Half life

Safe Hands

The blaring of horns and screeching of car wheels outside the hospital could mean nothing but emergency with the paramedics team running towards the ambulance that just drove in with alarming speed. And immediately a man barely alive with a bruised face and a broken arm was quickly placed on a stretcher and rolled into the hospital. Perhaps the man must have been involved in a ghastly accident. I sighed and turned my gaze to dad expecting

him to say something about this whole incidence but he wouldn’t even look at my puzzled face. I’d have a lot of questions about this whole thing and I couldn’t stop my curious mind from wondering about it. A part of me wanted to bulge him some more but solemnly did I have noticed that his attention was focused on something else and though we were walking together, his mind seemed to be amiss. Whatever it I was, I was sure it was way over me and my young mind wouldn’t decipher it and so I restrained myself from asking resignedly. And as we walked out of the hospital gate that very evening, it did occur to me that things were going to change for the better.

“so my beautiful lady were do go from here?’’

Dad asked this time softly like a worker bee buzzing melodiously over a wild cauliflower, while caressing my slender arms as he awaited for a reply. I was caught unawares and so mumbled as I made to speak. Besides, it was his suggestion that we take a short walk and then return to the hospital afterwards. A suggestion I did oblige to without hesitation because of the nauseating smells in the ward.

“Anywhere pleasing to you dad” I replied unceremoniously. Dad sighed lightly and nodded his head while smiling sheepishly. Perhaps he was trying to control his countenance at my behavior. And I’d know I was more of a bitter than sweet kind of person and could frustrate the hell out a person especially when I know you’d be trying real hard to please me. Nevertheless, I guess he’d know about it anyway and could cope.

“Alright, we will walk over to the end of the street and see things for ourselves” came dad this time gesticulating with his hands as he spoke. I nodded coldly not sure if I had any reply or comment to make. With that we walked to the other side of the cold and lonely street. And as we plodded aimlessly down the street, cars could be seen racing with mad rush to God knows where.

“How was work today dad?” I asked pouting my lips in the process

after a long moment of disheartening silence so as to ignite a conversation.

Dad smiled and stopped briefly, perhaps trying to figure out his reply.

“Well… you see sweetheart, I wouldn’t want to talk about work right now but just so you can rest your pretty head, I will rather say it was fine” he said almost ears short but yet quite audibly. It was now clear that something work related was bothering him but I couldn’t do little but to worry anyway. And I could feel the sadness in his voice as he spoke. Somehow I wished I could really help but I guess he is right… I mean what could an 8 year old do? And for a moment I really did wish mum was around. Perhaps if she was here, all these won’t be happening I thought, as emotions buried untouched within sprang up to life and began to spread like cancerous cells all over my body in electrical surges while my head pounded hardly into my ears like metallic gong. The headache was sure back again and I couldn’t help but groan in pain.

“Are you okay?… what is wrong dear?… talk to me Amanda!” Dad inquired breathlessly with fear written all over his face.

“I am ok, dad. It’s just a slight headache’’ I managed to reply.

“No, you are not dear. We need to go back to the hospital right now.” dad countered with finality in his tone.

“Can you walk by yourself or I should get the ambulance?” he asked softly.

“No, dad I’m just fine and I can walk. No need to worry much” I replied, smiling mildly. I wasn’t sure if he was convinced but I really hope he’d just believe me. I’m a big girl and I don’t want to be treated like a toddler.

“Get on” dad commanded with his back positioned for a piggy back and immediately I felt my cheeks flushed in embarrassment.

“Eww! This is so incredible. I mean why will he want to embarrass me in public for crying out loud! Damn I’m screwed.

“Dad no it’s not necessary. Look I’m ok and I can walk all by myself to the hospital. That’s if you insist anyway” I explained anxiously with my gaze fixed stealthily to the ground. Dad still albeit didn’t speak but turned slowly and stood upright. I guess he was surprised to see me react this way or better still was simply marveled. I was obviously enjoying our boring walk since at least it was far better than the nauseating smells making me want poke in the hospital and I was just trying to make sure we didn’t return to the hospital right away.

“Alright dear.’’ Dad muttered after a long and uneasy silence. I let out a weary smile but stopped when my cheeks started aching badly. Thankfully, Dad didn’t notice so we continued trotting the streets like high school students on a vacation.

“So you see dear… always remember to respect people whether rich or poor, regardless of what they may be putting on’’ Dad advised as we left the open eatery across the street. I listened raptly as he spoke and made gestures; a habit he must have developed over the years while I bit deeply into my burger and munched wholeheartedly. Sometimes I wonder if Dad wanted to become a schoolteacher but changed his mind on the long run because he is always making weird gestures whenever he speaks.