Back in the hospital, Benard and Ngozi have started to lose patients over Gloria and Chioma's lateness. They were supposed to have arrived from home where they had gone to pick up the new baby's things. Initially, they had thought about the traffic jams on the way that might be holding them back. But their thoughts have failed them. Gloria and Chioma are taking so much time more than expected as night is fast approaching. To make matter worse, none of their phone numbers are going through. This alone increased their fear more.
"Aunt Chioma don't use to keep late at night. Why are they not here by this time?" Anita threw a questioning look at her mom who is carry her little brother on her lap.
"This is just beyond my explanation too. Ngozi uttered, looking more worried.
"But what could have been keeping them waiting? Why are their phones not going through? What might have wronged both networks?" Ngozi asked Benard.
"I don't know myself. I have tried their phone numbers times without number but all to no avail. Still the same issue. "The numbers you have dialed were not available" That's what it keeps saying" Benard lamented. He was even trying both numbers as he was speaking to Ngozi.
"Could they have gone to visit some friends? Could Chioma have gone with Gloria to inform her friends about the arrival of the new baby? Benard asked from Ngozi who seems more confused at the moment. She began to wrack her brain and search for the possibility of where they could have been. She tried to call her bosom friend which happened to be Anita's new teacher. But the lady told her that she haven't seen Chioma's call for today. Then she tried to put a call through to call three of her friends whose contact are on her phone but none of them are yet to see Chioma or her call since the daybreak. Benard and Ngozi's tension rose the more
"Oh, let me try to call some of Gloria's friends who knows? She might have gone there too" Benard said while he dialed some numbers. 'Sorry, have you seen Gloria today? You mean she had not come to your house today?" "No. I haven't seen her. Is there any problem? A female voice asked at the other end. "I think so. She had gone out since afternoon with a friend's sister since afternoon and they are yet to be back" Benard explained. Then you need to report to the police station" She suggested.
"Okay. I will do that right away" Benard assured her before he dropped the call. He pressed further to call some friends who he thought Gloria might have shown in their houses before she could come back to the hospital but none of them declared not to see her break light since they has opened its shop. Benard thought of no other option than to report the case to the police station.
"This is past seven already. I need to do the needful by reporting to the police. Or should I attempt to go to your house? Could they have been delayed or something? Benard turned to Ngozi to query.
"No. I don't think so. Maria and Alani were the only ones left in the house. I don't think they can delay Gloria and Chioma. I think we should report the case to the police station since we have tried every means and none seems working.
"Okay. Let me go right now"
I pray that you come with good news" Anita said as he was about to go. "Amen," Benard uttered. He made a move but in an attempt to move towards the door, Dr. Anthony walked in to say hi' to Ngozi and her new baby.
"Hello everyone here. How are you guys doing? I hope the baby boy is fine too. Dr. Anthony questioned.
"Doctor, we are not fine. We are just trying to be fine" Benard announced in his worried state.
"What happened? What is the matter? Has Gloria and Chioma not yet back? What is still keeping them?
"That's what I am yet to know myself. We have called their phone numbers times without number but it wasn't available. I wonder what is still keeping them up till this moment. Even if they couldn't find the baby things as Ngozi had prescribed for them, then, they should have put a call through so that we will know what to do. Dr. I don't think I can wait any longer. I need to go to the police station and report the situation to them"
Please, wait a minute. Have you tried any of their friends? Probably, they could still be felicitating over the arrival of the new baby. Dr. Anthony questioned further.
"We have done just that. I can't wait anymore. I need to go to the police station and probably go with them in their search. I am not...At the process of their discussions, a nurse barge in panting heavily
"Doctor, please, come around. Mama is gasping heavily. We have been trying to rescue her life but it seems things have gotten out of hand. The junior doctor can't handle it alone. Nurse Sophia uttered in between her heavy breath
"Are you serious? They chorused in panic. Ngozi's fear became more.
You don't mean it?" Ngozi exclaimed. She kept her baby in the bed and tie her wrapper properly, ready to follow them to Mama's ward.
"No need to follow us. We will fix up everything" Doctor Anthony advises Ngozi to stay behind while he goes with Benard and Nurse Sophia. Ngozi pretended to comply with him but hardly have they taken two steps when she and Anita followed suit. They all ran out to see Mama in her sick bed. Doctor Anthony quickly brought out his thermometer to check Mama's chest. Mama has stopped breathing. She had given up the ghost. Doctor Anthony didn't know how to break the news in the presence of everyone. In an attempt to drag Benard a bit distance to tell him about the current situation base on the fact that he's a man. He's mind can still hold some water. But Ngozi has read the whole countenance in the doctor's face
"No doctor! Tell me, this is not true! Is she still breathing? Are you sure?! Ngozi wailed in pain. She and Anita hurriedly moved closer to Mama's cold body one more time to confirm if she was still breathing or not but the latter had long gone to meet her ancestor.