ACT ONE

SCENE 1: INT. IN THE HOSPITAL. EVENING

EMMA: Call a doctor.

MR. KING: Call a doctor who specializes in heart surgery, because the pains within my upper trunk are great.

NINA: There are no doctors in the ward right now. It’s late night, and the two doctors on duty are in the middle of a surgery. I’ll call them though, if there’s really an urgent reason to do so.

MR. KING: What do you think we are doing here, acting a play? Please call me some doctors here. This is an emergency situation. Does it not matter to you that my pulmonary arteries are knocking together, and that my veins are giving way?

NINA: Oh sorry sir. I’ll call the doctors who are on call duty.

MR. KING: Please be fast about that.

NINA: My goodness! There’s no call credit left in my phone. I exhausted it a few minutes ago. What shall we do now?

EMMA: I’ll ask the patients in the other ward. Perhaps someone might be kind enough to provide his phone.
Emma ran up to the next ward as fast as her feet could carry her.

EMMA: Please I need someone to give me a phone so that we could call a doctor; my father is dying.

Voices of several volunteers in the ward “Here’s one!”

Emma picked up a cell phone from an elderly woman and ran down the ward where her father was waiting with the nurse.

EMMA: Here is a phone nurse Nina. Please call the doctors to save my papa’s life.

NINA: My goodness, the call isn’t going through; the battery is low. Can you bring me another cell phone Emma?

EMMA: Alright nurse Nina.
Emma’s footsteps were heard as she ran to return the cell phone.

EMMA: Thank you very much madam. The battery is low, so I have to return your phone.
Emma’s voice became louder this time

EMMA: Can someone please give me a phone so I can call a doctor for my papa?

A voice from the ward: Here’s my cell phone little girl. The battery was fully charged a few hours ago in this hospital.

EMMA: Thank you very much madam.
Emma returns to the men’s ward.
EMMA: Here’s another cell phone nurse Nina. Please call a doctor at once.
Nurse Nina moves closer to the wall containing the doctors’ phone numbers and begins to make a call.

NINA: Oh dear, I’m afraid I can’t call a doctor right now; the cell phone is locked with password.

EMMA: There’s no other cell phone available in the wards nurse Nina. What shall we do?

NINA: Take it back to the woman from whom you collected it, and ask her to unlock it.

EMMA: Alright nurse Nina.

Emma runs to the elderly woman in the next ward

EMMA: Could you please unlock the cell phone madam? The nurse said it is locked with password.

ANITA: Oh dear, the phone is a new years gift from my daughter. Last year, I had a pink cell phone yellow edges and colour screen. But it was stolen while I made my way through the subways. My daughter bought this one and locked it with password so that it won’t be useful to those who steal. Even when stolen, it could perhaps be retuned or placed in a place where it could be found. Let me unlock it for you.


SCENE 2: INT. IN THE MEN’S WARD EVENING

NINA: I wonder what has kept your daughter for so long.

MR. KING:No she is not my daughter nurse.

NINA: But she helped you into this hospital, and she calls you papa.

MR. KING:Yes, but that’s far from the reality; I have something to tell before I die nurse. And I’ll be pleased if you listen carefully.

NINA: Oh let me fetch your daughter sir. I think the message is for her as well.

MR. KING:There is no need to waste time in calling Emma. I have a feeling that I’ve got very little time to live.

NINA: But you’ve been through this illness for some days sir, and your voice proves you can still hold on till the doctor arrives.

MR. KING:You don’t understand nurse. There is always a last struggle, and this is it. Emma is not my daughter, and I want you to explain this to her when she comes back.

NINA: What exactly do you mean sir?

MR. KING:Ten years ago, I was in Africa with a team of twenty doctors for a humanitarian mission. We were racing against time to help the villagers overcome the sheer forces of the deadly Nebola disease. There were twenty doctors and six biologists; I was their driver.

NINA: I see. You don’t want Emma to feel that the Nebola diseases which her dada contracted ten years ago had finally taken his life. That’s why you want me to tell her that you are not her father.

MR. KING:Not exactly. In Africa, the disease outbreak lasted for several months, and we had to stay there to help the locals. But at some point, there was a problem; one of the locals who attended to us was in labour in our makeshift camp.

NINA: Were you responsible for the pregnancy?

MR. KING:No. she was pregnant before we arrived. But she was slim and did not really appear like a woman who was expecting. She gave birth to two babies within ten minutes. Twin babies; a boy and a girl.

NINA: So where is this lucky woman?

MR. KING:I do not know where she is now. Neither do I know where her boy is. But the girl’s whereabouts is not hidden from me.

NINA: Did she run away with her baby boy? Did she abandon her baby girl? I heard that mothers in parts of Africa prefer male children to female children.

MR. KING:The woman was in a big trouble.

NINA: Did she contract the Nebola?

MR. KING:No she contracted a disease more deadly than Nebola; a very contagious and incurable disease. We could not help her.

NINA: Were you also infected? Do you have the disease? Did I contract it from you? Am I going to die too?

MR. KING:No. Their culture seems to have these ailments. One of them was the killing of twins. They believed that twins were bad omens. Evil people sent from the gods to bring destruction in the land. So they kill all the twins as soon as they are born.

NINA: That is horrifying isn’t it?

MR. KING:It should be better told than experienced. Our doctors had helped the young woman to her feet a few hours after the delivery. But keen eyes had browsed through our makeshift tents, and had broken the unexpected news to the villagers who made their way to our defenseless camp. There were doctors, scientists, drivers and attendants, but no policemen nor people in uniforms. There were neither guns nor bullets to keep the angry crowd away.

NINA: Were you attacked by the villagers?


MR. KING:No. they went straight for the helpless woman, and we could not save her. They came in through every side: the main entrance, the windows, and the roof. They emerged from the bushes, and cut through all the tents before they realized that the woman had been hidden in the brick house. They shouted: where are they? Bring them out here or else somebody dies with them. One of the locals who advised us to hide the woman and her twins in the brick house had earlier asked me to call the police. But I had no reason to call the police; I saw no dangerous situation. Besides, the only police station was more than thirty miles away. So if I had called them, they would only have arrived to pick up the dead babies.

NINA: So the babies were killed after all.

MR. KING:Twins were laid out in front of their mother shortly after she was delivered, and slaughtered. Their heads were cut off, and their bodies were tossed to the wild animals. All in an effort to ensure that the gods cannot send them again on an evil mission.

NINA: It is a pity.

MR. KING: (In a slower and deeper voice) The angry mob kept coming closer and closer. Approaching us with clubs, machetes, rocks and broken bottles. I feared for the life of the young woman who was just delivered of twin babies, because by this time, we all certainly knew that either she or her babies were the primary target. I’ve heard of the killing of twins in Africa, and how it was eventually stopped by a missionary named Mary Slassor. But I had never in my lifetime, witnessed the gruesome murder of promising children in front of their helpless mother.

MR. KING:(Continued the narration in his usual tone) We closed the windows and shut the entrance door so as to keep the babies and their mom from their reach. But soon after the windows were successfully shut, we heard what seemed like thunder. It was the angry men pushing down the doors.

MR. KING:(In a louder tone). “Bring them out here. They were sent by the god Odem, and they must die.” They screamed at us.

NINA: My grandfather was born and raised in Africa. He told stories of how the evil god Odem had caused crops not to grow in Africa.

MR. KING:Really?

NINA: He said that the god Simna was the goddess of fertility and great harvest. She brought about bountiful harvests in Africa, until the evil god Odem robbed her of her powers.

MR. KING:How could Odem have done that?

NINA: I cannot remember exactly how the story was told, but basically god Odem seduced Simna, the goddess of fertility and great harvest, made love to her, and robbed her of her powers. So the villagers may be right in the pursuit of the evil god, but not in the killing of the babies. You still have not told me why you think Emma is not your daughter, and you claim that your life is short.

MR. KING:(Continued his story)They broke down the wooden door, pulled out the window, and rushed towards the babies. I saw men with angry faces, women with flaming eyes, and children with swollen bellies. Some of them did not even know why they were there. They snatched the twins from their mother, and laid them on a table inside the room. A fierce looking man swung his machete, and there it landed, even cutting off some pieces of woods from the table. There was blood everywhere; on the walls on the floor, and on the crowd as well. People drew back as the blood gushed profusely.

NINA: So the two babies died within an hour of their birth. But babies shouldn’t have that much blood. Should they?

MR. KING:No, that was the blood of their mother. She had laid herself on the babies as the machete landed, believing that her blood could somehow save her babies from the mob. As the crowd drew back, I grabbed the babies and jumped through the window. There was no one left outside to stop me; the angry crowd had all moved inside the large brick house to watch the killing of the twins. I ran as much as my feet could carry me. I knew I was a good driver, but when it comes to running on foot, I only realized how good I was on that day.

NINA: Did they pursue after you?


MR. KING:Of course they did. But I ran with all my energy. I knew I had put myself in danger by rescuing the babies, so I had to keep running to save my life. I knew the terrain quite well. But one of my pursuers was so swift that it became more and more difficult to outrun her while carrying the two babies.

NINA: Did she catch up with you?

MR. KING:Yes she did. She snatched one of the babies from beneath my arms, and still ran after me with so great a speed. But I had to keep running. I couldn’t stop to look at her face because the rest of the mobs were forcefully advancing. As we approached the city, some of my pursuers slowly began to back off, so I looked upon the face of this woman who was right behind me. It was one of the doctors who came with us from Europe!

NINA: So she outran all the angry men in the crowd.

MR. KING:They said she was the strongest among all the doctors. She worked for hours on her feet without having a rest. She was married years ago, but had no child. The police eventually arrived at the village to rescue the rest of my colleagues, but we were flown back to Europe in separate flights, so I lost contacts with them for some time.

NINA: What of the doctor who snatched the baby from beneath your arm?

MR. KING:I was told she later adopted the baby. It was the baby boy whose life she saved. Their mother was murdered by the angry mob, and their father died before they were born, so the authorities in Africa did not hesitate to finish the paper work needed for their adoption. The doctor adopted the baby boy, while I had to adopt the baby girl.

NINA: (In a milder tone) I guess that baby girl is Emma. But how could she be white when her mother and father were from Africa?

MR. KING:I simply do not have an answer to that question. Maybe the doctors will have a better explanation. Emma’s mother was the only pregnant woman who was expecting a baby when we arrived in Africa. The other biologist suffered miscarriage in her ninth month. And left Africa three days before Emma was born. There was this strong friendship which developed between her and Emma’s mother though.

NINA: So where is that biologist now?

MR. KING:I don’t know her whereabouts. She did not inform the group about her departure. I suppose she felt so sad after the miscarriage. She must have thought it came as a result of tedious work, so she quit.

NINA: I’d love to see her someday.

The old man’s voice became weaker as he explained to the nurse all that happened. At this time, Emma was approaching her father’s sick bed with a doctor who had arrived. But they were quite late, the man had died.


SCENE 3: INT. STILL IN THE MENS’ WARD. EVENING

The Doctor walks into the ward. Nurse Nina quickly covers the old man up with a white cloth and kept Emma from seeing the ugly sight.
EMMA: Here is the doctor nurse Nina. I hope my father will be alright.

NINA: Please wait in the other ward, Emma.
Emma waited in the other ward which was empty. She waited with excitement that at last her father’s life will be saved. It was not quite long before the doctor came to her.
DR. KATE: I have something to tell you, Emma. I’m afraid it is not good news, so you have to prepare for the worst.

EMMA: (In an alarmed tone) what happened to my father? Is he alright? Is he dead?

DR. KATE: He is dead!

EMMA: (Crying as she spoke) I don’t have anyone else. I shall have to be alone in this world.

DR. KATE: Emma, nurse Nina told me something else that I would like you to hear. But you must have some rest and a meal first. You look tired.


SCENE 4: INT. AT THE DOCTORS HOUSE. EVENING

DR. KATE: You are welcome to my house, Emma. Here is the fridge. There is your room. If you need anything, please tell me. Tomorrow we’ll go to Santha Elementary School for your enrolment. You have to study hard to excel.

EMMA: Yes, Dr. Kate.

EMMA: Where is your husband Dr. Kate?

DR. KATE: I have no husband.

EMMA: But you have a son

DR. KATE: Yes. I once had a husband. We were married for six years, but we had no children, so he asked for a divorce. Now he lives in America with his new darling.

EMMA: Do they have children?

DR. KATE: Not yet. It was later discovered that he had health problems. He knew it quite well, but he blamed me for not being able to give him children. Now his new wife can’t give him children either.

EMMA: So Steve is not your son then.

DR. KATE: Steve is not my son. After my husband left, I specialized in pediatrics. I found a job in a specialist hospital. I was well paid. After some years, I had a concern for children in poor countries. I went to Africa and the Caribbean on humanitarian missions. That was how I had Steve.

EMMA: Did you get married to someone else in the Caribbean?

DR. KATE: No. I remained unmarried till now.

EMMA: How then did you have Steve?

DR. KATE: I adopted him.

EMMA: Does he know that he was adopted?

DR. KATE: Yes. I told him two years ago, after someone in his school told him he had no father.

EMMA: Did he cry when you told him?

DR. KATE: No although Steve is a boy, he is growing into a man. He has no problems with the fact that he was adopted. But I’m beginning to think that I have to keep him away from troublesome people. He complains of being embarrassed in his class with questions about his father.

EMMA: Maybe he needs a change of school.

DR. KATE: That is exactly what I have in mind.

EMMA: Maybe he’ll be okay with me in Santha Elementary School.

DR. KATE: I think he should.

EMMA: Maybe he’ll be my brother.

DR. KATE: You must go to bed now, because you have to wake up early tomorrow for your new school.

EMMA: Good night Dr. Kate.


SCENE 5: AT SANTHA ELEMENTARY SCHOOL. MORNING

ANITA: Your daughter seems to be quite brilliant. We’ve had brilliant girls in the school. But these days, they prefer other elementary schools in the city. Her face seems familiar. How old is she?

DR. KATE: She will be ten next November. I’m sure we’ve met, but I can’t remember where exactly it was.

Emma raised her mouth to the doctor’s ear and whispered
EMMA: In the hospital. She provided the phone with which we called you.

ANITA: I’m glad you enrolled earlier. Registration ends next week. The boys and girls are preparing for their entrance exams.

DR. KATE: I have a nine year-old son whom I want to enroll in your school as well. I want two of them to be in the same school. When are the fees due?

ANITA: In two days

DR. KATE: I have my cheque book with me. What is the account name?

ANITA: No. Late payments are accepted in cash only.

DR. KATE: I’ll see you tomorrow then. Thank you very much.

ANITA: It’s my pleasure Dr. Kate.

DR. KATE: Oh how did you know that I’m a doctor, Ms. Anita?

ANITA: I listened while Emma whispered to you.

DR. KATE: But she didn’t mention that I’m a doctor.

ANITA: (Ponders for a while and quickly answered) It is clearly written on the cheque book you drew from your purse. I have very good sight. I see the details in every tiny letter.


SCENE 6: INT. AT THE DOCTOR’S HOUSE. AFTERNOON.

DR. KATE: So you recognized the Head Teacher.

EMMA: Yes she provided the phone for the call in the hospital. She is a kind woman. I think I already have a friend in the school.

DR. KATE: You can never tell who a kind person is in just one encounter. Friendships are built over time, not in a moment. That was kind of her to give up her phone though. Ms. Anita looks quite familiar. I think we’ve met before, but I can’t remember where exactly we met.

EMMA: She must have seen you walk into the hospital to treat my dad.

DR. KATE: No she left before I arrived. And there are other things too. Did you say that she provided the phone with which the nurse called me?

EMMA: Yes. Is there any problem Dr. Kate?

DR. KATE: Not really. I’m just wondering that her phone number seems familiar too.

EMMA: Did you know Ms. Anita, Dr. Kate?

DR. KATE: I’m not quite sure, Emma. But everything about her was just so familiar: her voice, her face, even the way she wrote. I’ll watch her more closely when we go to the school tomorrow for the payments.

SFX: A sound of the school bus was heard outside the house, and in a few seconds, Steve comes into the house.

EMMA: Hi, Steve.

STEVE: Hi, mom.

DR. KATE: How was school today?

(Steve answers in a low and unexcited tone as he walks into his room)
STEVE: Cool.

DR. KATE: Why do you look so sad?

STEVE: I’m not sad mom.

DR. KATE: Then what is the problem?

STEVE: There’s no problem mom. I just want to be left alone.

Emma whispers quietly to Dr. Kate, but the words are heard by Steve who was just stepping into the sitting room.
EMMA: I guess he doesn’t like his school.

STEVE: Did you see the Head Teacher at Santha Elementary School today mom?

DR. KATE: Yes we saw her this morning. She said Emma will register tomorrow since registration ends next week.

STEVE: Santha Elementary is a mixed school mom.

DR. KATE: I know that quite well Steve.

STEVE: That means both boys and girls can attend the school.

DR. KATE: So what are you trying to tell me Steve?

STEVE: I’m trying to say that Emma and I can attend Santha Elementary.

DR. KATE: Why do you think so Steve?

STEVE: At Santha, I’ll have a lot of space for playground.

DR. KATE: But the playground in your school is larger than that of Santha Elementary.

STEVE: Yes, but there are other things mom.

Dr. Kate watched his son with excitement and asked
DR. KATE: Other things like what?

There was silence for ten seconds until Emma spoke quietly.
EMMA: Other things like nobody asking Steve about his father. That means less time spent in answering stupid questions.

STEVE: And more time spent in hard work.

DR. KATE: I think both of you are right. Steve you’ll also register at Santha Elementary tomorrow.

EMMA: That will be great Dr. Kate.


ACT 2

SCENE 1: INT. AT SANTHA ELEMENTARY SCHOOL. MORNING

SFX: A knock at the Head Teacher Office.
ANITA: Come in please.

DR. KATE: Good morning Ms. Anita.

ANITA: Good morning Dr. Kate. I suppose you’re here for the registration.

DR. KATE: O yes! Here are the fees.

SFX: Some sounds of unzipping of a bag and counting of notes.
ANITA: That’s twice the amount Dr. Kate. I thought we said nine hundred.

DR. KATE: But that’s for two pupils.

ANITA: Oh! You want to enroll the boy as well.

DR. KATE: That’s right. He’ll also be in third grade.

ANITA: Very well then. Please fill these two forms on their behalf.
SFX: The sounds of papers being packed together on a desk.

ANITA: How old is the boy?

DR. KATE: He is nine. His name is Steve.

ANITA: That’s almost his sister’s age. Most parents forget to do good child spacing these days.

DR. KATE: (smiled)

ANITA: You’ll have to take these papers to the lady at the room behind the library. She’ll take their measurements and make school uniforms for Emma and Steve. You’ll then have to purchase this list of books from the bookstore beneath the library. After which you’ll locate class 3B; that’s where they are assigned. Please remember to come back to pick up their admission letters.

DR. KATE: Than you very much Ms. Anita.

SCENE 2: INT. AT DR. KATE’S HOUSE. EVENING.
Dr. Kate sits down with Emma and Steve.
DR. KATE: I hope you two had a great day at school today.

STEVE: Yes mom.

EMMA: Yes Dr. Kate.

DR. KATE: What subjects did you learn today?

STEVE: We had spelling and French language lessons, as well as history and mathematics.

DR. KATE: What did you learn from the spelling lessons Steve?

STEVE: I learned how to pronounce certain words mom.

DR. KATE: Words like what?

STEVE: Words like hippopotamus.

DR. KATE: Can you spell Hippopotamus Steve?

STEVE: Of course I can mom. I did get it right in the school and I can still get it right for you.

DR. KATE: What of you Emma? What words did you learn to spell?

EMMA: I learnt how not to spell hippopotamus Dr. Kate.

DR. KATE: What exactly do you mean, Emma?

EMMA: When the language teacher came into the classroom, he was well dresses, good-looking and friendly. He actually wanted to teach us how to spell the word ‘hippopotamus,’ so he wrote it clearly on the chalkboard ‘Hip-po-po-ta-mus.’ But there was a problem.

DR. KATE: What sort of problem?


EMMA: He had a terrible stutter. That speech condition that makes you repeat the first sounds of certain words. So when our language teacher had finished writing the words ‘Hip-po-po-ta-mus’ on the board, he pointed to it with a stick and asked us to repeat whatever he said. Then he pronounced the first set ‘Hip!’ and again ‘Hip!’ and then ‘Hip-Hip-Hip!!!’ But to his amazement, everyone shouted the words ‘Hurray!!!’ we didn’t know when we all said these words. It was such a spontaneous moment. No one had planned it earlier. But our language teacher did not think so.

DR. KATE: I’m sure he was embarrassed. Wasn’t he?

STEVE: I don’t think he was, because he actually expressed much happiness when he told us some stories about himself; Stories that really happened.

DR. KATE: Tell me one of his stories, Steve.

STEVE: He told us that his parents came into this country in 1954. At that time, he was about eighteen years old, and had enrolled in a university. Two days before their matriculation, their vice- Chancellor addressed them through the university public address system. Having come from a country where English language was rarely spoken, he had difficulty understanding the Vice-Chancellor, who spoke so fast. So the Vice Chancellor told them that they will all matriculate in two days, wearing their gowns and singing the university anthem. The Vice-Chancellor told them that he could not explain everything, but that they should all wait till the D day so as to experience what it really means to be matriculated.
On the matriculation day, our language teacher hid himself under his bed in the hostels. He did not want to dress up for the matriculation, but stuffed his matriculation gown away in a cupboard. When the matriculation day was over, his roommates were surprised to see him relaxed in the room. “Didn’t you attend the matriculation ceremony?’ they asked. “Yes,” he answered. “I don’t want to be maltreated. I heard the Vice-Chancellor announce through the university public address system that we shall be maltreated on the D day, that’s today.” His roommates all laughed at him and told him what great an event he had missed.

DR. KATE: So he thought that matriculation and maltreatment are the same.

STEVE: Exactly.

DR. KATE: That means he didn’t understand English language very well. How could he pass his subjects then? Since all subjects were taught in English?

STEVE: The story is not over yet. Our language teacher failed all his three subjects in the first semester. To make the story more complicated, the university posted his scores for the three subjects to his parents, and advised that he should withdraw.

DR. KATE: His parents must have been furious with him. Weren’t they?

STEVE: Not at all. In fact they wondered why their brilliant should be asked to withdraw from the university after performing so well in his subjects.

DR. KATE: But you said he failed all three subjects. Didn’t you?

STEVE: Here’s how it went, mom. Our head teacher’s parents were not familiar with the English grading system. Back in their home country, a zero (0) means a fail, while a nine (9) translates to excellent. But here, a zero (0) means a fail, and it is indicated by the number ‘9’, while a higher score, say 100% can be indicated by the letter ‘A’, and is sometimes referred to as ‘A1’ or ‘1’ for short. So while the brilliant students made A1, A1, A1, that’s 1, 1, 1 in their three subjects, our language teacher’s result read 9, 9, 9.

DR. KATE: That’s a police phone number! He must have repeated a class.

EMMA: Exactly. His friends spent only three years in the university, while he had to spend an additional year for a three year course. They call it 4/3 (4 over 3).

DR. KATE: That’s an improper fraction. It is amazing to me to find someone who enrolls in the university to study a course he does not understand. He should have gone for mathematics or the sciences.

EMMA: But he did well in his later years. In fact, he won the national award for the best language student in his third year.

SFX: the sound of a stopping car right in front of the doctor’s house, and Emma and Steve leave the sitting room.

DR. KATE: Hello, Nurse Nina.

NINA: Hi, Dr. Kate. I ‘m off duty today, so I decided to come over.

DR. KATE: I hope all is okay, nurse.

NINA: Certainly, Dr. Kate. Do you remember what I told you in the hospital about late Mr. King?

DR. KATE: Do you mean Emma’s father?

NINA: Yes. But the story is not over yet. You see there’s this….

Dr. Kate interrupts her, and whispers.
DR. KATE: Wait a second.

She then peeps into the other room.
DR. KATE: I just want to make sure the kids are not listening Nina. I haven’t told Emma that Mr. King was not her father, and it would be so unpleasant if she finds out now.

NINA: What I mean doctor, is that there are other things which I’ve not told you yet.

DR. KATE: Other things like what?

NINA: Like the rest of the stories that Mr. King told me before he died.

DR. KATE: Why not wait till we see in the hospital?

NINA: Okay. But I can’t wait to bring down these items.

DR. KATE: What are they?

NINA: They are the personal effects of Emma’s father. Em-em I mean his foster father.

DR. KATE: I understand. Where did you find them?

NINA: The Chief medical Director asked me to bring them to you. After the police had made a serious search for the relatives of late Mr. King, they returned them to the hospital after they learnt that you had taken Emma into your house.

DR. KATE: Let me see the contents.

SFX: sounds of jingling keys and plastic bag.
NINA: A car key, cheque valued at Fifteen thousand from a life Insurance company, and keys to his house.

DR. KATE: Where is the house located?

NINA: I can’t pronounce the address, but they said it is one of the most valuable properties in the area.

Dr. Kate sat up with excitement.
DR. KATE: Hmm. I see. The poor old man had saved all these for his daughter. Oh for Emma, I should have said. Are these all that’s left?

NINA: No, Dr. Kate. The chief medical Director said that Mr. King’s bank has agreed to make a direct deposit of his savings into your bank account as soon as you provide your account number and a letter of Administration.

DR. KATE: Hmm. I see. Did the Chief medical Director know where Mr. King’s house is located?

NINA: No. she didn’t even see these items. They were all neatly packed in a leather bag.

DR. KATE: Does she know how much money that is contained in the cheque?

NINA: No, Dr. Kate. Why did you ask?

DR. KATE: Does she know how much money that is left in Mr. King’s bank account?

NINA: No, the bank manager was unwilling to make the amount known. E-m-m may I talk to Emma for a second Dr. Kate?

DR. KATE: I’m afraid she’s in the middle of her homework right now. But you may come again during the weekend. I guess you’ll have a lot of time to chat with her.

NINA: I think I shall leave at once Dr. Kate. Do have a nice day.

DR. KATE: See you tomorrow in the hospital then.

NINA: Bye.
The sound of a car moving away from the house.

SCENE 3: INT. SANTHA ELEMENTARY SCHOOL. MORNING.
Nina visits the head teacher at Santha Elementary School.
NINA: Good morning Ms. Anita.

ANITA: Good morning Nina. How may I help you?

NINA: I’m surprised you knew my name Ms. Anita.

ANITA: I’m also surprised you knew mine. Have we met?

NINA: I don’t think so. Your name is boldly written on your door so I don’t have problems figuring it out.

ANITA: I guess yours is also boldly written somewhere in the local hospital.

NINA: Have you visited our hospital Mrs. Anita?

ANITA: Several times. I’ve seen you several times in the hospital. I know that you work there as a nurse. Your services require that you see so many patients in a day. That’s why you find it difficult to recognize them. Anyway, how may I help you?

NINA: I’ve actually come to see one of your pupils Ms. Anita.

ANITA: Which one of them?

NINA: A girl named Emma.

ANITA: You mean Steve’s brother?

NINA: E-m-m. I don’t think Emma has a brother Ms. Anita.

ANITA: Well we only have one girl named Emma in Santha Elementary, and she was brought in here by her mother; a woman named Dr. Kate.

Nina speaks up quickly
NINA: Yes, that’s the person I really want to see. Emma, who was adopted by Dr. Kate.

ANITA: Did you say A-d-o-p-t-e-d?
Ms. Anita removes her pair of glasses and leans backwards against her chair.

NINA: Yes, the Emma who was adopted by Dr. Kate. That’s the girl I want to see.

ANITA: Is there any problem nurse?

NINA: There’s really no problem. But there are several things the girl’s father wants her to know.
At this Ms. Anita edged forward, wearing her pair of glasses.

ANITA: Emma’s Father? Has Kate remarried?

NINA: You seem to know Dr. Kate very well Ms. Anita.

ANITA: Yes I do. We worked together in Africa and the Caribbean before she got a job in the hospital. But that was about twenty years ago. She doesn’t recognize me now.

NINA: Are you sure she doesn’t?

ANITA: She’s been here twice, and had looked steadily at me, trying to figure out where she could remember me from. It’s been twenty years now. Besides there’s only one scar which she may be able to remember, but I’ve covered it up with my wig.

NINA: Then you must call Emma at once. I believe there are things she needs to understand. I’ve been to Dr. Kate’s house to explain these things to her, but the doctor had kept her away from me.

ANITA: Did you say that Emma has a father?

NINA: She had a father, but he died last week in the hospital, Ms. Anita.

Ms. Anita stood on her feet and screamed.
ANITA: That’s it!

Nina looks with surprise.
NINA: What?

ANITA: That’s it! Dr. Kate adopted Emma so that she could claim ownership of Mr. King’s property.

NINA: Did you know Mr. King, Ms. Anita?

ANITA: Yes. I was in the hospital when Emma wanted a phone. In fact, it was my phone that she used to call the doctor. But that’s not all, Mr. King was our driver back then in Africa. Well known to myself and Dr. Kate.

NINA: You knew each other well, then.

ANITA: Yes.

NINA: That means Dr. Kate knew Mr. King very well.

ANITA: Yes she did.

NINA: Why then did she pretend that she never knew him?

ANITA: It’s a long story my dear. I’ll break the news for you. Let’s take a walk around the garden.


SCENE 4: INT. IN THE GARDEN. MORNING.
Both women talk as they walked round the school garden. The sound of birds in the garden
ANITA: I had worked for Caregivers International for four years as a research fellow before Dr. Kate was employed as a young intern. I led the microbiology research department, while she assisted the doctors. She was a promising young woman, and was quite kind and gentle. No wonder why she was loved by everyone.

NINA: If Dr. Kate was once nice and gentle, then something must have brought about her the sudden change of attitude.

ANITA: I think her change of attitude was anything but sudden. At Caregivers International, Dr. Kate loved kids, rendered selfless services and enjoyed working with everyone, until we started to notice her gradual change of attitude shortly after she was married to a doctor whom she assisted.

NINA: I knew Dr. Kate was married to a banker, not a doctor.

ANITA: You’re right in saying that she was married to a banker. But that was three years after her marriage with the young doctor was broken up. It wasn’t her fault though, and she was so unlucky to lose the good-looking and lovely gentleman of his life.

NINA: If the break-up wasn’t her fault, I guess it’s the lovely gentleman’s fault then.

ANITA: No one can really blame any of the couple, since it was all an accident.

NINA: An accident?

ANITA: Yes an accident. At Caregivers, our mission was to help people in developing countries overcome certain diseases that were curable. Here in Britain, you rarely hear of people die of Malaria or Yellow fever. But in Africa and other developing countries, many innocent people die of diseases that could otherwise have been prevented or even cured.

NINA: Dr. Kate told me about how she was sent to Africa to help people cope with the Nebola outbreak. Mr. King also mentioned that to me shortly before his death. Were you also in that mission to Africa?

ANITA: I led the team of twenty doctors and a few researchers in that mission. But that was our last mission to Africa. That was also the beginning of the end of Caregivers; the Nebola struggle tore us all apart.

NINA: Was the outbreak too difficult for your team to contain?

ANITA: Apart from the struggle to keep the epidemic at bay, there was also another struggle within and between ourselves too, raging within our hearts and minds. A struggle that made us understand the stuff with which we were made of; a struggle that really tore us apart.

NINA: Did it really become an epidemic?

ANITA: Yes. When we have such an outbreak of disease which spreads through other regions within such a short period, it is always called an epidemic. If the spread continues unchecked, it may really turn out to be a pandemic.

NINA: Although I’m a good nurse, but I have to confess to you that I’m getting confused with these outbreak-epidemic-pandemic terms.

ANITA: These terms are somewhat novel but not altogether so confusing. It’s like having a workshop during your training as a nurse. When more topics are discussed, and the audience gets larger, then it becomes a seminar. With more and more audience, and more advanced topics in the programme, it may be called a conference.

NINA: I understood the analogy. But back to your mission in Africa, what did you say caused the accident that wrecked Dr. Kate’s marriage?

ANITA: As there were no drugs for the deadly Nebola, we developed new drugs that helped us contain the epidemic. The drugs worked perfectly and pharmaceutical companies were trilled by our success. We had succeeded in saving many lives in Africa. But little did we realize the sort of danger into which we had put our own lives.

NINA: Did the drugs fail?


ANITA: No, the drugs are a miracle even till today. But back in Africa, the making of the drugs required more water than we originally anticipated. We had carried extra cans of drinking water because we knew that the situation in that area was far from friendly. When we exhausted all our cans of drinking water, we had to put up with burning thirst for two days; all flights to that area were cancelled due to weather, so the two hundred liters of water which we ordered for had to come by sea. It was the rainy season, and there were streams, rivers and potholes filled with water. But the water was polluted. We had waited till the third day, when we were informed that the captain did not remember to load our orders into the ship, and that it would take another eight days for the next ship to reach Africa.

NINA: That’s a painful experience.

ANITA: It was very painful to realize that we had waited three days for water that wasn’t coming. I think that was what made everyone to follow their instinct. We had no water purifiers, because there was no need for any. So we all drank the water from the closest stream, and hoped it’ll be okay.

NINA: You said the streams and rivers were polluted. One could scarcely imagine what followed.

ANITA: The polluted water washed away all that was left in our stomach. It sent a burning sensation at once through the esophagus. The worms that were left in the guys’ bellies must have gathered for a mass funeral. But for the ladies, this means no b-a-b-i-e-s.

NINA: (Responds in surprise) this explains why Dr. Kate could not have a baby.

ANITA: Not just Dr. Kate. The water killed all the babies in our wombs. It made us barren forever.

NINA: Emma told me that the woman who provided her phone in the hospital had to call her daughter for the password. If you’re that woman, then it means you have a daughter. Or was she adopted?

ANITA: Come into the office nurse, there’s another side of the story which you need to hear, and I don’t want the birds to carry them off to Dr. Kate.


SCENE 5: INT. THE HEADTEACHER’S OFFICE. MORNING

NINA: So Dr. Kate’s husband got a divorce because she couldn’t give him a child?

ANITA: Yes the polluted water made it difficult for any of us to have children. Except those women who had a strong faith that nothing in this world could lock them up in a life of misery and despair.

NINA: I’ve heard of women breaking the glass ceiling, but never in this world did I hear about women pulling down natural laws with that powerful thing that is called Faith. Are you saying that these women later had children despite having drunk from the polluted streams? How many were those women?

ANITA: Two, but one died nine years ago in Africa. The other one still lives in this country.

NINA: I’d like to see her someday. I’d like to talk to her to find out what gave her such courage. Where is she now?

ANITA: Right here, talking with you.

NINA: Don’t tell me you are the one Ms. Anita. How did it happen? Who was the other woman?

ANITA: She was an African woman who assisted us in the mission. She cared much about her people so she volunteered to assist us. She became a very close friend and was also pregnant at that time, but lost her husband a few weeks later to an accident. As for how I had the babies, I just believed I could, and then I did.

NINA: But Dr. Kate wasn’t so lucky, and lost her marriage.

ANITA: Not just her marriage, but her temper and kindness. Everyone in the team, including my husband was surprised that I became pregnant a few weeks after our ugly experience. Some, including Dr. Kate rumored that I would lose the baby after a few weeks, but they became more jealous when ultrasound results confirmed that I was due to have twins in a few days.

NINA: Did you have a safe delivery?

ANITA: Yes. A boy and a girl. They looked so beautiful. But I lost them two days after they were born. They would be Emma’s age if they had lived.
Anita sobs bitterly as Nina hands her a handkerchief.

NINA: Maybe the polluted water was so powerful for your faith to overcome.

ANITA: Not really. It was a different sort of pollution. It’s in the people. It’s in their culture. It’s their life.

NINA: I don’t understand.

ANITA: It’s complicated.

NINA: But explain it a little, perhaps I’ll understand.

ANITA: Okay. Have you heard of the name Mary Slassor?

NINA: Yes. I was once told she stopped the killing of twins in Africa. Did you see her in Africa?

ANITA: No she left before we arrived. But the people still did it in secret.

NINA: The killing of twins?

ANITA: Yes.

NINA: (In a louder voice) Did they kill your twin babies?

ANITA: (Waits a few seconds and then answers slowly while sobbing) Yes! They killed my boy and my girl. They killed the twins! I had told the African woman who attended to us to help me secure the babies while I went to South Africa to call a white woman who would pretend to be the mother of one of the children. That way we could safely take the twins home without raising any suspicions that twin babies have been born. The villagers hated twins. They thought twins were sent by evil gods.

NINA: You should have asked Dr. Kate to pose as a mother of one of the twins.

ANITA: No, Dr. Kate was well known to the villagers. They knew she wasn’t pregnant. Besides, she became jealous after she realized she couldn’t have babies. The other women in the team also became jealous, except the black woman who was also pregnant. So I had to trust her to look after the twins while I went to South Africa.

NINA: The black woman must have been so kind to you. I’m sure you missed her.

ANITA: Yes she was really kind. I heard she heard also had twins two days after I left. But the babies could not be found; someone must have hidden them in other to punish the poor widow. I also heard that she was hacked to death by an angry mob in her own village. But by then I had returned to Europe. It is a pity she had to suffer all these.

NINA: Mr. King told me about a woman who was killed in a similar way in his presence. He said it was Emma’s mother, and that he had run away with her twin babies.

ANITA: Mr. King knew all that had happened. He understood the language of the villagers. He knew when to run and when to get close. Maybe he hid the twins so as to save them. If he had hidden my babies too, they would have lived.

NINA: So the black woman who saved your life was Emma’s mother. Wasn’t she?

ANITA: I don’t think so. The woman was black. Emma is blonde just like me. So you can’t say she was her mother. But I think Emma looks like someone I knew. I can’t really remember having met her mother, but the little girl looks like someone I knew from her childhood. I’m sure Dr. Kate knows where Emma’s mother is. She was still in the village while all these happened. I had gone to South Africa to arrange for someone to help me bring my babies to Europe.

NINA: I’ll keep an eye on Dr. Kate. I have to find out how much she knew.

ANITA: That’ll be nice. But it surely will not bring back my twins.
The two women part company.


ACT THREE

SCENE 1: INT. THE HOSPITAL. MORNING
Nina enters Dr. Kate’s office.
NINA: Good morning Doc.

DR. KATE: Morning nurse. How are you?

NINA: I’m fine. I was just wandering if you are…

DR. KATE: (interrupts) I’m sorry I’m very busy right now. I know you want to talk to me, but …

NINA: (Interrupts quickly) There’s something I need to tell you Doc. It’s about one of the patients we lost recently.

DR. KATE: Have you reported to the Chief Medical Director?

NINA: No, it’s somewhat secret; it’s about the late Mr. King.

DR. KATE: (Shows great excitement) Mr. King! What about him?

NINA: There are things the old man wanted me to tell her daughter, Emma before he died. That was why I tried to talk to her in your house yesterday.

DR. KATE: Mr. King told you some stuff before he died?

NINA: Yes. But I don’t quite understand most of his stories. I don’t know how to explain them to Emma. They are things she can’t just understand. Things about the old man’s money, about a woman with whom he has kept the money.

DR. KATE: Where is the woman?

NINA: That’s what I don’t understand. But I think Emma knew the woman quite well. Mr. King said he left the sum of four million with this woman just to make sure that the money is used for Emma’s education. He said he wouldn’t trust anybody else except the woman.

DR. KATE: (Whispers to herself) Mr. King couldn’t trust me.

NINA: Did you know Mr. King Doc?

DR. KATE: No, he died before I came into the hospital. Is there anything else he said about the money he had kept?

NINA: Yes, he said that the woman with whom he left the money worked with him in Africa about twenty years ago. They both worked for an organization called Caregivers international; an organization that helped save lives in Africa.

DR. KATE: Sorry, I should have told you I also worked for that organization. Did he tell you the woman’s name? Perhaps I can help you locate her. Perhaps I can help Emma make a fortune.

NINA: Mr. King refused to tell me the woman’s name. He just wanted to make sure that nobody else would contact the woman, except someone who worked for Caregivers; someone who knew Emma’s story, someone who had feelings for Emma.

DR. KATE: (In a little panic) Isn’t there something else he told you about this woman? Is she fair? Is she tall? How can I loose such an amount of money?

NINA: You mean the money belonged to you Doc?

DR. KATE: Not exactly. But Emma will be so happy to receive the money. I already have Mr. King’s savings and his house, but that’s not enough for the little girl’s education.

NINA: (After deep thoughts,) Yes, I now remember.

DR. KATE: The woman’s name?

NINA: No, something else about her.

DR. KATE: Is that her address?

NINA: Not really. Mr. King said the woman had a scar on her head.

DR. KATE: (Breathes out in an expression of total loss and sighs) The biologist!

NINA: (Stands up in excitement) So you knew this woman. Let’s try and find her then.

DR. KATE: It’s not as easy as you think nurse. I knew the woman, but I’ve never met her since we left Africa. We’ll never be able to find her. We’ll never be able to find the money.


SCENE 2: INT. THE HEAD TEACHER’S OFFICE. AFTERNOON.

NINA: Good day madam.

ANITA: Welcome Nina. I guess you’ve come to see the little girl. You did come at the right time. They’re on long break now so you’ve got a whole hour to chat with her.

NINA: Thanks madam. But I’ve actually come to see you.

ANITA: Have you talked to Dr. Kate?

NINA: Yes, she said a lot of interesting things.

ANITA: I knew Dr. Kate quite well. I knew she would hardly speak freely about issues like that. How did you get her to talk?

NINA: I told Dr. Kate that Mr. King left some money with a woman who worked with Caregivers, and that this woman had a scar on her head. Unless we find this woman and tell the full story that led to the death of Emma’s mother, the money will never be released by her.

ANITA: You told her that Mr. King left some money with me?

NINA: Yes, I was trying to make her tell me the last moments of Emma’s mother. And she remembers that you were a biologist. But she couldn’t remember where to find you.

ANITA: I’m sure you realized that Dr. Kate is a greedy woman. She would only give away information when there’s something big to gain. I wouldn’t be surprised if she opens up completely. Or she would do that if she believes that you have seen the woman with a scar on her head.

NINA: I’ll tell her that I’ve seen the woman with a scar on her head.

ANITA: That would be a lie.

NINA: But I actually saw you Ms. Anita. Aren’t you the woman with a scar on the head?

ANITA: You are right Nina. I think you should see her at once.

SCENE 3: INT. EXT. DR. KATE’S HOUSE. AFTERNOON.
Nina came running to Dr. Kate.
NINA: (Panting for breath) I saw someone today Doc.

DR. KATE: Who was that?

NINA: The woman with a scar on her head.

DR. KATE: (Grabbed Nina’s left hand) where did you see her?

NINA: She came to the hospital after you left. She asked for a surgery.

DR. KATE: Was she very ill?

NINA: No, she looked very healthy. She said that there’s something she just wanted to look good. But when I examined her very closely, I realized that there was a scar at the left side of her head. As part of the routine, I asked her about her background and she told me she’s been to Africa, but she would not provide her address. Then I believed there was something that she hadn’t told me.

DR. KATE: Really?

NINA: She looked beautiful and calm. But when I mentioned to her that the surgery would be performed by someone named Dr. Kate, she was quite unsettled for some moments.

DR. KATE: Did she remember me?

NINA: I think she did. But that’s not the important thing Doc. I think we should both see this woman. I booked an appointment with her on your behalf tomorrow at nine o’clock. I believe she would talk when she sees you.

DR. KATE: (Interrupts, and then stutters) Oh no! I think that’s a mistake. I shall be at Emma’s school at that time.

NINA: Then I’ll have to reschedule the appointment till 12.00 p.m.

DR. KATE: That time won’t be favorable either. Can’t you speak to her on my behalf?

NINA: But I’m not a doctor!

DR. KATE: Not about surgery now. Speak to her about the events that took place in Africa.

NINA: What events?
Both women begin to step outside the house.


SCENE 4: EXT. OUTSIDE THE HEAD TEACHER’S OFFICE. AFTERNOON.
Meanwhile at Santha Elementary School, Anita talks to Emma and Steve
ANITA: What may have kept your mom from picking you up today?

EMMA: I don’t really know what the problem is. She has always been early.

STEVE: Maybe there’s a problem, Ms. Anita. Mom hasn’t been that late.

ANITA: Perhaps she has so much work in the hospital. I think I’d rather take you home. Then if she’s not home yet I’ll check her out in the hospital. You can’t continue to wait. It’ll soon get dark.
SFX: the closing of doors and starting of a car engine as Ms. Anita drives Emma and Steve home.


SCENE 5: EXT. OUTSIDE DR. KATE’S HOUSE. AFTERNOON.
Dr. Kate and Nina continue their discussions.
DR. KATE: You see, I’ve known Mr. King for quite some time before he died.

NINA: But you told me you haven’t met him before Doc.

DR. KATE: Yes, I didn’t remember quite clearly at that time. I now remember that he was the man who drove us around Africa for a life-saving mission. But when I saw him in the hospital, I couldn’t recognize him anymore. It has been twenty years since we went for that mission. So you shouldn’t be surprised if I failed to recognize him.

NINA: Let me go at once to find this woman. She shouldn’t be so far from us. I guess she must have left her contacts at the reception before coming into the wards. If I told her that someone who worked with Mr. King had sent me, she should have no doubts releasing the money.

DR. KATE: No, we’re not taking any chances here. Two million is as stake here. We rather tell her the full story at Africa so that she would have no doubts releasing the money.

NINA: You’re right Doc. We need to tell her the full story to win her confidence.

DR. KATE: (Starts to tell her story) You have to listen very carefully. If there’s you do not understand, I’ll be glad to explain it clearly to you. And I’d be very pleased if you tell my story exactly the way you heard it.

NINA: (Draws closer) Okay.

DR. KATE: That woman was a research fellow at Caregivers. An organization that saved lives in Africa about twenty years ago. I was a young intern, and Mr. King was our driver. There were more than twenty of us. We had almost finished our mission in Africa, when we ran short of water. Then came this burning thirst that none of us could resist. Even though the streams and rivers were polluted, we drank from them because there was nowhere else to find clean water. The polluted water caused serious health problems that most of us still suffer today. But that was not all. There was a remarkable thing that happened. This woman with a scar on her head became pregnant and gave birth to twins. The children looked beautiful and her husband who was also with us was very happy. Shortly after that, a woman from the region who had attended to us also gave birth to twins: a boy and a girl. This became a big problem for the team.

NINA: Children are supposed to bring joy to their mothers Doc. How can you say that the birth of twins became a problem to the team?

DR. KATE: That part of the country believed that twins brought bad luck, so they killed all twins within twenty-four hours of their birth.

NINA: That’s horrific.

DR. KATE: But it really happened. The biologist feared that her twin babies would be killed, so she left them with the woman who attended to us.

NINA: She must have trusted this woman more than every other person in the team.

DR. KATE: That’s correct. In fact we were surprised how they could both have babies, because the polluted water should have prevented them from having babies. They became so close, and when the biologist went to South Africa to find someone who could help her carry her save her babies, she trusted the local woman to look after them.

NINA: Did she really look after them?

DR. KATE: Yes, but she couldn’t save the babies from the hands of the angry villagers who insisted that the babies must die.

NINA: So the villagers killed the twins.

DR. KATE: (Hesitates for a while and answers) E-mm-mm, yes. The biologist received the message that her babies have been killed, so she was very upset and bothered not to return.

NINA: What about the local woman?

DR. KATE: She tried to protect the twins, so the villagers also killed her.

NINA: What about her babies-the twins?

DR. KATE: (Was very upset) Well that part of the story is not really necessary. I don’t think the biologist needs it to release the money. Besides she doesn’t know what became of the children. I think you have to find the woman at once. Every second counts.

NINA: You can count on me Doc.

DR. KATE: I’ll expect to hear from you as soon as possible Nina.

NINA: Goodbye Doc.
SFX: a car approaching, just as the two women get ready to part company.

DR. KATE: (As she welcomes the kids) Oh dear! I should have been there early, but I have something so important to discuss with Nurse Nina. We had an emergency in the hospital today, and Nina has come to brief me on the events that followed. Welcome home. That’s so kind of you Ms. Anita, please take a seat. Nina, please meet Ms. Anita, the head teacher at Santha Elementary school. Anita, this is Nina, a nurse in our hospital.

NINA: Good afternoon madam.

ANITA: Good afternoon Nina. I’ll be on my way though. I’ve got lesson notes to prepare this evening.

DR. KATE: Good bye madam.

EMMA: Goodbye Ms. Anita.

STEVE: Goodbye Ms. Anita.

NINA: Bye Doc.


SCENE 6: INT. AT DR. KATE’S HOUSE.
They begin to talk while she serves the kids orange juice.
DR. KATE: Did the head teacher talk to you while she drove you in car?

STEVE: Yes, we talked till we got home.

DR. KATE: What and what did you talk about honey?

STEVE: We discussed history and culture.

DR. KATE: These are the subjects she teaches at school. Aren’t they?

EMMA: She also teaches science.

STEVE: Our head teacher was once a scientist, working for large organizations in Europe.

DR. KATE: That’s fantastic. These days, it’s rare to find a teacher who studied both arts and sciences. Did she tell you the companies she worked for in Europe?

EMMA: Yes she did. But they were so many. I couldn’t just remember any of them. But there were other countries too where she worked.

STEVE: She’s been to Africa and the Caribbean.

DR. KATE: That’s interesting; I’ve been to those countries too.

STEVE: The head teacher told us a story about ‘The Depression.’

Dr. KATE: The Great Depression?

EMMA: Of the 1930’s.

DR. KATE: That story is told in every history class.

STEVE: So many people lost their money

DR. KATE: And investments too.

EMMA: People begged in the streets.

STEVE: It must have been very difficult for them to survive.

DR. KATE: It was very difficult my dear.


ACT THREE

SCENE 1: EXT. OUTSIDE ANITA’S HOUSE. EVENING
SFX: The sound of humming birds
ANITA: You were so smart at the doctor’s house yesterday Nina.

NINA: What else would you expect? I feared the doctor may have recognized you, then all our efforts would be for nothing.

ANITA: I don’t think Dr. Kate will ever recognize me. These wigs disguise women a lot.

NINA: You have to have them on whenever she’s around.

ANITA: I’ve always remembered to cover the scar with my wigs, except in one occasion, in the hospital.

NINA: In the hospital, how couldn’t she recognize you?

ANITA: I walked away before she arrived. That was on the day Mr. King died. I knew his condition had worsened so much. His doctor told him he had just a few days to live, and Dr. Kate knew that as well. As Mr. King had no relatives, his assets would belong to Emma. So whoever adopted Emma would have the old man’s fortune. I knew that Dr. Kate would be on her way as soon as she knew Mr. King was about to die. That was why I kept her from coming.

NINA: Kept her from coming?

ANITA: Yes, if you could remember when Emma gave you a phone that was locked with a password; I had locked the phone on purpose so as to keep you from calling Dr. Kate. I knew Mr. King would start talking to you if he waited too long for a doctor.

NINA: So Dr. Kate got so close to the old man so as inherit his wealth. I still do not understand why Emma’s complexion should be different from that of her mom.

ANITA: That puzzles me too. But I left Africa before Emma’s mother was killed, and she was the only woman who was expecting.

NINA: You said she also had twins.

ANITA: Yes, I was told she had twins, but they were missing.

NINA: Dr. Kate was reluctant to tell me how the twins got missing. I’m sure she knew why, but she said the story is not necessary. She was focused on the two million rather.

ANITA: I believe Dr. Kate knew what happened to Emma’s mother.

NINA: I believe the woman is still alive, and would be glad to find Emma and her brother.

ANITA: Did you say brother?

NINA: I have a strong feeling that the other twin baby was a boy.

ANITA: We really have to help Emma find her mother. You have to go back to Dr. Kate.

NINA: What will I tell her?

ANITA: Tell her that the woman with a scar on her head confirmed that the story was true, but that she needed more proof before the money can be released. Tell her the woman asked you questions about Emma’s mother and her babies.

NINA: I know Dr. Kate. She would never talk about something that will dispossess her of the old man’s wealth. She’s always a step ahead.

ANITA: I have a plan, Nina.

NINA: What’s the plan?

ANITA: I think we need to tell Emma that her mom may be alive and may be trying to find her.

NINA: What difference does it make?

ANITA: I believe there are a few things Emma knew about her parents. There were more than twenty of us in Africa. Someone may have recognized the girl, and told her a little about her past.

NINA: But Dr. Kate will not let us speak to Emma.

ANITA: (In a soft and low tone, smiling) But she sure can’t prevent us from writing to her.

NINA: (Flicks her finger) That’s it.

ANITA: We shall write to Emma.


SCENE 2: INT. DR. KATES OFFICE. MORNING
Nina walks in.
NINA: Morning Doc.

DR. KATE: Good morning Nina. Did the woman show up again?

NINA: I met her at the subway this morning. She’ll go for shopping and then make her way to the movies. But he introduced me to a man with whom she kept the money.

DR. KATE: (Murmurs, but audible enough) I hope she’s not spending all that money. (Then speaks in her usual tone) Did you talk to her at the subway?

NINA: Yes Doc. She seemed quite uncooperative, and she wasn’t satisfied by my story.

DR. KATE: Are you sure you told her the story exactly as I narrated it?

NINA: Yes doc, but she needed to hear more about the black woman who gave birth to the twins. That’ll prove to her that I was really sent by Mr. King.

Dr. Kate Breathes out deeply and becomes restless.

NINA: Is there any problem Doc?

DR. KATE: No, it’s just that I can’t tell you what happened to the woman right now. I’m somewhat busy. Could we see this evening?

NINA: The woman with a scar on her head told me she would travel to France tomorrow morning, and would never return to this country. But she said she would send a man who knew where the two million was kept. I think we really need to convince her before she travels. I’m not sure the man would release the money.

Dr. Kate sits down, pulls her drawer, and brings out a pen.
DR. KATE: When is the man due to arrive?

NINA: In two hours time Doc.

DR. KATE: Come back in fifty minutes Nina; I want to write a letter.
Nina’s cell phone rings as she leaves Dr. Kate’s office. Dr. Kate begins to write.

SCENE 3: INT. IN THE WARD. MORNING.
Nina answers the phone. It was Anita on the phone. Her voice was heard by the audience.
NINA: Hello.

ANITA: Hello, Nina. The letter is ready. I tried to deliver it to Emma in the school this morning, but the chief Medical director over with a letter from Dr. Kate and picked up the kids. She said they caught flu, and needed urgent medical attention. I couldn’t do anything to stop her, so I sent the letter by express mail to your hospital. You should receive it in less than an hour. But how do you send it to Emma?

NINA: I think Dr. Kate suspects something. We’d rather be on our guard. I don’t know what she will do next. I’ll send the letter through the boy.

ANITA: Which one of the boys?

NINA: Steve. They’re here already. I can see them coming into the hospital. Bye.

ANITA: Bye.


SCENE 4: INT. IN DR. KATE’S OFFICE. MORNING
Emma and Steve enter Dr. Kate’s office; Nina follows behind.
DR. KATE: This is the story, Nina. I’ve written it down here for the man to read for himself. It is complete and surely would gain his approval. I’d love if you’ll hand it to him as soon as he arrives.

NINA: Okay doc.


SCENE 5: INT. THE HOSPITAL WARDS. MORNING
Nina returns to the wards and finds a letter on her desk. Dr. Kate comes in with Emma and Steve.
DR. KATE: I hope you understand that the letter has to be delivered without being opened. I had sealed it and signed across the seal. Once it is opened by anyone else apart from the man sent by the woman with a scar on her head, then the two million will be lost.

NINA: I understand Doc.

DR. KATE: I’ll take Emma to the Chief medical Director’s office. Afterwards, I’ll come back to take her and Steve for lunch.

NINA: Okay Doc.
Dr. Kate leaves with Emma.

NINA: It seems Emma is not alright, Steve. Mom is taking her for check up.

STEVE: No, I think mom is the one who’s not alright. She’s behaving so strangely today.

NINA: Can I ask you something, Steve?

STEVE: What?

NINA: Is Emma your sister?

STEVE: No, she was adopted.

NINA: Does she know she was adopted?

STEVE: Sure. Her dad died in this hospital, so mom adopted her just like she adopted me.

NINA: So you too were adopted?

STEVE: Someone told me in school. He heard her mom tell someone else that mom adopted me. Since then he’s been asking me questions about my father.

NINA: Your father? Did you know him?

STEVE: No.

NINA: Would you want to know him?

STEVE: Of course I’d love to see him someday, and mom too.

NINA: I think….

STEVE: And Emma’s mom too.

NINA: Does Emma know where her mom is?

STEVE: No.

NINA: I think I do.

STEVE: Really?

NINA: Yes, Emma’s mom was here some time ago. She wants to speak with Emma. She has even written her a letter.

STEVE: That’s great. Can I see the letter?

NINA: Yes, but Emma’s mom would not want someone else to read the letter. Not even Dr. Kate. Can you do me a favour, Steve?

STEVE: Secretly deliver the letter to Emma?

NINA: Exactly.

Stretches his right hand and collects the letter with a smile from Nina. Dr. Kate walks in immediately with Emma, and Steve secures the letter in his pockets.

DR. KATE: We shall be leave at once, Nina. Have a lovely day.

NINA: Have a nice day, Doc, bye Emma.
Nina then realized that she had delivered the wrong letter to Steve. But it is already too late.


SCENE 6: INT. ANITA’S HOUSE. EVENING.
The doorbell rings and Nina is welcomed inside.

ANITA: I’m sure the Doc. Opened up completely this time. Have a seat please; I’ll love to hear the story myself.

NINA: (Looking disappointed) Yes she did tell the full story, but I can’t tell you all she said. She wrote her story in a letter and asked me to deliver it without opening it. I intended to open it when I got home, but I swapped it with the letter I gave to Steve. I was supposed to give your letter to Steve, but I gave him Dr. Kate’s letter instead.

ANITA: (Hit her head hard) Too bad!

The door bell rings. Dr. Kate’s voice is heard from outside. Nina hides in the kitchen. Anita welcomes Dr. Kate walks in with Emma and Steve. Dr. Kate looks unsettled.

ANITA: Hello Doc, I hope everything is alright.

DR. KATE: No problems Ms. Anita.

ANITA: What about Emma and Steve? I hope they’re getting better.

DR. KATE: Can you do me a favour Ms. Anita?

ANITA: I’ll be glad to do anything for you Doc.

DR. KATE: I’d love if you’ll look after Emma and Steve for me. I think some people are trying to kidnap the kids.

ANITA: Let’s call the police then!

DR. KATE: No, I’m not really sure who these people are. I think it’ll be wise to keep the kids with you until my house is fully secure.

ANITA: They’re welcome here Dr. Kate.

DR. KATE: Thanks. I’ll leave at once. I’ll send their luggage in two hours.
Dr. Kate leaves the house and Nina walks into the sitting room.

NINA: Do you have that letter Emma?

EMMA: Yes it is here in my pocket. Steve gave it to me this afternoon. It is an interesting story, but I’ve not finished reading it. There are just a few lines left, and I’ll read them out loud for you.

Emma begins to read.
EMMA: “As the angry villagers approached, the local nurse knew that she could not go on hiding her babies. She knew the villagers had seen her twin babies, but not those of the biologist who were entrusted to her care. She did an amazing thing; something that most mothers cannot contemplate. The local nurse neatly removed a ceiling from the roof, placed the babies that belonged to the biologist between the ceiling and the roof, and asked Dr. Kate to take care of the babies in case she was killed. Dr. Kate was the only one among the team who saw where the babies were laid. Then she climbed down and laid her two babies on her chest. The villagers attacked and killed the local nurse, but her babies were saved by Mr. King, who ran with both babies as fast as he could, but they were two heavy for him, and the terrain was rough. Then Dr. Kate followed behind and snatched one of the twins from Mr. King, saving the life of the baby boy as well.

Emma continues:
EMMA: The police soon arrived and rounded up the angry mob. They also took the twins to a government hospital in a nearby town. Then the team from Caregivers retuned to the camp and Dr. Kate was happy to find that the heat at the roof of their house had kept the other babies worm. These were the twins born by the biologist who had been to South Africa to find someone to help her take the babies back to Europe. As the babies were white, the local authorities in Africa couldn’t keep the team from taking them back to Europe. So Mr. King adopted the baby girl and named her Emma. Although he couldn’t understand how her complexion had changed from black to white; Dr. Kate simply told him that the babies were jaundiced because of the polluted water which their mom had drunk, and he was so stupid to believe it. Dr. Kate also adopted the other twin baby and named him Steve. This is the complete story. It is true and cannot be contested. Should anyone have any doubts whatsoever, Dr. Kate has enough evidence to support this story. I believe she’ll be glad to provide pictures and video images of the events that took place in Africa if they’re required for the two million to be released. All these were covered by a hidden camera placed inside her wrist watch.

ANITA: My daughter Emma!

EMMA: (crying as she embraces Anita) Mummy!
STEVE: Mummy!

Anita, the head teacher was at last happy that she had found her twin babies whom she taught were killed nine years ago.


The End.

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Tag der Veröffentlichung: 13.09.2011

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