INCEPTION OF AGONY  

“So you think life is equitable and rewards everyone accordingly? I negate that. My dad was a good man, anyone can attest to that, yet he was murdered  brutally .” Mark enunciated bitterly to Johnson his friend on the phone as he took one more glance at the impotent body of his mum on the bed.

“ No I don't, it's just an inference. But what could have tripped your mum from the second floor? was she at home with anyone?” Johnson asked over the phone. 

“ I just arrived here and I'm as bewildered as you are. She is not even moving or giving any sign of life”

“ I'm so sorry about that Mark. I hope she recovers soon.” Johnson said in a serene tone.

“I hope so too. Thanks man.” Mark responded.

“I will be going to present my project files to the HOD alongside yours, if there is anything I can do to help do not hesitate to call me ok?”

“Alright. We will talk later.”  Mark said and ended the call.

 He took one more glance at his mum who was half paralyzed on the bed of Samata hospital where she was rushed into the previous day after she fainted when she slipped and tumbled from the second floor of the building they lived in. Mark wheezed out.

He got up from the edge of the bed where he sat down and paced around the hospital ward for some minutes. Everything still seemed like he was daydreaming.

“Just like that?” Mark mumbled audibly to himself. 

The fact that they were still mourning the death of Stephen Austin, his father after he was double-crossed two months ago and exterminated by some unknown armed men and now his mum was in-between life and death was still a stunner to him. Although he had watched experiences like these in movies several times, he never believed, even if anyone had told him that it would translate into reality. And not just to someone close to him but directly to him. 

He stopped ambling around the room and went back to sit beside Grace, his mum on the left side of the bed. He took hold of her right hand which the doctor diagnosed had been paralyzed alongside the right leg. He squeezed it softly. She was still unconscious. Seeing her in such a condition made tears amass in his eyes.

He bowed his head and placed it on the bed. The hot tears that dropped from his eyes tickled on her right hand. 

Just then the doctor walked in. He did a general check up on her. Then an examination on her with his stethoscope, placing it on her heart and left side of her neck. Mark watched him with despair and frustration registered all over his face. He was the only son of his parents. He could not afford to lose both of them within a short period of time.

When the doctor was done checking his mum, before leaving he said.”I would advise you to let her be alone now if you want her treatment to enhance. When she opens her eyes again you can come sit beside her. Before you leave, however , please come see me at my office.” Doctor Dublin said.

Mark nodded his head affirmatively without speaking. 

The doctor left but Mark remained there for five minutes after which he stood up and dragged his feet outside the ward. He walked towards the stairs that led to the second floor where the doctor's office was. 

When he got to the door he knocked twice and held the handle, he turned it and went inside. Doctor Dublin was already seated on his chair. When Mark stepped in, the doctor a gave a sign to him, pointing to one of the chairs for him to sit down then he asked. 

“ Were you around when this happened?”

“Not at all doctor, I was back in New York City where I was carrying out my school project. I was called by someone who gave me the address of this hospital, so I had to take the next train back home.”

“Alright. The reason I am asking is that like I told you earlier when you came, She is diagnosed with Hemiplegia which was caused by the fall and has had a horrendous effect on her entire body system.

“So there is no hope for her recovery all? Because since I was in that ward she has neither moved nor lifted any part of her body.” Mark asked in utter misery ringing in his voice.

“ That's not what I mean. You see, the men who brought her in here simply dropped her here and left without saying anything or making any down payment. We need money to commence with her treatment.”  Doctor Dublin said, placing his two hands on the table and fronting Mark directly. 

“ How much do weneed to begin her treatment?”

“You see in addition to the damage in her brain she is also diagnosed with high tetraplegia which resulted from the damage in the upper part of her spinal cord and for her to receive professional treatments which includes surgery, a deposit of four point four million dollars has to be paid first after which subsequent payments can be paid during or after the treatments.” The doctor said as he used his right index finger to adjust his eyeglass.

“Without the payments nothing can be done?”

“ I'm sorry we need the payments to commence her treatments. 

Mark exhaled in trepidation and said.

“If that is the case. I will get back to you before the end of today. Mark said and added as he stood up. Let me run around to see how much I can get before today ends.”

“Alright, we are always here.” The doctor responded as he closed the file he held in his hand and stood up. He picked up his Stethoscope and followed Mark out of the office, closing the door behind them.

As he walked out of the hospital and into the driveway. His countenance which had changed to one of utter exasperation worsened. The thought of where to get the money to foot his mum's bill ravaged his mind unguardedly. He knew the condition of his mum. She was the only close relative he had in the world. Letting her die or remain like that was a dreaded risk he would never take. 

He took a cab home and arrived at the luxury two-story building where they lived. This was the only heritage his father had left behind.  At first, he stood at the front of the building and looked around. The thought of putting the house on sale or using it as collateral to get a loan at the bank to foot his mum’s hospital bill flickered through his mind but he pushed it aside. 

“What if I'm not able to pay back on the agreed date?” He muttered to himself. 

He opened the door and went in then he sat down on the white couch facing the big Tv screen hanging on the wall. 

To what use now was all the luxury gadgets and furniture in the living room he thought. 

After contemplating again for some minutes, he picked up his phone and dialed Johnson’s number. He then placed the phone by his ear. Johnson picked it up almost immediately .

“Hey Mark, I was about to call you. Are you still at the hospital?”

“No, I left there thirty minutes ago. I'm at home now.”

“What's the update? Have they started treatments on her?”

“Man, it's very serious. Serious than I presumed.”

“What do you mean?”

“ The doctor said part of her brain had been affected by the fall and some parts of her spinal cords have been broken.”

“Wow! This is serious.”  How much is he requesting?”

“ Four point four million dollars. This is just to begin treatment, other subsequent payments would follow.” Mark responded in a disgruntled tone.

“What! That is really huge. What do we do?”

“I Don't even know where to start from.” There is no money at home. You are also aware of how I struggled to get the project fee paid.”

“Ah. This is really serious. I'm so sorry about this. I wish I could help honestly.”

“Thanks man, I understand. I'm thinking of putting the house on sale.” Mark said and waited for Jonsons response.

“Are you sure that's a good idea? So you would be without shelter?

“I will use part of the money to get an apartment somewhere else.” Mark responded.

“If that's the case, it's still far better than leaving your mum there at the hospital. If I had a better option I would have opted for it. I would help you get a buyer as soon as possible.” Johnson said.

“Yeah. Thank you that's the main reason I called. Can I get the buyer today?.

“Sure. It's possible. I will speak to someone and forward you his contact.”

“Alright thanks man. I will be expecting it.”