An argument in the room next to us woke me up. A man spoke, his voice filled with anger.
"Where is the amulet?" Jhuni shouted at a nurse.
The nurse cowered in fear before speaking.
"Please, calm down. This is a hospital. I'm sorry—it fell down, and I don't know where it went."
Jhuni stood up and searched everywhere for the amulet, but he didn't find it.
Next door, I could clearly hear the argument. I stood up, wanting to return the amulet. The moment I got out, I met a tall, bulky man with afro hair standing at the door. His eyes resembled someone I knew. Before I could take a better look at his face, Uncle James pulled me behind him and spoke to the man.
"You—what are you doing here? Did Assey send you here to murder my niece?"
Jhuni looked at Uncle James with an apologetic expression.
"I'm sorry for all my past mistakes. I have truly changed. Aiko sent me to give an amulet to Anaya. And I've failed my mission before I could even meet her."
"This?" I came out from behind Uncle James and took out the golden amulet, showing it to the man.
"You really look like your mother. You're Anaya, right?" the man asked.
I nodded, and before I could react, Uncle James took the amulet from my palm.
"Where did you get this?" he asked.
I became scared and stuttered, "I—I saw it in our ward not long ago."
"This amulet belongs to my father—your grandfather," Uncle James said, slowly rubbing his fingers over the amulet.
"I've completed my first mission," the man spoke again. "I'm here to take my daughter home."
I frowned and asked, "Who are you? And who are you taking home?"
"My name is Jhuni Zazu. Ruth is my daughter. I know I've neglected her since childhood, but her mother also wants to see her. Aiko misses Ruth so much. Where is—"
"Let's talk outside," Uncle James interrupted.
We all went outside, and the first thing Uncle James said was,
"Assey has succeeded in harming my daughter. If you want someone to vent your anger on, look for Assey. I wouldn't want any other scheme from him. She has brain hemorrhage and will be undergoing surgery in three days. It's all because of the constant headaches Assey has been giving her. Go back to wherever you came from. All you need to do is pray for a successful surgery. Thank you for delivering the amulet."
Jhuni's eyes widened when he heard what had happened to Ruth.
"Can I see her? I want to talk to her," he asked desperately.
"No, you can't. Her condition is very critical. I wouldn't want any other problem. And besides, she's unconscious and receiving medical care," Uncle James said before walking away.
I knew he was hurt and afraid Ruth would be taken away from him, and that's why he reacted that way. He had unintentionally hurt this man.