eat your meal. I will be right back dear let me go and see Doc Henry in his office” He said almost inaudibly. Pouting my lips, I stared blankly at him and sighed. Slowly, he walked confidently out of the ward taking light steps but yet maintaining a steady pace. If there was anything I’d be grateful for today, it’s definitely going to be for this food. I chuckled as I thought about the incident that just took place and my ability to feign anger. Yes I was upset with Dad but not to this extent. I really feel sorry for him too. And then maybe he was right about mum. Perhaps she just left on her own as Dad had said earlier. If she really had loved me, she would never have left in the first place and I wouldn’t have been here lying on a sick bed. I exhaled deeply and emptied the contents of the plastic bag beginning with the bottle water, then the spoon and lastly the souvenir wrapped with foil paper. Other contents were two apples, five oranges, a bunch of banana, three blue berries and a pack of mango juice. I unwrapped the souvenir and there it was; my Lancashire hotpot. I smiled and began to shove it into my mouth munching hurriedly but yet with delight. “It tastes really nice” I muttered faintly, and for a moment I forgot I was in a hospital with a bandaged head. How did Dad found out this was even my favorite? Because he seems not to care about me so how come? If anyone must have told him then it must be mum” I thought to myself in between bites. I was half way done with eating the Lancashire hotpot when the door abruptly slid open jerking me to a stop like an old wagon in front of a road bump. It was dad again, he looked really stressed as he drew nearer I subconsciously began to fiddle with my hair twisting it into messy curls.

“How are you feeling now dear?” he asked trying to sound as calm as possible with his hazy eyes staring deeply into my face. And for a moment I felt my face go red with embarrassment and shyly I lowered my head in discomfort. Perhaps Dad noticed this and decided to look away.

“Well… the Doctor said you’ll be discharged very soon. Hopefully in three days time since he said you are recuperating so fast.” He said softly in his hoarse but baritone voice and heaved a sigh. And for the first time I made to speak but felt a heavy lump in my throat.

“Dad, are you tired?” I asked feigning concern but yet almost inaudibly after much hesitation.