Unconventional Love - Chapter 2
Xenia Snyder-Collison@xeniasnydercollison751687
15 days ago
TOGETHER IN SICKNESS AND HEALTH
The Lampteys’ bedroom was engulfed in tension as Caleb Lamptey lay on the bed, his gaze fixed on his wife, Hailey Lamptey. Hailey, with her striking hazel eyes ablaze with frustration, stood with arms crossed, her graceful silhouette framed by the soft golden glow seeping through the curtains.
The room, adorned with warm hues of brown and gold, seemed to reflect the mounting conflict between the middle-aged couple. Hailey’s voice pierced the air like a sharp blade as she accused her husband of being careless about the whereabouts of his inhaler.
Her words, infused with a hint of desperation, carried the weight of countless previous discussions on the matter. “Caleb, how many times have I told you to keep track of your inhaler? You can’t afford to be careless with your health!”
Caleb’s face contorted. His dark eyes, usually so gentle, now held a spark of resistance as he retorted, “I do my best, Hailey. But sometimes things slip my mind. It doesn’t mean I’m not taking my condition seriously.”
The heated exchange continued, each accusation and defense ricocheting off the walls, resonating like the echoes of a battle. Their argument seemed to hang heavy in the room, suffocating the atmosphere between them.
Suddenly, a gentle knock at the door broke the tension, interrupting their relentless conflict. Hailey, still wearing a mood of anger, stormed out of the bedroom to open the door. She navigated through the living room till she reached the front door.
Opening it, she was greeted by Edith Mensah, their widowed neighbour. Edith, with her graceful poise and grey streaks of wisdom in her hair, exuded an aura of calm and understanding. The two exchanged the customary local pleasantries, carrying a touch of familiarity and warmth. Hailey ushered Edith inside, guiding her to the sofa.
As Edith settled onto the plush cushions, Hailey offered her a glass of water. She graciously accepted it, her smile revealing a lifetime of kindness and compassion. The two women, once best friends in primary school, fell into a comfortable rhythm of conversation.
Edith’s speech shifted to the family’s health. Hailey responded, “We’re doing okay. Caleb had another attack recently, and it’s been difficult. I worry so much about him.”
Edith nodded sympathetically, her eyes conveying a depth of understanding that came from experiencing life’s trials and tribulations. “I remember when I used to have asthma as well. It’s not an easy condition to manage,” she confided.
Hailey’s curiosity was piqued as she leaned in, eager to hear Edith’s insights. “Did you find any solutions that helped you?” she inquired.
Edith replied, “Indeed, I did. I turned to herbal medicine, traditional remedies that have been passed down through generations. They helped alleviate my symptoms and allowed me to manage my condition better. I believe I still have some … Ahan, here it is! It should be able to cure your husband in no time. Here, let me show you how it’s done ….”
Hailey’s eyes widened with intrigue as Edith began to explain the details of the herbal medicine. She listened attentively, absorbing the instructions for preparation and application. A feeling of hope seemed to emanate from her heart as she saw a potential solution to ease her husband’s suffering.
With gratitude shining in her eyes, she thanked her friend and neighbour for her generosity and willingness to share her knowledge. The connection between the two women grew stronger as they bonded over their shared experiences.
As their conversation continued, the topic shifted to Edith’s son, Mante, who was attending boarding school. Hailey’s face lit up with interest as she asked about his well-being. Edith beamed with pride, sharing stories of his academic success and his father’s intellectual legacy.
Eventually, Edith decided it was time to take her leave. She rose from the sofa, expressing her appreciation for the warm welcome and extending her greetings to Caleb. Hailey bid her farewell, likewise thankful for the visit and the connection they had rekindled.
As Hailey closed the door behind Edith, a sense of calm washed over her; the anger and frustration that had consumed her earlier seemed to have dissipated.
Entering the bedroom once again, Hailey’s gaze fell on her feeble husband, who was now coughing weakly. A faint smile tugged at the corners of her lips as she approached him, a glass of water in her hand. She handed it to him. Their eyes met in a moment of understanding.
Sitting beside him on the bed, she said softly, “I’m sorry for our argument earlier. It’s just that I worry so much about you,” she admitted.
Caleb reached out, taking her hand in his. “I know, my dear. And I’m sorry too. Let’s find a solution together,” he offered.
Unity enveloped the room as they discussed practical measures to help Caleb remember where to keep his inhaler. Ideas flowed freely between them, their voices harmonizing as they brainstormed solutions to ease their shared burden.
In the midst of their conversation, Caleb asked playfully, “So, who came to see you?”
Hailey’s face lit up as she related the details of Edith’s visit, including the herbal medicine she had brought. Caleb chuckled lightly, a twinkle of amusement in his eyes. “Ghanaians, always self–proclaimed doctors, aren’t we?”
Hailey joined in his laughter, the tension of their earlier argument dissipating further. She gently reminded him, “I’m sure she was just trying to help.”
Caleb shrugged in a light–hearted gesture. Finishing his glass of water, he leaned back on the bed, his expression softening. “Well, I suppose we can give it a try. Who knows, maybe it will help.”
#unconventionallove
#novel
#chaptertwo
