Lara watched her mother-in-law pack some fruits into a basket with her arms clasped about her chest.
Rather than asking, she said, "You're going out."
“Yes, but I'll be right back.” Amara answered by draping a tablecloth over the basket.
“I'll accompany you...” Lara started speaking.
“No…”
“I'm coming with you!” she declared emphatically.
“Lara, you're not allowed to accompany me, okay?” Amara attempted to calm her down.
“Do you think there's a problem? You've been going out for a week now, and...and... Is there anything you're trying to keep from me?” With a frown on her face, Lara stated.
“All right, Lara, take a deep breath and relax your anxiety. Stay behind and I'll get you something when I return.”
Amara patted her on the back.
“All right, then...
I'll be returning to my apartment.” Lara sighed.
“Lara! You can't...”
“I can't stay here by myself!” Lara started crying. Amara sighed, realizing that her time was up. She needs to be honest with Lara. But where would she begin? Tony would be released later that evening.
She said hesitantly, "Err... Lara, Tony had an accident, he'll be discharged today."
“Tony, was in an accident?” Lara clenched her fists against her chest.
“Yes, he will be released today.” Amara sighed once more.
“I'll accompany you to see him!” Lara spoke quietly.
“No…
Instead, I'll drop you off at your house; you'll visit him later in the day, when he's been discharged.”
Amara informed her. Lara felt her knee weaken and hoped the mishap wasn't too serious.
::::::::****
Lara was bored, so she played with her cornrows. Her mother-in-law had called to say they were on their way.
She attempted to visualize Tony's face; perhaps he'd snarl at her or bark at her.
She stood up sharply and expectantly when she heard the front door open.
“Welcome…” Her tongue was stuck to the roof of her mouth because of what she saw...
Tony sat in a wheel chair, pallid as a ghost. The wheel chair was pushed into the house by Chief Ifiora.
Lara stood there watching, unable to speak.
Tony raised his eyes to her, holding her stare with regrets, grief, and pain in his eyes.
Was it real? Lara averted her gaze, tears stinging her eyelids. She questioned herself.
“Don't cry,” says Amara. Amara embraced her. On her shoulder, Lara sobbed as she watched her father-in-law push Tony in his wheelchair towards his room.
Her vision was obscured by tears. Was this the Tony she had seen a few days before? Is he now confined to a wheelchair?
She held her mother-in-law, and they both sobbed as they clutched each other.