Okon nodded and walked into the ward.
His mother lay on the bed, asleep.
She looked weak.
Okon stood there for a moment, just looking at her.
So many questions filled his mind, but this was not the time. She needed rest.
He quietly stepped back and sat on the chair beside her bed.
After a few minutes, he brought out his phone and called his sister.
The phone rang and rang, but she did not pick up.
He tried again.
Still no answer.
Okon looked at the phone for a moment.
“I already told her I was coming back to the country, so she knows I’m here. Is that why she’s not picking up my calls?” he said quietly.
He leaned back in the chair.
His eyes returned to his mother.
His face was full of pain and confusion.
“How did it get to this?” he asked himself. “Why would my own sister do this?”
The room was quiet. The sound of the machine beside the bed was steady.
The next morning, Mrs. Madara opened her eyes slowly.
She looked around the room. Then she turned her head.
Her eyes fell on someone sitting beside her bed.
She looked again.
It was Okon.
It was really him.
He was there, asleep in the chair.
For a moment, she just stared at him silently. Her heart was full.
She slowly sat up.
“Okon,” she called softly.
Okon moved slightly and opened his eyes. He looked up.
“Mother, you are awake,” he said.
She reached out and gently touched his face.
“My son, is it really you?” she said, her voice shaking. “Or am I just dreaming?”
Mrs. Madara kept looking at him. Tears filled her eyes.
“I’ve missed you.”
Okon gave a soft smile.
“It’s me, Mother,” he said gently. “I’m here now, and I’m not going anywhere. Not anymore.”
Mrs. Madara shook her head slowly.
“My son. My son,” she said, holding his hand.
At that moment, the doctor walked into the room.
“Good morning,” he said.
