BEYOND WORDS

CHAPTER 1

I never knew her very well. Actually, I used to see her from a distance almost
everyday through my window as she moved gracefully in her wheelchair, with
undaunted spirit. She had a beautiful calm small face which was lightly dark. Her eyes
told tales of endured trials, a beacon of resilience and warmth but I had never seen her
smile even a single day. Was she living alone, I don't know but had occasionally seen
a few of her assumed friends coming to her house. I enjoyed looking at her every
morning as she struggled to get into her car. Structuring and restructuring her
wheelchair with so much passion and determination for it to fit in the car, always
dressed in well fitting bright coloured suits to brighten the world around her which
seemed to often rush past her. She was a great inspirational morning movie.
It was on Saturday morning and unlike any other day in the week, I had plenty of time
to prepare my morning grace before going to work. A deep fried Omena and ugali
would serve as a strong and great feast for the day's start. Upon opening the salt can
lid, I remembered I had used all the salt previously. I had to fulfill my stomach desires
no matter what. I stormed out of the house to the nearby shop,it was closed unlike
other days.
"I am so sorry I can't open the shop now." He sleepily hung my phone. There was
no any other shop close enough except that one. Suddenly, an idea came in to my
mind. I smiled as I thought how brilliant I was, a revelation that set my soul on fire. I
felt alive as my thoughts collided and expanded, each one more exciting than the last
one.
I was already in her doorstep.
"Hello, can I come in?" The door was not bolted.
"Yes, sure. Come in." I had never heard her voice before and even though it was
our first time meeting something caught me. She was lying in sofa writhing in pain.
She seemed to be in deep agony.
"I am Glenn, we are neighbors house 42056," I paused and glanced her way to
confirm if she was listening. She was in anguish. If she had heard what I had said I
didn't know but she groaned so loudly and rolling on the sofa. She was gasping for air.
I ran and held her tightly on the chair so she would not fall.
"Are you sick?" I really needed to know.
"No, I am fine."
"Are you sure?"
"Yes, I am."
"Can I call an ambulance or should I take you to the hospital myself." I was still
holding her firmly on the chair.
"I said I am fine." She managed to shout.
"And what brought you here?"
"Can I first get you to an hospital?" I suggested. She had calmed a little bit.
"Everything is in control." She said folding her face expressing deep pain. Tears
were rolling her face.
"Ooh, really ?"
"Yes." She strongly affirmed her words. I felt defeated. I was loosing that battle.
"Look, I am sorry for meddling in your business but I can't leave you here. Okay?
"No, I said I am fine and I am. Would you please leave my house." She was pausing
in between her words to relieve her pain. Her face her started sweating whether it wasthe pain or her deep hatred for me, I never knew.
They say life happens and anything can happen in this life. Life can shower you with
favour and kindness, sweetness and goodness but if it chooses it can shower you with
slaps and kicks. It can torture you and nobody will protect you from that. I was about
to be accused and maybe jailed for murder yet I was just a stranger coming to borrow
salt. I knew I had to decide how life would treat me.
"Hello, we need an ambulance house 42044 Kipkeleon Estate."
"We are coming sir." They hung the phone.
******************
Mobile doctors arrived and I excused myself. I felt relieved and glad that I had made
the right decision though I was sure it was not appreciated.
"I am Kimberly by the way, thank you."
"I will be glad to meet you again under a different circumstance, if that is okay with
you?" She faintly smiled. She was a beautiful lady but very rough. A nurse was testing
her blood pressure as she laid on the sofa.
"I am glad to." I managed to utter absently. It had been a very tough morning and I
was no longer interested in any conversation . I just needed peace. I walked back to
my house feeling confused and anxious at the same time. I was no longer interested in
eating anything actually, I was late for work.
..................... TO BE CONTINUED