“THE BOY WHO CHEATED DEATH”
Episode 4
Mrs Etuk received a call from her sister, Idong, informing her that her daughter, Daniella, was missing.
“How did this happen?” Mrs. Etuk inquired.
“I picked them up from school and instructed them to freshen up while I served lunch. However, by the time I called the children, Daniella was nowhere to be found. I’m sorry, Uduak; you already have enough on your plate without having to deal with this.”
“It’s not your fault. Where could she have gone?” Mrs. Etuk wondered.
“I suspect she might be on her way to the hospital; you know she has been asking to see Daniel.”
“I know, but I just don’t want her to see Daniel in this condition. I’m afraid of what it will do to her.”
“I understand. We have people combing the streets between here and the hospital; we will find her, Uduak.”
Mrs Etuk related the incident to her husband who sprang into action. He joined the search and asked his wife to stay back at the hospital in case Daniella came there. He also went to the police station to report that their daughter was missing. The police have a policy of waiting for forty-eight hours before declaring a person missing. But they promised to do whatever they could to help.
Mrs Etuk prayed fervently, she knew this was the devil, mounting pressure to get them to fear and lose faith. She prayed that wherever Danniela was God would keep her safe and bring her back home safely. She refused to panic rather she continued to pray trusting in God’s promise of answered prayers.
Meanwhile, the search efforts continued, with Mr. Etuk and the dedicated group of helpers tirelessly combing through every possible area. The worry lines etched on their faces mirrored the anxiety that had taken residence in their hearts. As time ticked away, the unknown fate of Daniella loomed larger, intensifying the urgency of the situation.
At the police station, the officers, although bound by the standard waiting period, showed genuine concern and empathy. They assured them that they would investigate, recognizing the critical nature of the case.
Back at the hospital, Mrs. Etuk continued to pray. She reached out to friends, family, and fellow church members, rallying a community of support. Different groups were holding prayers at different locations. Mrs Etuk was joined by some family members in the hospital waiting room giving support, as everyone held onto the belief that Daniella would soon be found unharmed.
The next forty-eight hours felt like an eternity for the Etuk family. Each passing moment intensified the mixture of fear and hope that gripped their hearts. Amid the uncertainty, Mrs. Etuk clung to her unwavering faith, finding solace in the belief that, through prayer, they could overcome the darkness that had befallen them.
While still waiting for words about Daniella, the Etuks had just finished praying when the life support machine began beeping, and the nurse rushed in, the doctor close behind.
“What is going on? Please, what is going on?” Mrs Etuk inquired, but no one responded. Mr Etuk drew her aside so the doctor could attend to Daniel. The doctors and nurses were fidgeting with the equipment because there was no signal; it simply went dead, and Daniel was not on life support for a few minutes.
“What’s going on? What’s wrong with the equipment” Ben inquired; Mrs Etuk was already in tears.
“I’m sorry, the equipment just broke down; this is very unusual, but Daniel’s heart has stopped.”
“No?” Mrs Etuk said, “It’s not happening, Put him back on life support.”
“I’m sorry, it’s useless; His heart has stopped.”
“No don’t even say that, put him back on the machine.” Tears were running down her face.
“Mrs Etuk, I’m sorry, but there is nothing more we can do for him.”
“No, no. This can’t be it.” Mrs Etuk wept while being held by her husband.
Thanks for reading,
Jumie Naths
