Chioma is no longer at ease. Though she is acting calm, she really doesn’t know where she is, or if she could trust Femi. She pauses for a while, saying nothing.
CHIOMA (CONT’D) (in panic)
Wait a minute, where’s Uche?!
The doctor marched in through the doorway.
DOCTOR
(to Chioma; in a fancy British accent)
How are you doing, madam?
Chioma can smell it all over the sterile air -- Uche didn’t make it alive.
CHIOMA (demands harshly)
I asked, where is Uche?
Chioma tries to get up.
DOCTOR
Please don’t, madam.
DOCTOR (CONT’D)
I won’t advice you to do that. You need rest. A lot of rest. That’s the only way the hospital would be able to discharge you tomorrow morning.
The doctor gently helps Chioma lay down back. He listens to her heartbeat with his stethoscope, after which he runs a general checkup.
DOCTOR (CONT’D) (to Chioma)
The good news is that you’re stable and your body is recuperating miraculously.
Chioma’s eyes are locked on Femi who could feel the orbs on her face piercing through his skin, but he averts his own gaze.
FEMI (to Chioma)
Like the doctor said, you need rest. I promise to answer any question you have, as long as you promise me you’ll stay calm.
Femi refuses to meet her gaze and this makes her restless. Instead, he steps away from her burning glare and quietly sits on the edge of the bed.