Deadly obsession ,Chapter 16
NARRATEDThe sound of a siren pierces the air, as an ambulance races towards the scene. The paramedics jump out, carrying a stretcher with them. They run over to where Zibusiso is holding Suku, her body limp in his arms. The paramedics feel her pulse - it's weak and faltering. They gently take her from Zibusiso and place her on the stretcher, loading her into the ambulance. Zibusiso is in a daze, numb with shock. Everyone around him is stunned, unable to believe what has happened.
Zibusiso slowly comes back to his senses, realizing that he needs to be with Suku. He jumps into the ambulance, watching the paramedics try to save her life. He sees the panic and fear in their eyes, and he feels his own heart breaking. They are driving as fast as they can to the hospital, but it feels like time is slowing down, each second stretching on forever. All Zibusiso can do is hold onto hope, and pray that Suku will be okay.
The ambulance finally arrives at the hospital, and the paramedics rush Suku into the emergency room.
Zibusiso follows them into the emergency room, trying to keep up as the paramedics wheel Suku to a treatment area. He feels like he's in a nightmare, watching everything unfold in slow motion. He sees the doctors and nurses rush to help, their faces set in determined concentration. They work frantically to save Suku, their movements a blur of activity. Zibusiso stands by, helpless, unable to do anything but watch.
The doctors and nurses work for what feels like an eternity, and then, finally, there is a moment of stillness. His heart is in his throat, his whole body shaking with anticipation. The doctors and nurses stand back, exchanging glances, and then, one of them turns to Zibusiso.
Doc:"We've done everything we can," he says, his voice quiet. "But I'm afraid it's not good news."
Zibusiso's world crumbles around him, the words echoing in his mind.
Zibusiso : "No," he whispers, feeling like he's going to collapse. "No, no, no. Please, you have to save her. Please, you have to try again.
Doc:"I'm sorry, but we've done everything we can," the doctor says, his voice breaking. "She's slipped into a coma, and I'm afraid there's nothing more we can do."
Zibusiso feels like he's going to be sick. He can't believe that this is happening, that he's going to lose her. He looks up at the doctor, his eyes pleading.
Zibusiso: "Is there really nothing you can do?" he asks, his voice cracking. "Please, please don't give up on her. I need her."
The doctor looks at Zibusiso, compassion in his eyes.
Doc: "I understand how you feel," he says, his voice soft. "But I'm afraid that it's out of our hands now. We've done everything we can, and it's up to her now."
Zibusiso feels like he's been hit by a truck. He knows the doctor is right, but he can't accept it. He can't accept that Suku might not wake up, that he might never see her again. He wants to scream, to punch something.
Zibusiso is told to leave the ward. He walks out and sits on a bench outside, his head spinning. His family and friends find him there, sitting alone. They sit next to him, offering their support. Zibusiso's mother hugs him, and he finally lets himself cry. It's a heartbreaking scene, as his family and friends witness him breaking down in a way they've never seen before. It's clear that he truly loved Suku.
As Zamo walks over to Zibusiso, he pulls her into a tight hug, his grief spilling over. Zamo asks him about Suku, her eyes filled with concern. Zibusiso tries to reassure her, telling her that everything will be okay.
They all sat there in silence, not knowing what to say or do. They waited for hours, until finally the doctor emerged from the hospital. Zibusiso stood up immediately, his heart in his throat.
Zibusiso :"Doctor, how is she?" he asked, his voice shaking.
The doctor sighed and looked at them all, his face serious. "I'm afraid she's in a bad way," he said.
Doc: "We've performed the emergency surgery, but she's still on life support. There's a very slim chance of her waking up."
The news hits them like a punch to the gut. Zibusiso feels his world spinning, and he has to grab onto the bench to steady himself. Suku's mother starts to sob, and her father puts his arm around her, trying to comfort her. Andile looks at Lubanzi, who is staring at the ground, his hands clenched into fists. No one knows what to say, or how to process the news.
The silence is broken by Zamus, who pipes up with a question.
Noma:"What happens now?" she asks, her eyes wide with worry.
The doctor says,
Doc:"If Suku wakes up, it may be months or even years from now. We can't say for certain when or if she'll regain consciousness. The next few days and weeks are going to be critical, and we'll be monitoring her closely."
Zibusiso feels his heart sink, knowing that this could mean Suku is in a coma for a very long time, if she ever wakes up at all. He can't imagine a world without her, and he's not sure how he's going to cope.
Doc: "I'm sorry for what happened to Suku but I promise as doctors we will do everything we can.For now you guys can go home and get some rest"
With that, the doctor turned and walked away, leaving the group in a stunned silence. Noma carefully lifted Zamus from Zibusiso's lap, cradling her as she walked out of the waiting room with her parents. Andile helped Lubanzi to his feet, leading him to the car. As they walked away, Zibusiso and Mongezi also Zibusiso's brothers remained behind, staring at each other in disbelief.
Zibusiso finally broke the silence.
Zibusiso: "I can't believe this is happening," he said, his voice shaking. "I can't believe this is happening to her. It's not fair. We have to find those bastards who did this,this can't be a co-incidence at all ,someone is doing this on purpose " ,Zwelakhe holds his brother's shoulder
Zwelakhe:"I promise you we will find whoever has done this little brother for now lets go get you bathed atleast "he help him get up they all walk away to their cars...
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ZIBUSISO
It's the next morning, and I haven't slept a wink. My head is throbbing and my eyes are heavy with exhaustion. All night, I've been thinking about Suku, and the terrifying events of yesterday . I keep asking myself who could be doing this, and why they would target Suku. Is this all about me, or is it something bigger? I can't stop the questions from racing through my mind, and I feel helpless.
My thoughts are interrupted by a knock on the door. I groan and drag myself out of bed, stumbling over to the door.
Mom:"How are you feeling, son?" my mother asks, gently coming over to sit next to me.
Me:"I don't know, mom," I say, my voice hoarse. I take the pills for my headache that she offers me, then hand the cup back to her.
Mom:"This is so confusing," my mother says, her brow furrowed. "You boys have been out of the gang life for so long. Why would anyone want to hurt you now?"
Me:"We've made a lot of enemies over the years, Mom,"
Mom:"That's true, but still," my mother says, her voice trailing off. "What about Suku? Do you think someone is specifically trying to hurt her?"
Me:"I don't think Suku has any enemies She's still so young, and she's only been here for a few months. Besides, she doesn't know anyone in this town. This has to be someone else."
My mother sighs, a thoughtful look on her face.
"This isn't the first time Suku has been hurt," I say, my voice breaking. "The first time, she was attacked and molested, and we never found out who did it. Now this. It has to be the same person, I'm sure of it."
My mother looks at me, her eyes filled with sorrow.
Mom: "This is awful. I can't imagine what you must be feeling right now. I have seen you love Suku so much, and I have seen how close you two are. We have to figure out who's behind all of this."
I nod.
After my mother left my room, I took a shower and put on some clean clothes. I then went to Zamo's room and found her playing with her dolls.
Me"Hi there, little champ," I said, she smiled at me
Zamo:"Hey uncle are you going to see my sister ?"I nod
Zamo:"Can you please give her this doll and tell her that I love her so much?" she says, her adorable face beaming. I wish I could be as carefree and innocent as her, without a clue in the world about the harsh realities of life....
to be continued …
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