Amed’s predicaments were far from
over. He got the news of Aisha’s upcoming wedding with another man shortly
after his readmission into the hospital. He was devastated! He thought that
life was over for him. And this time around he became more determined to surreptitiously
end his life and misery.
One the third day, while meditating
quietly in his private ward a nasty idea crossed his mind. But in order for it to
succeed he needed either a Doctor or a Nurse as an ally. He had no intention of
putting anyone in trouble; he only begged for either of them to secretly carry
out euthanasia on him quickly before anyone would sense. He just couldn’t imagine himself being pitied
by all that once knew him. And to make matters worst, the shame and ridicule on
people’s lips when they get to hear the news about Aisha’s marriage to another
man, not even the jolly-go-fellow, Amed, as he’s often called by friends!
At home, he remembered that he had a
briefcase full of money hidden underneath his bed; it was intended to be given
to her fiancée, Aisha, a day after the accident occurred. The money always
brought him sad memories because she never asked for it again, even after the
amputation when she occasionally visited him at home. So during her mother’s
visit, he begged her to help him transfer the bag down to the hospital. He didn’t
disclose its actual contents and she never bothered to inquire further, she
only obliged.
His first
choice of preference was the permanent night doctor, Doctor Hassan, a devote Muslim
and a man appearing to have a sound financial disposition. It doesn’t seem
likely that such a scrupulous man would want to compromise on either his religious
or professional etiquettes, more especially for just a chicken change. Finally nurse
Awa was the best choice that came on top of the lists. Of all the night nurses
that had attended to him at the specialist hospital, she looked the most
penurious. Obviously, she couldn’t resist such offer, he thought. She was less
qualified and appeared too outlandish for her to be any religious. When she
resumed for work later in the day, Amed, who usually appeared quiet and hostile
toward all the medical staffs loosened up for the first time and initiated a
conversation with her.
“Good evening Nurse Awa”, he began, trying
to force a fake smile.
“Good evening
master Amed,” she quickly answered, “how are you doing today?”
“Not so fine
as you can see,” he forced a sardonic smile and continued. “Do you people in
the medical profession also go through the same trouble that you go through to
save a patient’s life whenever you want to take it too?”
“No,” said the Nurse immediately,
“we don’t take lives we are trained to only save them.”
“I know… But there are times when
a patient is tired of life, let’s say he is unsure of the greater evil in stock
for him out there; and probably wants someone to take him out of his misery.”
“Please don’t go there again Mr.
Amed.” She pleaded, avoiding his gaze as she adjusted the intravenous switch on the pole.
“Okay, let’s say that I beg you
for this last favor, will you…?”
“No! That’s not a favor!” She cut
him out sharply.
“Listen. Please let me finish.
You see, there is a bag under my bed here.” He pointed under the bed and begged
her to bring it out. She obliged and he opened it. It was full of new notes to
the amazement of the nurse.
“How much is your monthly salary?”
Amed asked.
“Sefun, I mean seven thousand
Naira Sir,” she said jittering.
“That is exactly what I mean!” exclaimed Amed, as he observed Awa’s restlessness
after sighting the said money, “you are actually being under paid. You see,
this bag contains exactly a hundred and fifty thousand naira. Now think of what
you can do with it” He paused for a while, as he watched her relishing the thought
for some few seconds, and then continued, “ Do you want?”
“I know it’s a joke,” said Awa
coldly, “you can’t just give someone all that money for nothing.”
“Of course I’m not giving you all
these for nothing,” continued Amed, “but I’m giving you a good opportunity to
earn it.”
“How?” she asked frantically.
“I want you to finish the job
that I started-off with myself at home. By this time tomorrow I want to be dead!”
“You are crazy!”
“That’s what people think. But I’m
a dead man already. Living to me already is a problem. If by this time tomorrow
I didn’t wake up from the bed, then the money can be yours for good.”
“But--”
“Relax…There’s nothing to fear.
I’ve thought of everything and I’m sure it would workout as planned only if you
are smart about it.”
“I’m scared.” She muttered.
“There is no need to be. This is going
to be our little secret for life and no one else would know. I heard that I
will be discharged soon. But I want you to come after the doctor’s examination
tomorrow and finish the job when I’m fast asleep. Please make it as painless as
possible. Inject me with any lethal substance that cannot be reversed.”
“Hum.” She sighed. And was unsure
of Amed’ psychological state. Could any
sane man be saying this? She thought.
“So Nurse Awa,” his voice startled
her from her reveries, “are you in or out?” he asked. “Remember opportunity
comes but once. Note that I can always try any other nurse but I chose you,
consider yourself lucky.”
“I know. My heart says no but I
need the money so badly. Well I guess I have no choice.”
“Good!” He smiled, “then will you
have the bag now before I change my mind?”
“Now? She asked in awe. “I can’t
believe it. It is happening too fast master Amed!”
“Well I thought that maybe it’s
better for me to give you now before either of us changes his or her mind. So
that will mean that we are contractually bound.” He concluded.
“I understand.” She said with a
trembling voice. It all appeared to her like a dream. “Maybe its better I take
it after the job is done,” she reasoned, “you know that I have to think of the
best approach in order not to incriminate myself after you are gone. You know
the dead don’t speak, you won’t be there anymore to exonerate me.”
“I see,” said Amed, “but I
believe that should be your problem. It’s your job, so handle it in the best professional
manner!”
Please stay tuned for the final part
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