Inhalt
DEEP STORIES 3
COMPILATION OF SHORT LEGENDS
BY
ALIYO MOMOT
FOR HOOD VISION
© ALL RIGHTS RESERVED - 2011
INDEX
Title Page No.
Adoptive mother
April fool
A schizophrenic diary
The future radio
Plantation songs
Rory, the king of the lions and the wild, wild world
The telephone man
Unclean Benjamin
Urban tricks
ADOPTIVE MOTHER
Selection process
She gazed around, observing the little child, playing in the dusty and sunny weather. She realized that she was playing for quite a long time. With dust all over her face, Melina had just traveled to South Africa, to adopt a child. Melina glanced and spotted another kid, playing closer to the first one. Melina glimpsed further and there were more children pouring into the playground. She was aware that she had to make a decision, regarding the babe that she would be taking home. She had prayed and meditated on the matter.
Melina drew closer to the babies and tried making a decision. She was given some pictures back home, of the infants, but it was actually difficult for her, to firmly decide, as she truly desired a healthy child. She glanced, noting that the first kid appeared more stable, and understood that choosing from the children, was quite tough, as they were all beautiful. Melina swiftly called the nurse, who informed her that the baby was collected from a trash bag, about two days ago, and they believed that the mother had in fact thought of killing her. She was also informed that the mothers do place their unwanted babies at the doorstep of the orphanage, at night, and the child in the trash bag was very special to the dwellers there.
Melina drew closer and held the baby’s hand, observing that she had smiled, as she was very eager to be carried. Melina believed that this was in fact, an innocent heart. She had been watching her closely, and was now able to conclude that she would grow up to be a stunning girl. She gladly carried the infant and walked into the orphanage. As she entered the place, she realized that all the nurses were literally staring at her. It was more kind of mixed feelings, which was that the child taken from the trash, always returned to it. Melina was very aware that she was the best babe there, and the trash issue meant nothing to her.
She proceeded to the head office of the orphanage, and observed that the manageress was actually taking her rest. She was in fact happily snoring. Melina believed that she must be exhausted, and instantly exited the bureau. She recognized that she had to call up Michael, who was at home, praying, believing that she would ultimately get through the adoption process, this time. She recollected that she had actually tried adopting twice, and her attempts were unsuccessful. She had processed the papers for a particular child, but her application was rejected, as a richer mother had wanted the infant. Melina was aware that adopting a child now, had meant playing the game of bribery. Twice, she had been thrown out of her place, and now she believed that she need not be thrown, the third time.
She picked up the cell-phone and rang up Michael, who was very tired after the day’s job. He sounded hoarse, while he had spoken. She had informed him that she had selected a baby, and would be starting the adoption procedure very soon. Michael had replied that he would be delighted when she brings the child home. Melina was aware that it was very tough to have a baby, as the doctor had informed her, that she had an infection in her womb, which had damaged it. She recalled that she had thought that Michael was the problem, and had even gone ahead, teasing him. She was stunned, when she recognized that she was responsible for the situation, thinking that Michael might react very badly, but he remained calm and gentle.
Melina glanced at the time and it was about 6pm. She briskly walked to the vehicle and decided driving to the city. As she tried the ignition, she realized that it wasn’t actually working. She recalled that the leasing man had informed her, that the car might have a slow process, when starting. She got out of the car, went to the front, pulled up the bonnet and peered into the engine. Melina observed that, one of the plugs was out of the main socket, so she put it back in place and went to switch on the ignition again. As she returned, she observed that the vehicle had started quite easily, but the problem was that a child was running towards it. Like magic, she noticed the car moving, and understood that she had to swiftly press the brakes, to halt it in time. She gazed, observing that the kid was her favorite one.
She peered and noted that the child was coming very close. Melina was aware that she had to jump out of the vehicle and get hold of the baby. As she struggled with the car, she observed that a nurse arrived on the scene, and picked up the infant. Melina applied the brakes again, but in fact, they weren’t working, and the car was moving towards a type of slope. She hurriedly jumped out of the vehicle, and noticed that it was swerving into a ditch. She glanced around, observing that, the nurses and the rest of the little children were all looking intently at her. Melina wiped her face with a tissue and walked towards the company. There was a tremendous cheer from the kids, as she walked close and gladly hugged them.
She went closer to the entrance, observing that the manageress was gazing at her, with a sort of feeling. Melina believed that she might have impressed her, or truly violated her rules. Melina immediately noticed her smiling and gave her a hug. She realized that the manageress was truly an angel. She had welcomed her into the inner room, saying that Melina could stay in the guest room at the orphanage. Melina took her cell-phone and called Michael, who was terrified by what had occurred. He had advised her to be very cautious. She felt a great peace, after speaking with him.
The guard hovers around
She walked behind the manageress as she peeked all around, trying to observe the guest cabin. As she reached a door, to the left of the main entrance, she noticed that the manageress had stepped in, telling her to relax and enjoy her stay in the area. Melina gazed all over, and observed that the room appeared very messy. A net hung over the bed, which looked very untidy. She had not noticed anything like this, previously.
She went closer to the bed, observing that the room was illuminated by a kerosene lamp, and then realized that the electricity supply was absent. She gradually sat on the bed and heard a kind of crunchy noise, which seemed like toast pressed against some tough salami. Melina tried bouncing herself on the bed, which felt like truly sitting on a hard surface. She reached for the lamp and reduced it. She gradually started changing her clothes, and from a distance could sense that someone was watching her. She was aware that she had this feeling before.
Trying to peek through the broken window, Melina observed that there was a young man outside, who was gaping at her. She thought that she had to watch out, sensing that he might be dangerous. Despite her glaring at him, she noticed that he kept surveying her. For once, she thought of getting out of the room, to discuss this matter, with one of the employees in the region. She reached for the door, though she was half-dressed, and noticed that the man was approaching her. She returned to the bed and started praying that one of the nurses should arrive on the scene. As she was seriously thinking about getting help, she noticed that the man gradually faded into the night shadows.
She heard footsteps and was relieved that help was round the corner. She observed a nurse entering and smiling. Melina was aware that it wasn’t really a smiling matter. The nurse gazed at her, saying that the man was as harmless as a dove. She laughed, saying that he was the security personnel on duty, for the night. Melina thought deep inside that he was more than just that. She feared being assaulted. As she sat on the bed, she felt that she was at a crossroad. She pulled the little compressed pillow out, from the bed, placing it right between her forehand and knees.
She peered into the darkness and noticed that it was getting dark so swiftly. Melina changed her clothing, and the thought of the stranger returned. She arose, took her trousers and swiftly wore it. Some hours later, she heard a sound and was scared. She glanced around, observing that the security guard was at the door and it was morning already. He glimpsed at her for a second, bowed and left the room. She yawned and tried understanding what was actually happening in the area. She instantly got ready and proceeded to the head office.
Then Melina realized that she was extremely tired and required coffee. She wondered if there was some beverage at the office. As she was approaching, she smelt coffee. She recalled that she was in South Africa, which was different from the rest of the continent. She had noticed both wealth and poverty in the nation. The infrastructures were not developed in fact, as in the western countries. She breezed into the bureau and noticed that all the nurses were busy. She politely asked the nurse, if she could have a cup of coffee. The manageress glimpsed at her, and said that she could.
She slipped into the little kitchen, next to the bureau, and poured out a cup of coffee, from the flask on the counter. As she drank, she felt that it was very strong and actually tasted bitter. She had heard of the North African coffee and how strongly flavored it was. She took a deep breath and then gulped down a bit of the beverage. With some effort, she finished it and entered the bureau.
Incentive
She met the manageress, who requested some information, like the ID number, and the exact child that she desired to adopt. Melina believed that, info like the ID was definitely odd. She recalled that the agent had informed her, that the country wished to ensure, that a particular child was adopted only once. She then beamed and politely said “One”. The lady had asked her, which was the child. Right away, Melina mentioned that she very much preferred the kid, who was moving towards the car.
The manageress had bluntly inquired, if she had settled the matter with the nurses. Melina was aware that it was truly awkward, to hint at an inducement. She sort of wondered that anything could actually occur. She then noticed the manageress smiling and asking her to speak with the head-nurse, who would be able to guide her. Melina instantly asked for the chief nurse. As she exited the office, she sort of truly felt that it was all very weird. She was scared that she might have a kind of problem, if she was involved in any bribery.
She had prayed to God about this, and had promised the Lord, about coming to adopt the child, without compromising. Then she peered ahead and observed the head nurse beckoning her. Melina stepped into a little room, having unpainted walls and filled with religious calendars. The cabin appeared messier than that of the manageress. A stench emanated from the pile of soiled clothes lying on the floor. As she gazed ahead, she observed that there were children’s pampers lying in the corner of the room, which had to be disposed off, urgently.
She glanced as the lady sat down and asked her to be seated. Melina sat down with relief and beamed. The head-nurse smiled and asked if she was aware of what was expected from her. At once, Melina nodded her head in approval, mentioning that the manageress was kind of talking about some amount for the nurses. The lady gazed at the nurses, as she tried to explain to her, about the cash for the employees at the orphanage. Melina had to pay $200 to the nurses, and another $100 for preparing the relevant papers. She was aware that she had the funds, but the compromising part, was actually the hassle. She had heard of corruption in other parts of the world, but couldn’t believe that she could find it in the country. She speedily took out $300 from her wallet. As she handed the cash, she felt a sort of strength leaving her. The head-nurse extended her hand, desiring a handshake. Melina shook her hand and exited the office.
Disclosure
As she was leaving, she had gazed to the side. The security person, whom she had noticed the previous night, was still intently looking at her. She was quite puzzled as to the reason. She waited for a second and called him. He approached her and she observed that he started speaking German eloquently. She was aware that he must have learnt the language at a good school. The man informed her that she was in fact, in the wrong adoption center.
She might be killed or driven back home, by the mafia involved in the adoption process. Melina asked “How?” Emmanuel mentioned that the underworld ran the nursing home and so she was in peril. She now believed that she desired no more explanation. The man had gazed at her, saying that she was fortunate last night. He might have killed her in error, and the ignorant nurse had actually saved her. The manageress and some of the nurses were aware, of the link with the mafia. He advised her to catch the next plane to Johannesburg.
As he left the spot, Melina believed that she must act on his advice. She grabbed her cell-phone, but discovered that there was no network. The phone looked weird, so she placed it back in her trouser pocket, and rushed towards the head office. When she reached there, the manageress was already beaming and extending her hand, so Melina responded. She then entered the kitchen, eager for another coffee. She gulped down some beverage and proceeded to the bureau. She felt quite uneasy and wasn’t very sure if Emmanuel was telling the truth.
Abruptly, she could sense that someone was approaching her. She glanced and noticed that the car company person had arrived, to inquire about the rented automobile. She observed the man walking close, and desiring to know why she didn’t actually inform them about the car. Melina glimpsed and noticed a stare on his face, as she tried telling him about the mechanical problem. He looked annoyingly at her, asking why she didn’t phone up. Melina calmed down and was compelled to lie, saying that her phone was out of the network. She knew that deep inside, it might impact her later. She noticed the man’s face lightening slowly, as he tried smiling. Melina tried using her cell-phone and concealing what she had earlier said. The network was still absent.
The man walked back to the vehicle, and noticed that it was in a ditch. It must have been meddled with, he believed. He swiftly opened the bonnet and peeked through. The plugs were not all right, as they were a little tampered with. He went underneath and observed that the brake system was also sabotaged, so all the brake fluids were gone. Someone must have tried to kill her, he felt. He stared at Melina, saying that she was fortunate, to be alive. He rubbed his fingers before Melina, making her understand that the car was originally placed in an incorrect position. Melina gazed around and could spot the face of the security chap. She sensed that he knew something about this matter. There must have been a misplaced or deliberate intention to harm her. As she peered at the security person, she observed him smile, kind of proudly.
Melina gaped at the car rental guy, and requested for a ride to the city. He smiled, saying that they required to bring the car up, to even ground, and they might be sending mechanics over there. He had emphasized that she had to drive with the mechanic. She believed that this might be very awkward. She sensed that traveling with someone unknown, in this sort of deserted pathway, wasn’t a good idea. Melina came close and tried emphasizing on reaching the city region. The man smiled, saying he was heading for the next village. She sensed that he was fibbing.
She gazed behind, noting that the manageress and nurses were quite pleased, that she was made to wait. Melina was aware that the security guard had warned her earlier, and instructed her to flee to the city zone. She watched the agitated car rental individual, and returned to the office. As she sat and noticed him leaving the area, she thought that it was better to speak with the manageress, and check if she could lend her the home vehicle.
She stood closer and was hearing her say, that the home car was damaged. Melina had heard that it was in the city last night, and was wondering how it had got spoilt in such few hours. The manageress glared at her and finally kept her quiet, asking the head-nurse to explain to her. Melina felt that she was losing her temper and sensed that it might be inappropriate here. She could tell that the area was insecure, and the doubt that she had inside, was pressing her down, wanting her to be out of there.
Emergencies
There was a sudden clatter, and she desired to find out what was happening. A piercing scream followed, and Melina charged in with the nurses. As she approached, she realized that the child, that she had chosen earlier was convulsing on the floor. For once, Melina had a kind of feeling, deep inside, realizing that the babe must have been poisoned. The more she gazed at the baby, the more concerned she was. She watched the nurses drawing closer, trying to take the child out of the region, which Melina believed was wrong, as she required adequate medical care.
The kid collapsed, before the nurses and all the children in the orphanage. The pain of adopting another child was present in her heart. She rushed and held the child, but noted that her breathing had stopped. She wept and sat on the dusty African floor, asking why. She was aware that she had told Michael that, she wasn’t coming without a baby. Melina had to do something speedy and tried resuscitating her. She glimpsed at the babe, and desperately attempted a heart massage.
Abruptly, she grasped that the child was reviving, and all the nurses were amazed. She glanced ahead and observed the manageress arrive, smiling. Melina could truly understand why she was beaming. She carried the baby into the head office, and placed her on a vacant bed there. Melina could notice that the area was a little stuffy, with something she had smelled before. She tried recollecting, and found that it was the odor of marijuana. She gaped at the nurses, anxious to know why that was so.
She swiftly gazed at the ashtray, and was taken aback at the remains of the dope. The manageress came closer, mentioning that she needed medical marijuana, for heart complications. She had further reassured her, that it was recommended by a physician and certified by the government. Melina could notice fear in her face, as she gave Melina a stern look. She glimpsed at the child, observing that she was breathing normally and her eyelids were fluttering. She was very disappointed, that there were no medical facilities present in the home, and had always known that most establishments do have doctors or nurses, taking care of the children.
She peered at her cell-phone, and noticed that the network had begun working. She pulled out her diary, and decided to call her pal in Johannesburg. She started dialing the number and observed that the call was going through. As she waited for the person to pick up the phone, she could sense that the nurses were right behind her. Melina turned and observed the nurses like peeping, to catch what she saying. At once, she informed Agatha that she was a stranger in the city outskirts and required a car, to move out. Agatha had promised to help, and told her that she should be wary of the natives, in that section of the suburbs. She emphasized further that she had heard of murder and other crime associated with the village.
Melina took out her small hand clock from her pocket, and noticed that it was gradually getting out of order. She believed that Agatha was a very close ally and helpful, in all the process. She glanced back, and noticed that the nurses were very inquisitive. She informed the manageress that her friend was driving in. Melina entered the office, where she had kept her little case and realized that her main wallet was missing. She instantly screamed, desiring an explanation. At once, there was laughter, and she recognized that they must have deliberately taken the purse.
As she was yelling, she felt a gun at her head and was in a fix. One nurse, right away asked her to lie on the floor. The other nurse grabbed the cell-phone from her case and started dialing the last number. Right away, she started talking with Agatha, informing her that Melina had found a vehicle, and would be returning home. Melina grasped that she had been naïve, and could have left with the car rental fellow. She felt that she could have forced him to give her a lift.
Assaulted...
She lay on the floor and could feel a heap of dirt falling on her. Melina observed that the office trashcan was emptied on her. She heard the manageress conversing in the normal Zulu language, and understood that it wasn’t fluent. At once, she recognized that she must be an immigrant from Zimbabwe. She heard her shriek in her local version of English, that no white should be given the black kids, and all whites were to be eliminated. She turned Melina around, and spat on her face. Melina realized that she was in a horrid location, with a sect of racist Africans. She had not encountered this before. She had heard of racism, but was informed that it was some years back. The Zimbabwean government was up against the whites, and she was just receiving her portion.
The directress speedily phoned up, telling some men that Melina was ready, and she required more chaps to shift her to Babylon. Melina was aware, that this was a wrong boat. She had read of Babylon in the scriptures, but believed that this was a different one. She was pulled from the floor, by one of the huge nursing superintendents, who had dragged her on the floor earlier. Melina peered and noticed that she was in a dark room. She realized that she must have fainted, when she was dragged into this corner.
She tried searching for her cell-phone, but it was missing. She could feel tears pouring down her cheeks, as she attempted controlling her emotions. Melina was warned by the security guard, of the hazards of staying on, at the orphanage. She closed her eyes for some minutes and tried to meditate and focus, but it was extremely difficult. Her hands were shaking and she broke down again. She held her hair and tried seeking comfort. She felt that help was very far away from her.
The earlier she recovered, the better it was for her. She grasped for once, that the child must be dead or in a terrible situation. She covered her eyes again, but the tears were flowing down. Melina dragged herself to the other end of the room, and desperately wanted help. After 30 minutes, she heard the footsteps of someone approaching the little compartment. She was scared and truly deep in sorrow. She was watchful, and tried understanding why the steps weren’t coming closer to the room. Melina thought she was kind of hallucinating, with the depressive condition that she was experiencing.
Lastly, she heard the steps cease, and then realized that the door of the small room, was gradually opened. She peeked and noticed a huge man entering the nook. She could sense that he was the very haughty type, with the air of arrogance accompanying him. He instantly pulled the ropes attached to her hand, and dragged her out of the nook. She could feel the scraping on the floor surface. She was aware that the flooring was already broken, and could feel pain from the bruises. Abruptly, she heard a dog barking, and thought hope might be on the way. She tried coughing, but observed in shock, that she was bleeding. The fact of internal injuries, was weighing on her mind.
A heftier man marched in, and asked where she was actually from. She gazed, saying that she was from Germany. The stronger fellow glared at her, saying that he was deported from Germany, some years back, and she was going to pay for all the suffering, that he had undergone. He threatened her that, she was going to face hellish conditions. Lying on the floor, Melina could not actually understand why she had to suffer, for the sins of some very racist tribe of human beings.
She recalled that as a Christian, she had always shown love in her country, where however, there were some people, full of hatred. She could recognize that there were more than a handful of decent citizens, in her nation. She watched the sturdier man stripping himself gradually, and realized that she was being severely assaulted. She raised her voice, wanting to scream, but was unable and could only cough blood. The first hoodlum strode across, and flung her on the worst mattress in the room, which really stank.
Mathew, the muscleman
She peered at the burlier man, recollecting that she must have observed him before, in Germany. She swiftly cried out Cologne, and could notice the sternness on his face. He stared, asking if she was from Cologne. She replied that she was from South Cologne and her father was Mr. Goodman. She watched him whirl around, and then start laughing. After laughing, he had asked, if he was the man married to a black lady, at present.
She nodded her head and noted a bright smile from Mathew, who told her that her dad had assisted him in the asylum place, by also caring for him. He said further that her father was the one who helped him through, with the lawyers, but they lost in the legal battle. She slowly crawled, lifting her face and was glad. Mathew spoke to the other man in English, informing him that she was the daughter of his Godfather. She observed him pulling out his wallet, and then showing her father’s picture.
Melina realized that what a man sows, he will reap. She understood that she was being helped, because of the seeds of her dad. Mathew went outside, and was conversing with the lady there. A little later, he returned. He gazed at her, saying that she should accompany him to the city, which had better homes that could assist her. He swiftly carried her, and walked through the midst of the nurses and running kids. He placed her in one of the vans, and drove with Bernard, the other brawny man.
As they moved ahead, she heard Mathew profusely apologizing, and mentioning that he was her angel. He had said that the home was a gangster hideaway, and no baby was actually adopted from there. He glanced at her and smiled. Melina though a bit frightened, smiled and thanked God. She felt the car moving, with the rhythmic movement of the bumpy road. She tried lifting up her head, but was still feeling a lot of pain in her neck and shoulder. She noticed Mathew taking out a bottle of water and giving her a drink. His hands were quivering, as he felt remorse for his earlier behavior.
As they drove some miles, she felt that the vehicle was being stopped. A policeman was speaking with the two men, and they were allowed to drive past the check-post. She observed the policeman gazing at the car and smiling. She instantly understood that the police were aware of the gangster movement. Melina looked at her nails, and noticed that part of her toes was bleeding. The agony of being dragged on the floor was there, but she was relieved on being rescued by Mathew. She shut her eyes and tried to get a quiet moment, observing that it was very hard, to bear the surging pain passing through her entire body. At once, she asked Mathew if he had any pain reliever. He rapidly checked the car’s glove compartment, and brought out a pain reliever. She was initially afraid, but was then comforted by his smile. He instantly asked how she was faring. She replied that she was feeling a bit better.
Route to the hospice
He went through the papers that were present in the vehicle, and brought out the best snap of her dad. As he showed it to her, she observed that they were at another police check-post. They were asked to pull over. She heard them talking in traditional Zulu, and then noticed one policeman actually getting annoyed. She gazed, straightaway observing that the officer brought out his gun and shot Mathew’s friend Bernard, who collapsed.
Mathew was ordered to lie on the floor, and keep his mouth shut. Melina glanced again, noticing the other policeman approaching the car and pulling his gun on her. Straightaway, he gazed at her, feeling sorry and recognized that she urgently required medical care. The policeman called Mathew and his officer colleague, informing them that the lady at the back of the vehicle, desperately needed aid. Mathew was right away allowed to drive Melina to the clinic.
As Mathew drove ahead, he informed her that the gangsters worked with the police officers in the outer district, and they had killed his pal, as the boss of the goons was angry. Mathew further said that the policeman had observed her frail condition, and thought of helping her. He smilingly expressed that God was truly on her side. After some minutes of driving, he observed that he wasn’t hearing her voice or breathing. He instantly peered behind, noticing that she was like frozen, and could read from her lips that she was fainting.
Mathew pulled over by the side of the expressway, and tried administering first aid to her. He grasped that he had to call the ambulance instantly, and it might keep him out of trouble. He glanced again at her, and sensed that it was just three kilometers to the hospital. Mathew phoned up, and noted that the call wasn’t going through. He grabbed another cell-phone from his pocket and rang up. There was a response that he should wait for awhile.
He returned to Melina and tried helping. After two minutes, a lady rang up saying that the ambulance was on the way. He was aware that often, ambulances were very slow to respond, and realized that he had to take Melina to the hospital himself. He entered the car and tried the ignition. It was cold and he tried again, but it wasn’t working. Mathew swiftly went to check the bonnet, and realized that the plugs were malfunctioning; one was already exposed. He glanced at the time, finding that more than ten minutes had elapsed, and there was no sign of the ambulance.
He picked up his cell-phone and called for a taxi. Mathew grasped that the cabs were faster than the ambulances, in some cases. As he ended the call, he realized that the taxi had just arrived. He carried Melina into the cab, as she was in a serious state, and asked the driver to rush to the clinic. He noticed the taxi driver’s expression, and pulled out some hundreds. Mathew came closer to the driver, informing him that she urgently required aid, and so he should be very prompt.
Reckoning
Mathew viewed the cab drive off, and realized that he had placed his main phone in Melina’s trouser pocket. He had intentionally done that, to trace her. He returned to the front of the car, pulled all the plugs out, and then did some washing with a little gasoline that was left. Mathew then fixed the plugs, ran back to the automobile and started it. As the ignition moved steadily, he realized that he had left something on the radiator, as there was a burnt odor. He charged out, flung open the bonnet, and observed that he left a little gasoline-soaked rag on the radiator. At once, he thanked God, and was aware that it might have resulted in a mishap. He had earlier witnessed explosions in similar cases.
He held his head and sat at the wheel. Mathew had to make a decision. He had to help Melina in this situation and lose his job, or quit helping her. He could sense that the gangster chief was already hunting him, so he required being out of circulation. There was a voice telling him to disguise himself, a bit. He reached for the car boot, grabbed a hat, goggles, and shut the doors. As he entered the searing Johannesburg Street, he felt that he was back in the game. He ran his hand over his heel and could feel the gun. He walked ahead, and boarded a local bus from the next station.
Mathew gazed and noticed his cell-phone beeping. He took it out of his pocket and observed that there was a call. He believed that someone was curious to know about him. Mathew peered and noticed that he was approaching the bus stop. Shortly afterwards, the bus halted and he alighted. Then he walked quietly across the avenue, which was surprisingly, kind of deserted. He hastily took out his calendar and noticed that it was Sunday morning. He wondered why the mothers’home was entirely functioning.
Mathew then stepped into the opposite restaurant, as he felt ravenous. He viewed the Sunday preaching from the television, as he munched the fast-food. He instantly realized that he had truly gone far from the Lord. With the serial killings, he was labeled as the most notorious kidnapper and assassin in the whole of South Africa. His chief had attempted covering up for him throughout, but he still believed that he would be punished some day. As he viewed the buses plying on the two-way avenue, opposite his seat, he noted that someone clad in white, was passing through the crossroad. Mathew was very aware, that no one comes through a Johannesburg avenue, in that fashion.
He gazed again, observing that he wasn’t in fact walking on the pathway. Straightaway, he realized that he must be an angel. As he contemplated getting up, he noticed that the individual was sitting right next to him. Mathew glanced and observed him smiling. The angel right away told him “Mathew, your life is full of hatred. You have assaulted and killed innocent women. Their blood is on your hands. Your destiny lies in your hands. A step further might, bring you to hell or heaven. There is a choice to make. Choose to help Melina, or remain all your life in hell. God has seen you helping Melina, and you have found favor in his sight. Go ahead and choose now”.
Mathew watched the angel steadily moving back and crossing the boulevard again. As he glimpsed, he observed a vehicle driving through the angel. Mathew, shaken up, instantly cried out “Lord, I will surely help Melina”. He then realized that all the customers in the restaurant were surveying him, as he returned from his spiritual journey.
Instantly, he asked a chap close by, if he had observed a man in white, talking with him, but that person, very annoyed, said he was crazy and there wasn’t anyone near him. Mathew, scared stiff, after the unusual encounter, paid the bill and left the café. He hastily checked his cell-phone and decided to visit Melina, who was in the sickbay. Mathew felt that he had never played softy, since he came from Germany. He kind of wondered if he was falling in love, or feared God.
He jumped into the bus and took a seat. As the bus moved, he realized that something bizarre was occurring onboard. He discovered that a band of armed men, were about to take the passengers hostage. Mathew swiftly grasped that this might prevent his visit to Melina, but he still had to rescue his fellow-travelers. As the bus moved on, he heard a yell from one of the girls, who was held by a man in a mask. Mathew observed there were totally four masked men, and understood that he had seen those kidnappers, as he had worked with them earlier. He tapped one of the men, saying “Mathew”, and he replied “we know no one called Mathew”. Mathew quietly pulled out his gun, and pointed it at the thug, ahead of him.
He hurriedly asked the rest of the commuters to get off the vehicle else, he might kill the goon. The thugs were scared stiff, saying that their boss had ordered for this operation. Straightaway, Mathew replied that they should hunt elsewhere. He asked the driver to halt the bus and then followed the gang, out of the bus. As they alighted, Mathew laughed, asking why they disrespected him. They informed him that the chief had charged them to tag a woman, who had 50,000 on her person. Mathew observed the faces of the men, and felt that he must kind of apologize. He had explained that he thought that they were looting on the way. He swiftly told them that it was better to ‘visit’the lady at home. The thugs shook their heads, and left the region, in alarm.
Mathew believed that they were the boss’ henchmen, and realized that several innocent lives might have been lost. He glanced at the time and found it was getting late. He checked that his pistol was still on him, and boarded the next bus. As the bus glided on, the memory of the meeting with the angel was, again flooding his mind. He then noticed the bus approaching the next stop, and realized that he had to alight.
Mathew took out the little clock in his pocket and checked the time. It was quite late and he was aware of the threat to his life, as the warning from the boss was very disturbing. He walked closer to the clinic, and realized that there was a sort of additional security at the entrance. He thought for a moment that he wasn’t really required here, but the angel’s visitation still had an indelible impression on his mind. As he was very near the entrance, he pulled out the grimy cap from his pocket and slipped into the hospital.
Officer buddy
As he moved few meters, he heard a policeman’s voice. Mathew gazed around, observing that the chap was beckoning him to come by. Mathew realized that this could get very nasty, as his thumbprints left at any spot, might bring him out into the open. He walked close, and noticed that the individual was actually his classmate in high school. He removed his baseball cap and hugged him. For years, Mathew hadn’t seen Luke. The old days of running into stores and stealing, was very fresh in his memory.
Luke informed him that he was in the state department of police, and posted for special duty. He laughed, telling him that there was a threatening letter sent to the clinic. He emphasized that the local mafia was after a person, who was admitted there as a patient. Officer Luke scanned the letter, asking if he knew any German lady called Melina. Mathew became quite anxious, thinking that he was in the wrong place at an improper time. Could he really term it as a suitable time, to be at this location?
Mathew told Luke that he was visiting a cousin. He wore his cap and entered the ward. As he took some steps, he heard Luke complimenting him on his good looks. Mathew sort of wondered if the police were actually setting him up. He noted the information and pretended to ask a question. As he turned to the entrance, he noticed that Luke was gazing at him.
As he walked ahead, to get information, the lady at the reception counter, queried if he required something. A nervous Mathew had observed that, he had to pull a fast one. He told her that he was searching for his brother in the clinic, and had just remembered his name. The calm and beautiful lady had, instantly asked for the name. He said that his brother was admitted in the ward and he was Theodore. The woman took her laptop and was searching for Theodore. After some time of checking, she grasped that there wasn’t any such name. She felt that she must alert the police.
Ms. Picom was trying to do that, when a name Theodore, popped out of her computer, and at once, she put down the phone. She smiled a bit, informing him that he was in ward #2, room #200. Mathew sensed that this was quite out of the way, and suspected that she could have pressed the hidden button. He had learnt that, all the sensitive spots in the area had such type of buttons. Mathew peered, noticing Luke still surveying, and instantly he was approaching, demanding if he was having a problem. He replied that he hadn’t. Right away, he walked away from the reception desk, and proceeded to room #200. He believed that he was playing for time, and just roaming around.
Gazing again, he spotted Luke talking with the nurse, with an awkward expression on his face. At once, he hailed the rest of the police officers, and started running towards Mathew. He swiftly spotted them, and fled into the nearby cubicle. Instantly, he noticed the wardrobes and slipped into one. Abruptly, there was a shove at the door, and he observed them entering the room. Mathew pulled his gun out, and was trying to hold his breath. They were just two officers, and he had more than four bullets to deal with them.
He observed Luke going through the wardrobe, and then catching sight of him, but he passed by, as if he never did. Mathew was very amazed, as he checked again, winked at him, and exited the area. Mathew was breathless, realizing that his comrade had saved his life. In fact, he wondered why he had left without arresting him. He listened to a voice, “Mathew you are already set apart, and I made you find favor in his sight. I have observed a marked change in your behavior, and have forgiven your wrongdoings. They want to eliminate you, but I love to liberate the system through you. Go out in peace”.
Quaking, he emerged from the closet, realizing that the place was like a dressing room, and there was a guy scrutinizing him. Mathew smiled and thought that might really prevent the security man from shouting. At once, however, he raised alarm. Mathew was aware that exiting the room was extremely important. He flung the door open and slipped into the passage. As he glanced, he noted that there was a room with a doctor’s name on the door. He hurriedly entered the cabin and realized that it was vacant. As he slipped behind the blinds, he discovered that they were very thick, and restraining his breath.
Unexpectedly, the door was opened and a policeman entered with the physician, who had informed him that he had spotted Mathew closer to his cabin. Mathew watched the officer approaching, who lastly decided stopping, after few checks. Mathew took a deep breath and could smell his breath, which told him that it was getting pretty late. He noticed that the officer was telling the doctor, that he was wanted by the police, and the mafia had instructed them to nab him. He was very aware that the officer was a phony cop, in league with the underworld. Mathew had heard of some officers, colluding with the mafia and had observed them on duty, but actually carrying out the gang’s mandate.
He noticed the officer and physician leaving the room. He quietly opened the door after some minutes, and left the place. As he exited the office, he observed that the passageway was buzzing with activity. Mathew then returned to the bureau and wore a doctor’s coat. He left the bureau, entered the main corridor and was striding out, in confidence. On reaching the entrance, he had observed three policemen gawking at him. At once, he held the stethoscope that he had over his neck, and exited the building, realizing that he had to slip into the parking lot.
Quaint encounter
He was scared that the policemen might start suspecting, if he actually walked towards the cab. He entered the parking lot and approached a car. He gazed and noticed a key at the ignition. Mathew recalled what the voice had told him, about God and his action, but he felt now that he had to enter this vehicle, to flee the region. Mathew joined his hands together, and prayed to
Impressum
Verlag: BookRix GmbH & Co. KG
Texte: Aliyo Momot
Bildmaterialien: Aliyo Momot
Lektorat: Aliyo Momot
Übersetzung: Aliyo Momot
Tag der Veröffentlichung: 12.02.2013
ISBN: 978-3-7309-1108-2
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