Binary Hearts

1| A Journey of Determination 🌄

Adaora stood by her mother's bedside, her heart pounding in her chest. The room was dimly lit, with the soft hum of medical equipment punctuating the silence. Her mother, weak and frail, lay coughing on the bed, her once vibrant eyes now dull with pain. Dr. Lawson, the family doctor, stood beside her mother, his face etched with concern.

"Will she be okay?" Adaora asked, her voice trembling.

Dr. Lawson sighed heavily. "Adaora, your mother is suffering from renal pulmonary disease. She will need surgery to have any chance of recovery."

Adaora's eyes widened in shock. "Surgery? But... but we can't afford that. Isn't there another way?"

The doctor's face softened with sympathy. "I wish there were, Adaora. But the surgery is necessary. Without it, her condition will only worsen."

Tears welled up in Adaora's eyes as she looked at her mother, who seemed to be listening despite her weakened state. "I don't have the money for the surgery, Doctor. Isn't there anything else we can do?"

Dr. Lawson paused, then placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "I can help with the hospital bills for her admission, but you'll need to find the money for the surgery yourself. I'm sorry, Adaora. This is the best I can do."

Adaora felt a mix of relief and despair. At least her mother could stay in the hospital, but the looming cost of the surgery felt insurmountable. She turned to her mother, trying to muster a smile. "Mama, I'll get the money. Don't worry."

Her mother, her voice barely a whisper, reached out to hold Adaora's hand. "Adaora, don't rush things. Believe in yourself. You're brilliant, my dear. You'll find a way."

That night, Adaora made a difficult phone call. She sat on her bed, the weight of her situation pressing down on her. With a deep breath, she dialed her uncle's number. It rang twice before he answered.

"Adaora, what's wrong? Why are you calling so late?" her uncle's voice came through the line, filled with concern.

"Uncle, it's Mama. She's really sick and needs surgery. Dr. Lawson said it's renal pulmonary disease. I don't know what to do. I need money for the surgery," Adaora explained, her voice cracking.

There was a moment of silence on the other end. "Adaora, I'm so sorry to hear this. I don't have much, but I can help with some travel money. You can find somewhere to stay on the mainland while you look for a job. It's not much, but it's all I can do right now."

Tears of gratitude streamed down Adaora's face. "Thank you, Uncle. Thank you so much."

Her uncle hung up the call, sighing heavily as he turned to his wife, Esther, who lay beside him, wide awake.

"Remember I've not collected money for aso ebi oo, my daughter is marrying into a Yoruba family so I must buy clothes," she spat.

"Coz...God saved you self. I thought you want to promise what you can't afford. She should find money herself," she added.

"What's your problem, Esther?" her uncle asked, frustrated. "This is family. We have to help where we can."

Esther huffed but said nothing more, turning away and pulling the covers over herself.

The next morning, the day of her departure arrived. Adaora packed her bags and luggage, preparing to leave in search of a job. Her mother had already been admitted to the hospital, her condition stable for the moment. Adaora's heart ached as she prepared to say goodbye.

Standing by her mother's hospital bed, Adaora tried to stay strong. "Mama, I'm going to find a job. I'll get the money for your surgery. I promise."

Her mother smiled weakly. "I know you will, Adaora. You've always been so strong. Remember to believe in yourself. You're brilliant, my dear."