There was only one thing Lola wanted from the moment she could make a decision: to be a nurse.
She was sold on the notion by their crisp, white uniforms.
Four-foot-nine, weighing 70 kg, her natural disposition lent itself to caregiving. Her sunny, infectious smile kept the focus on her face rather than the other prominent parts of her anatomy.
Lola was posted to the Madonna Institution.
The Madonna Institution was a u-shaped facility with long, bungalows on three sides. The front was a massive, electronic, iron gate that opened to a gravel drive way running parallel to rows of doors and windows. The design of the building was functional: zero consideration for aesthetics.
Lola started work on a Monday, with those who were having delusions.
She came with her own brand of light. Everyone, from patients to staff, was susceptible to it.
Except one person.
One of Madonna's oldest patients.
After four years in the home, he was no better than the day he was brought in. It was like someone turned off the lights.
Lola noticed it.
She started to spend more time with him. She spoke to him in a soothing manner, sang to him sometimes, but always acted like he was present and aware.
In the sixth month of her time there, Ishaku spoke for the first time. One word: Banke. It was followed by a river of tears.
He was discharged two-one-quarter months later.
He was sitting at the verandah with his aunt, in front of her place, the day Lola visited.
There was something about her he'd never been able to place. Something familiar.
His aunt left them to discuss without inhibition.
Later that night, she said to him:
"Without her you'd not be here. What are you waiting for?"
The introduction to her parents was to be in their home on the outskirts of the city. Ishaku, his aunt and an elderly family friend, were ushered into the living room.
When Mr and Mrs Alonge entered, Ishaku almost had a heart attack. She looked every inch like Banke, with 30 years added.
Ishaku's eyes followed her to her seat. There was a picture on the table beside her. It was a picture of Lola and Banke.
Post a Comment