A group of workers were waiting for their turn to carry bags of rice, beans and beverages from a truck, were chatting, “When will the government do something about the roads? The dust is just awful. I can barely handle it” The first worker said. “What can we do but talk about it. The dust is uncomfortable for us all, but no matter how we shout and protest they will still do what they like,” the second worker said. A truck drove by, spreading dust around them. The workers were swearing under their breath coughed loudly. Suddenly, a co-worker ran out of the warehouse shouting for help.

“A man just collapsed. Help! Help!” Everyone rushed into the warehouse and found Sammy clutching his throat and gasping for air. The superior ran in and order for someone to fetch his inhaler. Minutes after Sammy is relieved and ok. The supervisor breaks the bad news to him. “I am sorry young man but you cannot continue to work here.” Sammy attempted to beg again but the supervisor had made up his mind.

Sarah was surprised to see him at home. He looked devastated and hopeless. She later persuaded him to tell her what exactly was wrong. She felt sad that he had just lost his job again. Sammy kept wailing.

“I must be cursed to be living this sort of life. My mother died while giving birth to me. My father died of a disease and ten years later it is still unknown. I live from mouth to hand.”

“Sammy, please stop it! You are not cursed. What do you want to do when you are doing this? We are in the same boat after all. You have to take the bull by the horns. You are strong and courageous. Try and try again, is that not your saying?” she asked.

“I know you are just trying to persuade me but I cannot continue to live like this. You should find someone else to marry. I don’t want to be a burden to you” he said now crying and Sarah crying too, hugged him.

“Why don’t you just stop rambling like a drunk man and listen to what I have to say. I have been waiting to tell you that a friend of mine took me to a doctor and he said he can help you with your illness.”

*****

At Healing Hands Hospital, Sammy and Sarah were waiting for the doctor. Sammy fiddled with his shirt. The receptionist gestured to them to go in. “Mr and Mrs Juo welcome, sorry for the delay,” the doctor said.

“Thanks for having us” Sarah replied.

“I have been told about your husband’s ailment. I will need to run some tests and scans first.”

Later in the evening after the tests, Sarah waited with a worried Sammy. She tried to reassure him by putting her hands on him.

The doctor walks out of the laboratory with the result.” I am sorry to tell you this, I want you to know that there is still hope” he said steadily. Sammy could hear his heart beating fast. “What can it possibly be? That his ailment cannot be cured?”

“Please stop beating around the bush and go straight to the point!” he said.

“Ok, well. Sir, you have leukaemia cancer of the blood,” Sammy felt disoriented. He did not even know how he managed to get back home. He started packing Sarah’s clothes.

“What is the meaning of all this Sammy, what are you doing?” she asked.

“You have endured a lot for me, Sarah. Even all the money you had, was spent on me for my prescription drugs. You had lots of suitors to choose from yet you chose me. I couldn’t have asked for a better wife. I wish you all the best. I am letting you go because I want the best for you. Marry someone else,” he said.

“What! Are you out of your mind? Sammy, you are not dead yet you know, you can live long,” she said.

“How will I? I cannot even buy medicine. Just leave now,” he said. Sarah was crying helplessly.

“Please stop it. We are in it together. Don’t you remember our wedding vows. For better or worse Sammy. Till death do us part,” she was containing tears with her hand.

“Well, I am about to,” he said, with his knees getting weaker. Before Sarah could reply, Sammy fell to the floor holding his chest and gasping for air. Sarah ran to fetch his inhaler only to find it empty. Crying and shouting she yelled his name over and over again with no response.

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