ADANNA
Episode 1
Emmanuel and Adanna were the epitome of young love. Their bond was unbreakable, and their affection for each other was envied by everyone around them. They made love beautiful and worth having until they were ready to take the next step and get married, but life had a cruel twist in store for them.
Emmanuel and Adanna met during their university years. "Hey, I'm Emmanuel. Do you mind if I sit here?"
Adanna looked up, to see who was talking to her. "Sure, I'm Adanna. Nice to meet you."
Their conversation flowed effortlessly, and before they knew it, hours had passed. They exchanged numbers, and from that day, they were inseparable. Their friendship was a beautiful one. Their friends often joked that they were a match made from heaven, completing each other perfectly.
As the years passed, they became lovers. Emmanuel would surprise Adanna with handwritten love letters, and Adanna would cook his favorite Nigerian dishes, jollof rice and fried plantains, for their special dates. They shared dreams of a future together, imagining a life filled with happiness, children, and endless adventures.
Their love blossomed with each passing day, and soon, they became the couple everyone wanted to be. Their friends and families adored their relationship, which seemed destined from heaven.
On a sunny Saturday afternoon, Emmanuel decided to get a routine check-up. He hadn't been feeling well lately, and although he brushed it off as stress, Adanna insisted he see a doctor.
Days later, Emmanuel received a call from the hospital. The doctor's voice was somehow. "Emmanuel, are you aware you're an SS." Have you been taking the right medication to keep strong for the time being? The doctor asked
A sense of dread washed over Emmanuel as he made his way to the hospital. The doctor's office felt colder than usual. "Emmanuel, your genotype test results show that you are SS."
Emmanuel's heart sank. SS meant he was a carrier of the sickle cell. He knew this could complicate his future family planning, but his thoughts immediately went to Adanna. He rushed home, his mind racing.
The funny part of this is, he has never been sick like the other sickle cell patients since he was born. I guess, this is his time to also experience what other sickle cell patients are going through.
Emmanuel has had about how this sickle cell patients suffer on a daily basis. He has never checked his genotype before. He has been living his life like every other normal person out there.
He called adanna immediately to come over.
"Adanna, we need to talk," he said as he entered his apartment. Adanna's smile faded as she saw the worry in his eyes.
"What's wrong, Emmanuel?"
"I went to the doctor today, and he said I'm SS. Emmanuel said sadly
"Oh my God. This isn't good babe. Adanna said sitting next to him.
"Yeah, I know right. Emmanuel said almost crying. He had to be strong for himself and be a man. Instead of crying like a woman.
"Don't worry my love, we will stay together and work through this together. Be strong for me. I will always support you every step of the way. We are in this together. Adanna said emotionally.
Adanna was heartbroken with the news of Emmanuel being a sickle cell patient.
Wait, wait, wait. No oooooo. This can't be happening. Not now. I'm finished. Adanna suddenly remembered something. She stood up immediately and told Emma she was coming.
She ran to her house and started scattering her medical documents. She finally found what she was looking for. Yes. Adanna dusted the piece of paper and looked thoroughly at the paper hoping to see something else, but luck wasn't on her side.
It turned out to be true. Her fears. Adanna is an AS. What a sad day.
Emmanuel who has been worried and anxious about adanna since she left in a hurry, he has been calling her since she left, she didn't take any of his calls. Emmanuel decided to go to their house and find out what the matter is.
He finally got to their house, Emmanuel met her on the floor crying heavily....
What happened my better half, why did you leave like that, and why are you crying. Please talk to me. You are scaring me.
Emmanuel, I'm S S. This can't be happening. Adanna burst into fresh tears again.
Okay, this is serious. you have never called me by my name before. Did you just say we're both happy the same gene traits SS and AS? You are joking right. Emmanuel said hoping she is pranking him.
How can I joke with something as serious as this. Adanna said
There's only one way to find out. There must be an error somewhere. We're going to the hospital tomorrow to run another test. Stop crying. You are hurting me. Emmanuel said hugging her.
Adanna agreed, and they went to the hospital together the following day. The waiting room felt like an eternity, and when the results came back, their worst fears were confirmed - Adanna is AS.
Tbc
Written by Flourish Osiogbhemhe
ADANNA
Episode 2
The weight of the news hit them hard. Both of them sat in silence, holding each other's hands tightly. Tears streamed down Adanna's face. "What are we going to do, Emmanuel?"
"We'll figure this out together, my love. We need to go to another hospital and conduct another test confirm the results first," maybe this hospital's machine are faulty. You know Nigeria and their inability to provide good services. Emmanuel replied, trying to stay strong for both of them.
They visited multiple hospitals, hoping for different results, but each time the outcome was the same. The reality began to sink in. Their families were sad about the situation. advised them to consider ending the relationship. The risk of having a child with sickle cell disease was too high.
Their hearts ached at the thought of parting ways. They spent sleepless nights talking about their dreams and fears.
One night, as they lay in bed, Emmanuel held Adanna close. "I love you more than anything in this world, Adanna. I can't imagine my life without you."
Adanna sobbed softly. "I love you too, Emmanuel. Why does it have to be like this? Why us?" Adanna cried..
Days turned into weeks, and the couple tried to make every moment together count. They went on long walks, they a recap about their happiest memories, and held each other close. Their love was stronger than ever, but the hard decision weighed heavily on them.
One evening, Emmanuel took Adanna's hands in his. "Adanna, we have to face the reality. We can't be selfish. We have to think about the future, about the children we might have."
Adanna's heart shattered into thousands pieces, but she knew he was right. "I know, Emmanuel. I know."
I can't believe I'm going to be separated from you. Is like plucking life out of me Emmanuel. I don't know if I will be able to overcome this. Adanna cried heavily unable to look Emmanuel's eyes.
Me too. But for the sake of our future innocent children, we have to do this. It's hard for me too. Try and understand. Bringing those children to suffer because of our selfish reasons will be the most wicked thing to do my love. Emmanuel said trying so hard not to cry. He has to be a man here.
They shared one last, tearful embrace, knowing that their love, no matter how deep, couldn't overcome the harsh reality of their situation. they said their goodbyes, each carrying a piece of the other's heart with them.
Years later, they would look back at their time together with happiness and sorrow, forever changed by the love they had shared and the difficult choice they had to make.
The end
Written by Flourish Osiogbhemhe
