Chronicles of real estate investors: When a life ends-Part 1
Emeka continued driving furiously, like a mad man on the loose. I held on to the edge of my seat, double checked to see if my seat-belt was on, and then I just kept on saying a frantic prayer in my heart, as tears fell freely down my cheeks. Hot tears, in torrents. Thoughts and memories came rushing in my head, but not a sound left my lips as my face doused in tears.
25 years. 25 year I’d been married to Nnaemeka. He still was the love of my life. Even after 3 kids, he remained my high school sweetheart. He loved me beyond life itself. I cherished the man he was to me and the father he was to our kids. Emeka’s younger siblings, Ngozi and Chinonso were away studying in London for their undergraduate degree. Emeka held fort here at home while they were away and worked side by side with his dad, managing his many businesses.
A comfortable life we had. Couldn’t complain at all. We lived a quiet, hassle free life, minding our own business, devout Catholics, and just being good to all who crossed our paths. All seemed to be going well until 7;55 pm, Friday evening when my phone rang. Picked up, next thing I know I’m dashing to the hospital. Nnaemeka had had a heart attack while at work. Emeka joined me at the hospital shortly.
Me: Doctor what’s going on? Can I see my husband? I just need to see him, just to see him please…
Doc Philip: Madam, I’m sad to tell you, he’s in pretty bad shape from the heart attack. We’re doing everything we can to keep him stable, open up the blocked artery, and get blood flowing back to his heart muscles.
My heart sank. My breathing tanked. The hollow in my stomach was as huge as the Grand Canyon. I just stared blankly at the doctor in disbelief, trying to hear what he was saying to me. Emeka held me as I felt my body weight collapsing to the floor, he helped me up and pulled me to a chair. I didn’t feel a thing. Couldn’t feel a thing. We sat there, quiet. Emeka began pacing aimlessly.
Emeka: Shall I call Chinonso?
I shook my head, saying no.
Emeka: Mom….
Me: I’m okay, I’m okay…I’m praying. Your dad is going to be alright.
How???? That’s the only question that kept coming to mind. Nnaemeka had a clean bill of health. Had just gone on his routine check-up 2 weeks ago and our doctor cleared him, clean bill of health, fit as a fiddle. How?
Me: Hail Mary, full of grace…
The lord is with thee…Emeka joined in. We prayed. All night…
10am next morning. We were still waiting. Nothing new. No new information. Nnaemeka was in a coma. Doctor Philip came out from the emergency room, walking towards us. Alas, maybe he had some news. We rushed to him.
Me: What’s going on? How’s my husband? Can we at least just see him, even if it’s just to hold his hands in prayers? Please let me see him for 2 minutes…
Doc Philip: I’m sorry Mrs Nduka, I’m so sorry, we did everything we can…we did all we could have done…
My heart ripped. I felt it. I felt it as I reached out to hold my heart. I held it, long and heard. I managed to mutter a thank you to the doctor, who just stared at me, at a loss as to whether to help me to sit or to just stand there. I walked to a seat and sat. Emeka sat next to me, head bowed to the floor in utter dejection. I could tell he was crying. I sat there, staring into space.
Why?
Emeka’s phone rang…. from the screen of his phone, I could see it was Aliyu our gateman. He picked up the call. The only thing I heard was:
Emeka: “What??? Don’t let them leave I’m coming. Lock the gate”. I sat up, startled.
Me: What is it Emeka? What’s wrong…What’s wrong with Aliyu?
Mom…we have to go…Now!!!
He charged out of the waiting room, and dashed out towards the car. I blindly followed suit, confused as to what was happening. I called out to him, he wouldn’t answer. He got into the car just as I got in, slammed the car door, started the car and drove like we were in a fast and furious movie. I begged him to slow down, but all I could see were his bloodshot eyes focused intently on the roads.
Emeka continued driving furiously, like a mad man on the loose. I held on to the edge of my seat….
To be continued…