CHAPTER TWENTY THREE
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I'm still in shock, but I know I need to act fast. I quickly grab my phone and dial the ambulance number, my hands shaking as I try to explain the situation to the operator.
Me : Please, you have to hurry. She's bleeding so much.
The ambulance arrives quickly, and the paramedics rush into Ashley's room. I watch in a daze as they check her pulse and quickly load her into the ambulance. I follow behind, my mind packed with thoughts and memories I'd rather forget.
I sit at the reception, waiting for news about Ashley's condition, I can't help but think about my own past. The way my Kuda used to beat me, the feeling of helplessness and rage that followed. Seeing Ashley in that state brought it all back, and I'm consumed by anger and fear.
I try to push the thoughts aside, focusing on Ashley and her condition. Please, let her be okay. Let her pull through this.
The doctor finally comes out, looking somber.
Doctor : Ma'am, Ashley's injuries are severe. She's lost a lot of blood, and we're doing everything we can to stabilize her. But I have to warn you, the next 24 hours are crucial.
I nod, trying to process the information. Severe injuries. Stabilize her. Crucial. The words echo in my mind, but I'm still in shock. Please, Ashley, pull through. You have to be okay.
I gaze down at the baby in my arms, my heart aching with uncertainty. Who will I leave him with? Ashley's hospitalized, and I can't bear the thought of leaving him with someone else. I start to think, trying to come up with a solution. And then it hits me - I'll take him with me. We'll visit Ashley together until she's healed.
I let my feet lead the way out of the hospital. I walk to the taxi rank, the baby snug in my arms, and hail a ride home. The silence in the taxi is a welcome respite from the chaos in my mind.
As we arrive at home , I'm greeted by emptiness. Just me and this precious child. I look around, feeling a sense of responsibility wash over me. I'll take care of him, keep him safe until Ashley's better.
I settle into the couch, cradling the baby close, and let out a sigh. This is it. This is my new reality. And I'm ready to face it head-on. For Ashley.
My phone rings .I answer the phone, slightly hesitant since the number isn't saved in my contacts.
Me : Hello?
I say, trying to sound friendly.
Ma'Thandi : Martina, it's Thandi from church
the voice on the other end replies.
I try to place the name, and then it clicks - Thandi, one of the ladies who always had a flirtatious eye for Kudakwashe. I feel a twinge of annoyance, but I try to stay polite.
Me : Oh, hi Thandi. What's up?
Ma'Thandi : I'm calling because I thought you should know...your husband was arrested a few days ago
I laugh, thinking it's a joke.
Me : What? That's ridiculous. What did he allegedly do?
Ma'Thandi : Assault and battery, sweetie. And guess who the victim was?
My gut tightens, but I'm still skeptical.
Me : Who?
I ask, playing along.
Ma'Thandi b: I was the one he assaulted, Martina
Thandi says, her voice dripping with drama.
I don't want to hear more. I'm not going to engage in this conversation.
Me : Well, thanks for letting me know, Thandi. I'll...uh...look into it.
I hang up the phone, not caring if it's rude. I don't need this drama right now.
l fiddle with my phone until l finally dial Ethan's number , and he answers on the first ring.
Ethan :Martina! It's so great to hear from you! How are you doing?
he asks, his warm voice a comforting sound.
I take a deep breath, unsure where to start.
Me : I'm a mess
I admit, my voice shaking.
Me : I've been doing well, I thought I was getting better, but...everything's falling apart.
Ethan : Tell me what's happening
I take a deep breath and start narrating, telling him about my day, about meeting Ashley and finding her in a pool of blood, about my own flashbacks to my abusive husband, and finally, about Kuda's arrest.
Me : And the craziest thing is I don't even feel anything about it. I just feel numb.
Ethan listens attentively, his silence a testament to his focus.
Ethan : it sounds like you're dealing with a lot. Let's unpack this together. Can you tell me more about what's been triggering these memories of your husband?
I nod, even though he can't see me.
Me :lt's just...Ashley's situation, it's so similar to mine. And then Thandi's call, it just brought everything back. I feel like.....
Ethan : Hey listen , you're not alone .We'll work through this together. You've made so much progress, and we can get through this too.
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