Unspoken Tension
The house was unusually quiet, save for the faint hum of the vacuum cleaner and the clinking of empty plates being packed away by the social workers. The birthday decorations still hung limply—half-deflated balloons, ribbons drooping from curtain rods, and scattered wrapping paper across the floor. What was meant to be a day of joy had ended in uncertainty.
Patience sat on the living room couch, arms wrapped around a throw pillow. Her eyes followed the social workers as they moved around, gathering leftover cups and wiping surfaces. Almost everything was packed away now. Clean on the outside, but heavy within.
Across the room, Grandma Bisi sat quietly, her silver-framed glasses slipping slightly down her nose as she thumbed her phone. The ringtone had come in just a few minutes earlier. It was Peace's father.
"He wants me to go stay with Peace for the night," Grandma said softly, slipping her feet into her flat shoes. "They'll be coming home briefly to pick some essentials for her and your mum."
"Is everything okay?" Patience asked, worry pooling in her chest again. "What did Daddy say?"
Grandma gave a tight-lipped smile, but her eyes betrayed concern. "He didn't say much. Only that I should come and stay with her. They've moved her to a private ward. That's good news, right?"
Patience nodded slowly but didn't feel reassured. She watched Grandma tie her scarf and head out with a small overnight bag. Her heart sank as the front door closed behind her.
Alone again with Patrick, who sat dozing on the far end of the couch, Patience grew restless. She had tried calling her mum and dad—twice each. No one picked. Not even a text.
She walked over to the window, peeking out at the front gate. No car lights. No sign of movement. Only the rustle of tree leaves in the night breeze. It was already past 9 p.m.
"Why won't they just call me back?" she muttered. "Or at least text."
She sank back onto the couch, fidgeting with her phone, then set it aside and glanced at her younger brother.
"Patrick," she called gently.
He stirred. "Hmm?"
"Go to bed, please. You've had a long day, and you need rest. I'll check your temperature before you sleep."
Patrick yawned and stood reluctantly. "Will you stay up?"
"A little. I want to wait for Mum and Dad."
He nodded sleepily. "Tell me when you hear anything about Peace."
"I promise."
As Patrick climbed the stairs, Patience went to fetch the thermometer, did a quick check, and tucked him into bed. Still no message. Still no call.
Downstairs, the clock ticked steadily, matching the rhythm of her thoughts. Something didn't feel right. She could almost hear Peace's voice again:
> "Don't trust… him…"
She shook her head. Not now. Not tonight. One worry at a time.
---
At the Hospital...
The hallway lights in the hospital dimmed slightly as the night staff took over. Grandma Bisi stood at Peace's bedside, gently brushing back her granddaughter's hair. Peace was still sleeping, the monitor beside her beeping in slow rhythm.
Mr. and Mrs. Adeyemi had just handed over her medication bag and briefed Grandma before preparing to leave for home.
But just as they turned down the hallway, a voice called after them.
"Mr. Adeyemi, please—just a moment."
It was the doctor from earlier.
He gestured toward his office, urgency painted across his face.
Mr. Adeyemi glanced at his wife, who nodded and continued down the hallway.
Inside the office, the doctor closed the door and lowered his voice.