Chisom hurried home, her mind a whirlwind of worry for Chioma in the hospital. Relief washed over her knowing Felix was there, but the panic from the attack lingered. She couldn't shake the images of Chioma getting hurt.
Longing for a moment of solace, Chisom snatched a metal bucket and lunged for the chipped ceramic jug by the window. She filled the bucket with water in a rush, ignoring the usual care taken to avoid spills. Even the coolness couldn't completely erase the fear, but as she scooped the water with a plastic cup and splashed it on herself, a small wave of calmness washed over her. Kneeling on the floor, she closed her eyes, focusing on the sound of the dripping water, trying to push away the terrifying thoughts and focusing on her hope for Chioma's recovery.
After finishing her bath, the cool water barely easing the knot of worry in her stomach, Chisom shuffled to the living room, her eyes glued to the TV screen in hopes of finding a news report on the attack that might lead to the capture of the culprits. Just as she was about to sink into the aging leather couch, her phone buzzed, causing her to jump. It was Stanley calling.
'Did you catch the men responsible?' Chisom asked worriedly.
'No, not yet,' Stanley said apologetically. 'We got to the scene too late. But we're still looking. Did you see any of their faces? Maybe you could draw a picture to help us identify them?'
Chisom racked her brain, the image of one of the attackers flickering in her memory. 'I think I was able to catch a glimpse of the one who wasn't wearing a mask before they fled,' she replied hesitantly.
'Good. Did you happen to note their license plate number or anything else that could help us?' Stanley pressed on, hope evident in his tone.
'No,' Chisom sighed. 'I don't know if they had a van or any specific vehicle. But I'll do my best to sketch the man I saw and send it to you on WhatsApp when I'm done.'
After hanging up, Chisom headed straight to her bedroom, a determined glint in her eyes. Sitting at her study desk, she grabbed a sheet of paper and a pencil, her hand trembling slightly. Focusing on the memory, she began to sketch, the pencil scratching a rough outline of the face she barely saw. Tears welled up, blurring her vision slightly, but she forced herself to focus on the sketch. Chioma meant the world to her, and the thought of losing her was unbearable.
After a few moments, Chisom finished the portrait sketch of the man she presumed to be the gang's boss. Just as she was about to take a photo and send it to Stanley, a WhatsApp message from Audrey popped up on her screen. Audrey, already settled into her lavish bed for the night's sleep, had messaged to check in.
'Chisom, my brother told me about what happened to Chioma. I'll visit her tomorrow,' the message read.
Chisom texted back, 'Okay.' She had initially wanted to confide in Audrey about Chioma's relationship, but she decided against it. This wasn't the right time. Perhaps, when Chioma recovered, she would tell Felix everything. It would hurt him, but it was better than living with guilt.
'Goodnight,' Audrey wrote, accompanied by a sleeping emoji.
Chisom replied with a similar message, and then she snapped a photo of the portrait and sent it to Stanley.