Episode 11
Doctor Gideon’s Wife 💔
I was pushed into the waiting police van on handcuffs.
“Let him remain in the cell, I will be there tomorrow”. Mrs Williamson instructed before the engine was kicked to action.
I sat there in-between two officers, thinking about how I was going to face my mother. Why are all these things happening now that she is in town?, She will be so disappointed.
She was at the station later in the evening, with Sandra and our son.
Immediately I set my eyes on them, I broke down in tears.
“Gideon, why?… what have I ever done to you?. why molesting an innocent child?”. She cried.
“Mom, you have to believe me, I didn’t do it, this is a false accusation”.
She shook her head. Just as always, she didn’t believe me.
I turned to Sandra.
“Sandra, you know I didn’t do it, right?”.
She looked away, murmuring to herself.
I was about to explain things to them, before I was pushed back to my cell by the officers.
Mrs Williamson came the next day. She spent close to one hour talking to me.
“Why did you do it?”. She asked.
Before I could open my mouth to speak, she landed me a dirty slap on my left cheek.
I waited for the officers to step in for me but I didn’t hear a sound. I turned around and discovered for the first time that I was alone in that nearly-dark room with her. That was unlike the other day that they were waiting upon me while I speak with my family.
That woman must have a close connection.
“I used to see you as a responsible young man. She began.
… I welcomed you into my home, I gave you my daughter on a platter of gold… I never knew you were a devil. She was breathing fast now.
…. what will it take you to let me know you’re married?. What?, but you chose to play my daughter. She sobbed
… I bet you don’t know who you’re dealing with, when I’m done with you, you will know that you don’t play games with every woman you see”.
I didn’t say a word until she was done and I was pushed back to my cell.
The connection that woman had must be deeply rooted because the police won’t even allow me to defend myself.
My mother never visited again but she sends Sandra every evening to deliver food to me.
The next day, I had visitors from the hospital, in the persons of the matron and the patron, accompanied by doctor Desmond.
I couldn’t look them straight in the face, I was so ashamed of myself.
“We’re sorry about what happened, you have to take heart, this too, shall pass away”. The matron was saying after a moment of silence.
The patron handed me an envelope after that. I unsealed it before them with trembling hands. and after I opened and read the title of the letter, my blood ran cold.
I never knew it has gotten to this extent..one year suspensions from medical practice.. how?.
“We’re sorry, but that woman is a big fish in the society…her husband’s brother is well known politician”. The patron said
“And her son is in the army”. The matron whispered.
I was left heartbroken and that was when I realized the gravity of my offence.
I cried all night. What will I tell my mother? That woman suffered so much to see that I didn’t drop out of school after father died during my first year in the University.
At the end, I consoled myself with the assurance that this is not the end of the road. I knew of a doctor whose medical certificate was withdrawn after a patients died as a result of wrong drug prescription….after spending 7 years in school.
What would I had done in such situation?.
When Sandra brought my food in the evening, I discovered that her eyes were red and swollen. I tried to hold her hands but she withdrew them instantly.
“Why are your eyes red?”. I asked, concerned, but she didn’t reply.
I felt so bad for her. She really had endured a lot for me. I promised myself I was going to make it up for her once I’m out of jail.
Two days later, Mrs Williamson came back to the station and requested my release. Before that, she spent another one hour talking about all the evil things she would had done to me.
“I think I’m done with you now. Manage with the suspension. You’re so lucky to have people advocating for you, all thanks to your mother and your poor wife, because, left for me, your medical license would have been a thing of the past..At least, I know this will teach you a very good lesson of your life. She placed her mouth closer to my ear.
….you don’t mess with everyone and go scot-free.” With that, she left.
The officers threw my clothing roughly at me, I wore them, without hesitation and ran outside the gate, less they changed their mind.
I walked helplessly home. There was no money on me for transport, so I walked, clutching the letter under my armpit.
As soon as I got to a junction that leads into my street, I heard someone whistle from afar behind, I turned sharply, and that was when it happened…
