Three days had gone and Ava's mom still hadn't regained consciousness. This left everyone so devastated and even with so much prayers, there was no sign of a miracle. Ava hadn't been to school either and as such, her mates had visited earlier, including Adrien.
Adrien and Lisa were the best things to ever happen to Ava because their support were unmatched. "Everyone needs someone they can lean on when they need it the most." Ava was blessed with two. Adrien and Ava did not have a defined relationship, yet they were already each other's safe space.
They had come with fruits, beverages, multivitamins and get well soon notes. The ones that could not make it there had sent in their condolences and regards.
It was a tough time for Ava. Her mom was the only person whom she had, and if anything were to happen to her, she would suffer greatly in the hands of her father who never really cared. All he cared about was sending her to school in order to have full bragging rights.
Little things like clothes and personal belongings were taken care of by her mom. In his words; "That is your mother's responsibility. My job is to send you to school, provide food, and shelter. Don't disturb me anymore."
He did this because he had opened a small provision shop for his wife. Most of the time, he didn't give money for food . He expected her to take from the shop and claimed he'd pay back, but never did.
This was their means of survival when he had no money, yet he compared her to other working class ladies. Even though she knew how to manage the house and resources therein, he claimed that they were better because they assisted their husbands with bills and most times, the rent.
Ava spent most of her time at the hospital's church, crying and praying for God to show some mercy. This was the most trying time for her since Matilda's death. It was like deja vu. Was she going to lose her mom too? Was this nature trying to play a stupid game on her?
She wasn't that brave. Or maybe she was, but she had people give her way too much credits for how she handled her rainy days.
In times like this, she just wanted to be alone at the comfort her room, not talking to anyone, just being alone.
It was only God that was keeping her together because she was at the verge of going crazy.
"Sister Ava! Sister Ava!" Adam called out.
"Adam, when did you come?"
"Not long ago. Mom moved her hands."
"Tell me this isn't a joke?"
"It's not, let's go."
Ava ran hastily to her mom's ward and fell on the floor, right beside her mom's bed when she found her mom's eyes open. It was like a dream. Her mom tried to sit upright on the bed, but her strength failed her and she just laid back again.
"Mom, you're awake!" she said.
"Yes, dear. Your face looks swollen, have you been crying?"
"Mom, who wouldn't cry in such a situation?"
"I'm sorry for making all of you worried. Your dad is a very wicked man, I tell you."
"You don't need to tell me, I know already. He will pay for all he has done to you, one day."
"He hasn't come to see me since then, right?"
'Yes. I haven't gone home either. I'm pretty sure he's busy enjoying his life out there."
Sigh...
Ava's uncle walked in surprised, yet thankful at the fact that Ava's mom was awake.
"Sis, you're awake? Thanks be to God."
"Yes, God saved me!"
"Indeed. Who knows what would have happened?" He asked rhetorically.
"I believe that miracle exists because even after many challenges, I thought I would not be able to survive here. I am still hopeful, barely breathing, yet fighting."
"You're a survivor, sis. Your husband will rot in jail."
"Don't go there, please. You know I'm there because of Ava, she has to go to school."
" Why do you always say this and then refuse my offer to help you? "
"You won't be able to do that forever. You have your own kids to take care of."
"But I'm capable of taking care of her till her university education. I do not understand why he is treating you this way, he was always nice."
"Hmm. In the end, people always have a way of revealing who they are. You just have to give them the space and time to do so. No mask can be worn forever. Akin is a wolf in sheep's clothing."
" Why are you patient even after all these?"
"No matter how terrible someone has hurt you, don't let them turn you cruel or cold. Forgive but don't forget, love and learn to let go. "
Hmm, sister. We'll talk about this later, just recover quickly."
"Mom, a few of my classmates visited and brought you these." She mentioned, pointing at the bag which they were contained. "It's almost like they knew you were going to be awake." She continued.
"That is so thoughtful of them. Those are the kind of friends I want you to associate with. The type that stick by you in times of trial."
"I've heard you, ma. Here are the notes they brought along too." She uttered, handing them over to her mom.
Her mom was delighted and a wide smile appeared on her face.
Back at home, Ava's dad was living the best life he could and spending money on unnecessary things. When asked about his wife and child, he'd claim that she had travelled. He was only good to outsiders but his own home was a total shamble.
Most times, Ava would wonder if they had truly done wrong by being a part of his life, and as her mom always said;
"Life has unexpected happenings. Just know that we will get through this. It's important to remember that time is everything, and one day, there shall be a healing process.
Also, Karma is like the bite of a viper, so leave it all to God."